Understanding Energy as Work Rather Than Commodities Merely Sold on the Market
Type of Session
Poster Presentation
Abstract
At current levels of consumption the U.S. economy appears to be about 14% energy-efficient – in effect, the nation wastes 86% of the high-quality energy burned to maintain economic activity. That magnitude of waste imposes large-scale costs that constrain economic robustness. Evidence suggests that the long-term sustainability of the economy may be impossible without dramatically higher levels of energy and resource efficiency. This poster paper will explore the implications of how accounting for energy as work, instead of as commodities sold on the market, may impact the need for new research and development, different energy policies, and changes in the nation's educational curriculum.
Primary Contact
John A. 'Skip' Laitner, Economic and Human Dimensions Research Associates
Presenters
Skip A Laitner, Economic and Human Dimensions Research Associates
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Understanding Energy as Work Rather Than Commodities Merely Sold on the Market