Horace Herring|Robin Roy
Technological innovation, energy efficient design and the rebound effect
The Open University|The Open University
technological innovation improve efficiency energyusing products systems lead lower energy consumption hence reduced environmental impacts answer given economists since mid19th century direct rebound takeback effects caused energy efficiency improvements lower implicit price energy often leading greater consumption also secondary indirect effects reducing energy costs efficiency consumers may buy products andor choose larger powerful feature laden models thus promoting technical innovation increase energy efficiency unlikely lead reduced energy consumption emissions policies taxation regulation required well setting theoretical arguments concerning innovation energy efficiency paper outlines results empirical research project peoplecentred ecodesign seeks identify key influencing factors consumer adoption effective use energy efficient products systems particular aims identify consumers may avoid mitigate rebound effects manufacturers service providers government might design promote products achieve optimal environmental benefits