energibesparelser

Energibesparelser, literally “energy savings” in Danish and Norwegian, refers to actions, technologies, and policies aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. It covers improvements in buildings, industry, transport, and power systems, and is pursued to lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen energy security.

Common measures include upgrading building envelopes (insulation, airtightness, and glazing), upgrading heating and cooling systems (high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps), replacing with energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and installing smart controls and metering. In industry, process optimization, waste-heat recovery, and cogeneration can reduce energy intensity. In transport, vehicle electrification, efficiency improvements, and modal shifts contribute to energy savings. Demand-side management and energy auditing support targeted reductions.

Policy frameworks often deploy energy-efficiency standards and labels, building codes, mandatory performance certificates, subsidies, and tax incentives to stimulate uptake. Economic considerations include cost-effectiveness analyses, payback periods, and rebound effects, as well as split incentives in rental housing. Savings are typically measured as reductions in delivered or primary energy, energy intensity, or energy use per floor area or unit of output.

Challenges include upfront investment, information gaps, maintenance requirements, and the need for skilled installation and monitoring. When implemented well, energibesparelser can lower energy bills, reduce emissions, improve comfort and resilience, and support stable energy supply through demand reduction and smoother load profiles.