EFFICIENT ENERGY USE AND WELL-BEING: THE SWEDISH EXAMPLE

Energy use has always been related to a country's standard of living as measured by the Gross National Product (GNP) ratios of several countries, however, it was found that Sweden maintains as high a standard of living as the U.S. while at the same time using only 60 percent as much energy. This article takes a look at both countries in detail in an attempt to define energy-savings trategies. Physical and economic comparisions are made between the two countries, as well as a comparison of energy use, with tables to illustrate the factual data. In analyzing the differences in energy consumption, the following conclusions are reached: higher energy prices in Sweden contribute to more efficient use of energy; energy-conserving construction is reflected in Swedish building codes; public passenger transport is better in Sweden and costs of owning an automobile are high. This maintains the standards of public transport and affects living patterns: people tend to concentrate in cities, making apartment living more common which saves fuel through more efficient heating systems, and makes trips shorter. So although higher energy prices are an important factor, institutional and social factors cannot be overlooked. It is also necessary to consider the levels of energy intensive activity. Sweden is now operating in a more energy-efficient manner than the U.S., but the U.S. can increase its efficiency without damaging its economy by optimizing to higher energy prices. Swedish methods of conservation could possibly bring about a savings of about 30% in the energy of the U.S. while still allowing it to maintain its standard of living.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00368075
• Corporate Authors:

  American University

  Development Education and Training Research Institute
  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Schipper, L
  • Lichtenberg, A J
• Publication Date: 1976-12-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 1001-13
• Serial:
  • Science
  • Volume: 194
  • Issue Number: 4269
  • Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • ISSN: 0036-8075
  • Serial URL: http://science.sciencemag.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Building codes; Energy; Gross national product; Prices; Public transit; Socioeconomic factors; Standard of living
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Law; Public Transportation; Research; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00144191
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1981 12:00AM