The role of energy efficiency in sustainable development

The results are reported of an investigation into the role of increased energy efficiency in achieving sustainable development. In the paper, (i) the relations are examined between energy and sustainable development, and between energy efficiency and environmental impact; (ii) the theoretical and practical limitations on increased energy efficiency are discussed, particularly as they relate to sustainable development, (iii) a case study is described, in which the benefits achievable through the cogeneration of electricity and heat are considered for Ontario. It is demonstrated that energy resources and their utilization are intimately related to sustainable development. It is further demonstrated that, for societies to attain or try to attain sustainable development, much effort must be devoted not only to discovering sustainable energy resources, but also to increasing the energy efficiencies of processes utilizing these resources.