A survey study of energy saving activities of industrial companies in Taicang, China

This paper seeks to measure industrial energy saving activities (ESAs) and identify their major determinant factors by an empirical study of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taicang city, China. The surveyed SMEs indicate high participation ratios of pre-classified ESAs even with weak regulation and limited support from industrial associations at present. The classified factors are partly confirmed by the econometric analysis. The energy management level of competitors and internal training on energy saving have significant and positive influences on a company's involvement level of ESAs. The findings suggest that Chinese policy makers should gradually expand the regulative requirements currently focusing on the large energy-consuming companies to SMEs. Providing economic incentives and technical support are important for assisting the SMEs in better practice of ESAs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.