Demand for space heating in apartment blocks: measuring effects of policy measures aiming at reducing energy consumption

Panel data covering the period 1984-1995 on energy consumption and technical characteristics of apartment blocks from Denmark are analysed in order to measure effects of policy measures aimed at reducing the consumption of energy for space heating. Results indicate that building regulations have been important in reducing energy consumption in new buildings. Furthermore, conditional price responses are estimated to be relatively small or non-existent, indicating small short-run effects of fuel taxes on energy consumption in apartment blocks. Finally, a consultancy scheme implemented with the purpose of improving knowledge about the potential for energy savings is found to have had moderate effects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.