The European Union, Australia and China share the 6th spot in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) first International Energy Efficiency Scorecard.
The report examines 12 of the world’s largest economies, representing over 78% of global gross domestic product, 63% of the world’s energy consumption and 62% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
While ranking a tied 6th overall, the report notes Australia is only 2 points shy of the highest score in national efforts and states this perhaps indicates a nation in transition to greater energy efficiency.
Based on data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and World Bank; Australia, with a GDP of $0.9 trillion dollars, racks up a total final consumption of 77,712 KTOE (1,000 tonnes of oil equivalent) annually. This averages out to 3.48 tonnes of oil equivalent per person, just below the US in rankings at 4.73 tonnes. The average person in China only consumes 1.07 tonnes.
Australia ranks no.2 in building energy efficiency, behind China. In the industry category, Australia ranks 7.
The nation fared badly in the transportation rankings – no. 10 out of 12 countries. Vehicle kilometres travelled per person in Australia were noted as being 7,255 km a year – many times that of the average person in China.
In terms of policy metrics, Australia ranks 6th. In regard to energy efficiency spending and R&D, Australia leads the world (USD $208.76 per capita), followed by Germany (USD $155.91).
The 100 page ACEEE International Energy Efficiency Scorecard contains a comprehensive collection of facts and figures on energy efficiency efforts in Australia and elsewhere. The full report can be downloaded here (PDF – registration required)
Founded in 1980, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit that acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviours.
