saving and energy efficiency are fundamental to improving the environment, especially in regard to global warming. In this article we examine the factors that influence the decisions of energy conservation and efficiency, and appropriate policies for promotion. While not all public actions seem justified, are considered specific policies to promote savings, preferably based on economic instruments and consumer information as well as a rigorous assessment of the actions taken so far in Spain.
In these times of economic crisis, energy and environmental savings and energy efficiency displayed as the main option in the energy sector to meet these three challenges. Saving energy can save our scarce economic resources, postpones the depletion of our limited fossil fuel resources (of which however depends largely on our energy supply) and, finally, seems to emerge as one of the best ways to reduce CO2 emissions . The key to the existence of these savings lies in the fact that they consume energy, but energy services: therefore, it may be possible to provide the same level of energy services with lower power consumption.
While energy conservation is not critical to solve all environmental problems, it is certain that his contribution to some of them, such as climate change, is the most significant. To verify the importance of this relationship, no more than note the parallels between the energy consumption in Spain and CO2 emissions.
This relationship makes the energy savings arising from numerous institutions as the alternative with the greatest potential and profitability to reduce CO2 emissions. It could save between 7 and 14 100 of the emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030 global negative cost measures, most of which are energy saving and efficiency. The International Energy Agency (IEA, 2007), meanwhile, also believes that savings and efficiency should be capable of providing 43 per 100 of the projected emission reductions in the BLUE scenario
(which aims to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases-GHG-by 50 by 100).
In the European Union political support for energy efficiency is even higher. In recent times, the Union has stated its position on the Green Paper on energy efficiency "Doing more with less" (EC, 2005), the Energy Green Paper European strategy for secure energy supplies, competitive and sustainable. "
With the Climate Action Programme (EC, 2008), in which energy efficiency plays a key role, connected again with the objectives of the Union on climate change.
But despite all this political support, the fact is that energy savings do not just meet expectations. As will be seen, energy demand continues to grow in all countries, and Spain is a good example. What are the reasons for this apparent paradox? What should be done to correct this worrying trend and improve our environment through energy efficiency and savings energy?
The aim of this work is to reflect on these questions. Do not try to justify the need to promote energy efficiency, as do the institutions listed above, or be a guide for action in this matter, as the Plan of Action of the European Union.