Corporate energy efficiency in practice

Lessons from a small sample analysis in Hungary

  • László Jóna SZE ÉÉKK, HUN-REN KRTK RKI
  • Eszter Szemerédi SZE

Abstract

Achieving the EU’s climate neutrality target requires each Member State to reduce its energy consumption. Member States, including Hungary, are paying particular attention to encouraging businesses to modernise their energy consumption. Our research focuses on the results of energy efficiency measures implemented by large companies with more than 1,000 employees, based on the company energy efficiency reports available online between 2017 and 2021. Our research also incorporates results from four interviews conducted with companies and two interviews conducted with energy efficiency experts. The sample of 24 companies obtained through data reduction is not representative, but the analysis shows that the most commonly implemented measures in the 5 years analysed were raising employee awareness and lighting upgrades. The four company and two expert interviews confirmed that companies prefer energy efficiency investments that pay off in the short to medium term. By ownership structure, there were differences in the type of measures implemented. The main driver for energy efficiency measures is cost reduction, complemented by sustainability considerations such as reducing carbon emissions.

Author Biographies

László Jóna, SZE ÉÉKK, HUN-REN KRTK RKI

egyetemi adjunktus, SZE ÉÉKK Közlekedési Tanszék; HUN-REN KRTK RKI Nyugat-magyarországi Tudományos Osztály

Eszter Szemerédi, SZE

egyetemi adjunktus, SZE Kautz Gyula Gazdaságtudományi Kar Nemzetközi és Alkalmazott
Közgazdaságtan Tanszék

Published
2024-10-17
How to Cite
JónaL., & SzemerédiE. (2024). Corporate energy efficiency in practice : Lessons from a small sample analysis in Hungary. Hungarian Economic Review, 71(10), 1079-1099. Retrieved from https://ojs.mtak.hu/index.php/kszemle/article/view/17669
Section
Műhely