A new energy efficiency index for the german manufacturing sector

Reliable measurements of energy efficiency relevant developments are of increasing importance to decision makers on various levels. In order to effectively assess the current situation as well as future advancements in the field of energy efficiency, index concepts are inevitable. The paper briefly reviews existing energy efficiency figures applied in Germany followed by the description of the concept and implications of a new leading energy efficiency indicator that is tailored towards the manufacturing industry, the new Energy-Efficiency-Index (EEI) for the German manufacturing sector. Its ascertainment-based concept is related to the ifo-economic climate index, detecting the overall rating of the importance of energy efficiency for German companies, investments into energy efficiency measures and achieved energy savings. The index takes into account both assumptions of future development of energy efficiency relevant aspects of the companies and their achievements in the recent past. The Energy-Efficiency-Index is composed of several sub-indices structured in three categories - the importance of energy efficiency to the companies, the investment in energy efficiency means and the energy savings. The Energy-Efficiency-Index climates in a top index figure representing the energy efficiency climate in the German manufacturing sector.