University of Twente Student Theses
The theoretical and practical motives for energy efficiency at SMEs and the effects on their business operations
Boer, D. de (2022) The theoretical and practical motives for energy efficiency at SMEs and the effects on their business operations.
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| Abstract: | The term energy efficiency refers to the practice of using a smaller amount of energy to accomplish the same activity. There are numerous benefits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing the demand for imported energy, and cutting our expenditures on a household and economy-wide basis. One of the most cost-effective initiatives a country can take is to improve energy efficiency. Lighting based on LEDs, for example, consumes less energy while yet delivering the same or better light output. The current study focuses on practical and theoretical approaches that are used by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Fryslân in the Netherlands. The research objective is to find out why small and medium enterprises in Fryslân do look for ways to improve their energy efficiency and what influence does this have on business operations of these enterprises. By doing a survey at small and medium enterprises in Fryslân we try to get the reason or reasons why they do or do not improve energy efficiency and to find out what influence energy improvement has on business operations. The study utilizes three research questions, which are answered by means of conducting a comprehensive literature review and using surveys. Research question one: What drivers and barriers for energy efficiency in businesses are identified in literature and to what extend are they relevant for (which type of) SMEs? Research question two: How far, and why do SMEs do look for ways to improve energy efficiency, particular in the Dutch province of Fryslân? And research question three: Do measures to improve energy efficiency influence their business operations, and how is this related to their motives to look for improving energy efficiency? In order to answer the research questions identified, a mixed method approach was utilized, which included inductive methods and descriptive analysis. Content analysis of the literature was also utilized. Results from the surveys and the literature analysis indicated that there are both benefits and barriers SMEs face when they try to implement energy efficiency programs. Additionally, the companies in the Netherlands that have utilized energy efficiency programs have been discussed. The research concluded that there are several energy efficiency related factors that influence business processes in companies in Fryslân. Companies that are already working on measures to improve energy efficiency can be directly linked to their motives to improve energy efficiency even more. Some companies are also opting for an energy system or energy certificate, and this may be directly related to companies' motives to improve energy efficiency. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92477 |
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