| Abstract [eng] |
While the role of energy sufficiency as an essential driver towards reaching climate goals has been discussed in the European context for a few years, it still faces obstacles to make its way towards policy agendas. On one hand, existing policies tend to focus on energy efficiency and the development of renewable energies, which are more clearly identified, thoroughly assessed and integrated in available scenarios. On the other hand, energy sufficiency is commonly perceived as a limitation to individual needs and thought of in terms of willingness for behavioral change, although the concept has also to be considered at the policy level, resulting in infrastructural changes. This paper addresses this gap in understanding energy sufficiency and its role in strengthening the climate mitigation actions, with a focus on the context of “catchingup” economies in the Central and eastern European region. It summarizes results from the CACTUS project, which analyses the status quo in Hungary and Lithuania, as the target countries, in the sectors with the highest energy consumption shares, namely buildings and transport. |
