ECO6: Industrial energy intensities Brief Definition Energy use per unit of value added in the industrial
sector and by selected energy-intensive industries
Units Energy: tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per US dollar
Electricity: kilowatt-hours (kWh) per US dollar
Alternative Definition Energy use per unit of physical output in the
industrial sector, manufacturing branches and
selected energy-intensive industries
Agenda 21 Chapter 4: Consumption and production patterns
POLICY RELEVANCE (a) Purpose: The industrial sector is a major user of energy. This set of indicators
measures the aggregate energy use of the industrial sector and selected energy-
intensive industries per corresponding value added. Intensities provide information
about the relative energy use per unit of output. The set is used to analyse trends in
energy efficiency and in changes in product composition and fuel mix as they affect
industrial, branch and product intensities. In addition, this set of indicators can be
used for evaluating trends in technological improvements and changes in the structure
of the industrial sector and sub-sectors.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: Improving energy efficiency and
reducing energy intensities in industrial processes are important sustainable
development objectives for countries all over the world. Improvements in intensities
translate into more effective utilization of energy resources and into reductions of
negative environmental impacts.
(c) International Conventions and Agreements: There are no specific international
conventions or agreements directly related to the reduction of energy intensities.
However, international conventions on the reduction of emissions, such as the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, might
influence intensity levels. The importance of energy efficiency and the rational use of
energy has also been highlighted by Agenda 21, at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg and by various European Union treaties.
