Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency

Alternative Definitions 
None 
Agenda 21 
Chapter 4: Consumption and production patterns 
POLICY RELEVANCE 
(a) Purpose: This indicator is used to monitor energy use in the household sector. 
(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: The household sector is a major user of 
energy with distinctive usage patterns. Improvement of energy efficiencies in this 
sector is an important priority for many countries, since it translates into the more 
effective utilization of energy resources and a reduction of negative environmental 
impacts. Many policies addressing energy efficiency and savings have been formulated 
for this sector. In colder countries, for example, the space-heating component has been 
the focus of many energy-saving policies, while in almost all countries, the electric-
appliance and lighting component is still the focus of many policies. 
(c) International Conventions and Agreements: None specifically for this sector. 
(d) International Targets/Recommended Standards: There are no international 
targets or standards; however, thermal standards for new homes are in effect in almost 
all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and East 
European countries, and in other countries in colder climates. Efficiency standards for 

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boilers and new electric appliances exist and are also important in many countries. 
Many countries have home energy standards for home appliances. 
(e) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is part of a set for energy intensities 
in different sectors (manufacturing, agriculture, transport and service/commercial), 
with the indicator for energy use per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) as an 
aggregate energy intensity indicator. These indicators are also linked to indicators of 
total energy and electricity use, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant emissions.