An investigation into the barriers to energy efficiency within medium to large manufacturing firms operating within the eThekwini municipal area

Abstract

Preliminary investigations into the energy efficiency of manufacturing firms operating in South Africa have shown that no previous study of the barriers to energy efficiency has been conducted. This paper sets out to investigate whether there is an energy efficiency gap in medium to large manufacturing firms operating in the eThekwini municipal area. It goes on further to analyse the barriers to energy efficiency in such firms. These barriers are analysed by firm characteristics and across manufacturing sectors. The findings of this research indicate that more can be done to improve the energy efficiency profile within South African manufacturing subsectors. Policy-makers should take these findings into consideration when drafting new policy on energy efficiency.

Voorlopige ondersoeke oor energiedoeltreffendheid in vervaardigingsaktiwiteite van maatskappye in Suid-Afrika toon dat daar geen vorige studies bestaan wat fokus op die struikelblokke van toepassing op bestaande energiedoeltreffendheid nie. Hierdie artikel ondersoek 'n energiedoeltreffendheidsgaping wat bestaan binne medium tot groot vervaardigingsmaatskappye binne die eThekwini munisipale gebied. Die ondersoek identifiseer en analiseer gepaardgaande beperkinge wat bestuurders binne sulke maatskappye verhinder om energiedoeltreffendheid te implementeer. Die ondersoek en analise strek oor ’n aantal vervaardigingsektore. Die bevindinge van hierdie navorsing dui daarop dat heelwat meer bereik kan word in terme van energiedoeltreffendheid binne die verskeie vervaardigingsubsektore in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie gevolgtrekkings behoort in ag geneem te word deur beleidmakers tydens die opstel van ‘n nuwe beleid oor energiedoeltreffendheid.