Physical indicators as a basis for estimating energy efficiency developments in the Dutch industry - Update 2008

With growing concern on the consequences of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the importance of energy efficiency is globally recognized. In March 2007, the European Council set two key targets to reduce adverse effects of the use of fossil fuels: 1) A reduction of at least 20% in greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2020 and 2) a 20% share of renewable energies in EU energy consumption by 2020 (Commission of the European Communities, 2008). In this context, the monitoring of energy efficiency is of great importance.