Despite the evident importance of material efficiency strategies in meeting emissions targets for heavy industry, there is a clear lack of emphasis on material efficiency in EU climate policy. In the September 2018 edition of Energy Policy, Hernandez et al investigate why material efficiency is overlooked in EU climate agendas. Impeding factors identified include: the inadequacy of monitored indicators, lack of high-level political buy-in from DG Ener and DG Clima, and the lack of a designated industry lobby. Subsequent policy solutions are proposed, ranging from minor amendments to more radical interventions.  For further information, read the full report here:

Ana Gonzalez Hernandez, Simone Cooper-Searle, Alexandra C.H. Skelton, Jonathan M. Cullen

Energy Policy (2018) 120, 533-549