Main conclusion 1c NCA Full report Energy saving ambitions and results (2011) (English)
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provided there was sufficient flexibility Menkveld Wijngaart, 2007, p. 21. It was therefore clear that every effort would be needed to
achieve the target of 2 per annum. Most sectors, however, fell far short of this target.
Only the agriculture and horticulture sector achieved a substantial energy saving in recent years. Since this sector accounts for only a
modest share of total energy use, it has made only a limited contribution to energy saving.
The measures introduced for the manufacturing sector were not sufficiently binding. The saving induced by the policy was therefore
limited. In the built environment sector, savings were achieved chiefly on
account of the European minimum efficiency standards for domestic appliances and buildings.
Not enough instruments were used in the transport sector and virtually no saving was achieved.
The failure of the policy was predictable. It was clear in advance to successive governments that the energy saving ambitions were not
backed up by appropriate policy instruments. Every effort would have to be made to have a chance of achieving the targets. A number of
important policy instruments, however, were not included in the policies announced, or were introduced far later or in a weaker form than
foreseen. Studies carried out for the Ministries of VROM and EZ have consistently shown in recent years that the proposed policy measures
would not achieve the targets. The ministers concerned did not respond to these warnings and use them to strengthen policy or review the
targets. This lack of effectiveness can be explained in part by the absence of clear
agreements on the targets and responsibilities. In 2007, when the national energy saving goal was last revised, no specific agreements were
made on the secondary goals to be achieved in individual sectors or on the ministers who would be responsible for them. In the years that
followed, it was therefore uncertain who was responsible for taking additional policy measures to make up or any underachievement. In
consequence not all line ministers took decisive action when it became clear that the energy saving in their sectors was inadequate.
We consider the results of energy saving policy in more detail in chapters 2 and 3 of part II of this report.
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