Energy efficiency in microenterprises in Medellín: a study of barriers valuation

Juan Vanegas and Sergio Botero

Lecturas de Economía, 2012, issue 77, 129-161

Abstract: The diffusion and penetration of energy efficiency measures have positive impacts on both the competitiveness and the security conditions in which firms operate. However, these impacts are difficult to achieve in practice due to the presence of barriers that limit the decision-making process by economic agents. This research identifies, evaluates, and ranks a number of barriers to the efficient use of energy in the microenterprises of Medellín (Colombia). We used the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, finding that the absence of incentives, the high initial investment costs, the lack of knowledge and information by managers, the lack of availability of efficient equipment, and the technical risks are the main constraints. Some strategies to offset their impact highlight that information must respond to the specific context to be effective, economic instruments must account for pricing and financial incentives, and regulations must deal with establishing standards to improve technological parameters

Keywords: energy efficiency; barriers to investment; microenterprises; analytic hierarchy process; decision making analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C43 D61 D81 L25 Q40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:lde:journl:y:2012:i:77:p:129-161

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