Dutch Energy Efficiency Benchmarking Covenant: Results and energy tax exemptions

Energy-intensive companies in the Netherlands have made too little progress in recent years on improving their energy performance, while at same time enjoying a reduced Energy Tax rate. A study by CE Delft on the impact of the Energy Efficiency Benchmarking Covenant shows that between 1999 and 2007 energy-intensive industries improved their efficiency by only half a percent per annum. In certain sectors like refineries, primary metals and chemicals, energy savings were in fact lower than to be expected on the basis of autonomous trends (without the Covenant).

When this negotiated agreement came into force, energy efficiency was on average 3.7% better than ‘World Best’, while in 2012 it is anticipated to be 0.7% worse. ‘World Best’ is defined in the Covenant as the 10% most energy-efficient companies in the world. The study was carried out for the Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment (Stichting Natuur en Milieu).