The Rebound Effect Report

An Assessment of the evidence for economy-wide energy savings from improved energy efficiency

The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) has launched a major new report on how 'Rebound Effects' can result in energy savings falling short of expectations, thereby threatening the success of UK climate policy. 

An example of a rebound effect would be the driver who replaces a car with a fuel-efficient model, only to take advantage of its cheaper running costs to drive further and more often. Or a family that insulates their loft and puts the money saved on their heating bill towards an overseas holiday.

Main Report (5 MB)

Launch Presentation, Steve Sorrell, Senior Fellow, UKERC

Launch Keynote, Professor Tim Jackson, Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey

Press Release: 'Rebound Effects' Threaten Success of UK Climate Policy
 

Technical Papers

Supplementary Note: Graphical Illustrations of Rebound Effects

Technical Report 1: Evaluation Studies (report coming soon)

Technical Report 2: Econometric Studies

Technical Report 3: Elasticity of Substitution Studies

Technical Report 4: Computable General Equilibrium Modelling Studies

Technical Report 5: Energy, Productivity and Economic Growth Studies

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Preliminary Outputs

 Working paper on the Rebound Effect: Definitions, Limitations, Extensions (April 2006) (240.25 KB)

 Presentation on the Rebound Effect: Definitions, Limitations and Extensions (April 2006) (124.91 KB)

 Scoping Note (248.46 KB)

 Annex 1 (120.17 KB)  Graphical Illustrations of the Direct and Indirect Rebound Effects

 Annex 2 (138.88 KB)

 Assessment Protocol (160.85 KB)