The strategic role of energy efficiency within the italian green economy

The green economy is not only a relevant goal on environmental perspective but represents a challenge on the ground of economic growth and employment. This we paper provides an attempt to estimate the effects on Italian manufacturing of a structural approach to energy-efficiency policies committed towards EU targets over the period 2010-2020. The main findings reveal over the period a potential for economic growth of 0,4% on average and potential for employment of nearly 1,5 mln for the whole economy. The cost benefit analysis shows that the 15 billion incentive cost estimated over the period are largely offset by more than 15 billion of savings on energy bill and by more than 5 billion of avoided CO2 cost. Energy efficiency appear to be a winning strategy for growth and competitiviness.