In a pivotal study published in Nature Communications, researchers from several leading Swedish institutions—including Linköping University, Lund University, and the Stockholm Resilience Centre—conclude that global industrial carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by as much as 5%. However, achieving this goal requires more than just technological advancements; it demands a fundamental shift in how companies manage and think about energy.
Beyond Technology: Untapped Potential of Energy Management
Energy efficiency has historically been linked to technical upgrades—installing new machinery, using advanced materials, or implementing automated systems. Yet according to Professor Patrik Thollander, an expert in Energy Systems at Linköping University, this perspective is far too limited.
“Many still believe that investing in energy-efficient technology alone will solve the problem,” says Thollander. “But without rethinking how energy is managed across entire organizations, we miss out on a significant part of the potential.”
Evolution of Energy Efficiency
The concept gained prominence during the oil crisis of the 1970s, when soaring energy prices forced industries to cut costs. Today, with climate change accelerating, energy efficiency is no longer just a cost-saving measure—it’s a climate imperative.
Both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission emphasize that improving energy efficiency is one of the most immediate and impactful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But according to the researchers, many industries still overlook the broader, system-wide factors that can drive deeper change.
A Systemic Shift: Social Factors as Catalysts
In their study, the team identified nine key social and organizational factors, which they refer to as social constructions, that can significantly influence a company’s energy performance. These include:
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Knowledge sharing across departments
- Continuous learning cultures
- Strategic energy management systems
- Leadership commitment to sustainability
By embedding these elements into company culture, industries can achieve more meaningful and lasting reductions in energy consumption and emissions.
Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Thollander emphasizes the value of bringing together professionals from diverse disciplines, such as engineering, social sciences, and behavioral studies.
“As an engineer, I naturally think about technology first,” he notes. “But when you collaborate with experts who have different ways of thinking, you begin to see new possibilities. That’s when real progress happens.”
Real-World Impact
To put the potential in perspective: in 2022, global industrial emissions totaled around 9.2 gigatonnes of CO₂, according to the IEA. A 5% reduction would equal the annual emissions of ten countries the size of Sweden—a substantial gain for global climate efforts.
Role of Policy and Corporate Culture
For this transformation to take hold, both companies and policymakers must act. The researchers call on industries to foster a culture of innovation and learning, while urging governments to create supportive programs that highlight the human dimensions of energy efficiency.
This study sends a clear message: the journey to a low-carbon future is not just about machines and technology—it’s about people, systems, and culture. With a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, industries can play a pivotal role in cutting global emissions and building a more sustainable future.
