A recent study from the Technical University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg [49°N, 12°E], shows how lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Germany, all while maintaining a high standard of living. The study reveals that by combining technological advancements with societal shifts towards more sustainable living, Germany can reduce its energy consumption by 61% by 2050—a game-changing figure in the global fight against climate change.
New Findings
Most energy models focus on technological innovations such as renewables and energy efficiency, often ignoring the potential of lifestyle changes. This study takes a different approach by showing that societal changes—such as adopting plant-based diets, reducing living space, and shifting to public transport—can significantly cut energy demand without sacrificing quality of life. These changes could also reduce dependence on expensive and unproven negative-emission technologies like carbon capture and storage.
Important implications
Germany’s ambitious climate targets require GHG emissions to be reduced by 88% by 2040 and to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The study demonstrates that lifestyle changes can reduce per capita energy demand to 44 GJ per year, a sharp drop from today’s levels, while still allowing for a decent standard of living. More importantly, this pathway eliminates the need for large-scale carbon dioxide removal technologies, thus avoiding potential risks associated with their use, such as high land and resource demands.
Beyond Technology: Daily Lifestyle
Key lifestyle changes include reducing the amount of heated living space, adopting plant-based diets, and opting for sustainable transportation options like cycling, walking, and public transport. These shifts could lead to major reductions in GHG emissions from sectors such as housing, transportation, and agriculture. For example, a plant-based diet alone could reduce agricultural emissions by 92% by 2050.
The study also shows that lifestyle changes are more effective in countries with high living standards, like Germany. This is because wealthier nations tend to consume more energy, leaving greater room for reducing consumption without harming well-being.
A Win for Both People and the Planet
The findings of this research are encouraging for policymakers. By incorporating lifestyle changes into energy planning, Germany can meet its climate goals more easily and cost-effectively. The study suggests that a 33% reduction in total energy system costs is achievable through lifestyle adjustments, lowering the costs of energy transition and reducing the need for imported hydrogen and e-fuels. This could make Germany more energy independent, secure, and resilient to external shocks.
This study shows how citizens and countries of the Global North can lead the way sustainability through both technological advancements and societal shift, by cutting energy consumption, reducing emissions, and creating a more sustainable future.
Source
Impacts of lifestyle changes on energy demand and greenhouse gas
emissions in Germany, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025-01
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