A recent study from Karadeniz Technical University [40.9°N, 39.5°E] has analysed over 30 years of global energy efficiency research, comparing findings from Germany, Türkiye, and Iran. By looking at more than 1,400 academic studies, the researchers uncovered a fascinating truth: while wealthier nations often lead in technological innovation, countries with fewer resources are often more resourceful — and there is much to learn from both.
For the Global North, where high energy use is a way of life, this study highlights lessons from more energy-conscious regions, showing how to cut waste, rethink energy use, and embrace efficiency at every level.
Germany: A Model of Policy-Driven Efficiency
Germany has built its reputation as a world leader in energy efficiency, with policies that push industries and households towards stricter building codes, passive housing, and smart energy use. Key strategies include:
- Passive house design: Homes built to stay warm with minimal heating, even in cold winters.
- Stringent energy standards: The Building Energy Act (GEG) ensures that all new buildings are low-energy or net-zero.
- Industry-wide energy audits: Large businesses are required to review and improve efficiency, cutting energy waste at scale.
Germany’s approach demonstrates that clear policies, financial incentives, and strong regulation can dramatically reduce energy consumption without sacrificing quality of life.
Türkiye: Efficiency as a National Priority
Türkiye’s energy strategy has been shaped by its dependence on imported energy, making efficiency a national priority. In recent years, the country has:
- Implemented strict building regulations, requiring Energy Identity Certificates (EICs) to ensure energy efficiency in homes and offices.
- Increased investment in geothermal energy, tapping into naturally heated underground reservoirs to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
- Targeted a 14% drop in primary energy use, backed by national energy efficiency action plans.
Türkiye’s experience highlights the economic value of efficiency, showing how reducing energy waste can strengthen national energy independence.
Iran: Learning from Energy Scarcity
Despite having some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, Iran faces a paradox—it uses more energy per capita than many developed countries. To address this, Iran has:
- Implemented strict energy conservation policies, particularly in government buildings.
- Developed a large network of energy research organisations to study renewables and efficiency.
- Increased focus on natural ventilation, using smart building designs to reduce air conditioning demand.
These efforts demonstrate that even in a country with abundant fossil fuels, energy efficiency is crucial for sustainability.
Lessons for the Global North: Efficiency Beyond Technology
While the Global North has focused on high-tech energy solutions, this study suggests that there is also wisdom in simplicity and necessity. Some of the best ideas for cutting energy use aren’t expensive or high-tech but instead stem from cultural and structural choices:
- Embracing passive cooling: Many buildings in warmer regions are designed to stay cool without air conditioning, a lesson for reducing reliance on energy-hungry HVAC systems.
- Prioritising local energy independence: Countries like Türkiye show that reducing energy imports leads to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
- Efficiency as a mindset: Germany’s policies prove that awareness, financial incentives, and regulations drive real change, which could be applied more aggressively in eleswhere.
As the world shifts towards net-zero goals, learning from both high-tech and low-tech approaches will be essential. The future of energy isn’t just about innovation — it’s about rethinking how we use what we already have.
Source
Bibliometric Analysis of Energy Efficiency in the Context of Developed and Developing Countries, International Journal of Energy Studies, 2025-01-20
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