Measurement of Dematerialization/Materialization: A Case Analysis of Energy Saving and Decarbonization in OECD Countries, 1960–95

This article establishes a conceptual framework for dematerialization and materialization, and develops a complete decomposition model for measuring them. Based on our conceptual framework and method, dematerialization in the energy use of the OECD from 1960 to 1995 has been analyzed. During this period, the increase in energy demand was 3597.95 Mtoe. However, the improvement of energy efficiency decreased energy demand by 827.20 Mtoe, and structural shifts decreased energy demand by 139.04 Mtoe. Thus, real energy demand only increased by 2631.71 Mtoe, and the energy saved was 966.24 Mtoe and the energy saving rate was 17.98% for this period. The energy saving rate was about 0.56% per year. In the same period, the increase of CO₂ emissions was 9672.95 Mton. The fuel switching, the improvement of energy efficiency, and structural shifts decreased CO₂ emissions by 1899.67, 2150.31, and 379.07 Mton, respectively. Real CO₂ emissions only increased by 5243.93 Mton, the decarbon was 4429.02 Mton and the decarbonization rate for the period was 29.57%. The decarbon rate was about 0.997% per year. These results show that significant dematerialization has been achieved in the OECD during this period.