Reframing energy efficiency in industry: a discussion of definitions, rationales and management practices

Energy efficiency is a priority goal and an important part of the transformation to a more sustainable society. The industrial sector is an important actor in this setting. In this chapter we outline the major principles for energy efficiency and energy management in industry and discuss how to develop the energy management perspective with theories from social science focusing on how situated actions, tacit knowledge and social networks can influence decision-making. By cross-pollinating fields that do not usually meet, the aim is to develop new insights contributing to existing research. We conclude that an energy management model is necessary, which can be adjusted to the local context in which it will be used. We also suggest an energy management model focusing the importance of knowledge and communication.