Energy intensity - decreases across most sectors between 1995 and 2009

Energy intensity by selected industries

1995 to 2009

Source: Office for National Statistics

Notes:

1. Output: Gross Value Added Chained Volume Measure

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Energy intensity (energy use per unit of value added) is an indicator for the energy efficiency of industry sectors. Decreases in energy intensity might be explained by more efficient use of energy in production processes or by changes to the structure of the economy.

The consumption of energy can be analysed from a number of different perspectives. Whereas estimates of greenhouse gas emissions are based on the direct consumption of carbon fuels, the breakdown of energy consumption by industry used here is after reallocating 'electricity overheads' to the end user of the electricity.

There have been decreases in energy intensity across most sectors between 1995 and 2009, with an overall decrease of 52.6 per cent for the non-household sector. The biggest fall in energy consumption per unit of output came in the public administration and defence sector (excludes health and education), with a 79.6 per cent decrease. Whilst the sector grew during the period, energy consumption fell by 65.0 per cent, suggesting more efficient energy practices being employed by the sector.

Source: Office for National Statistics

Background notes

1. Comparisons are made with 1995 for the industry analyses of greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity as this is the earliest year for which economic output (Gross Value Added) data are available on an SIC07 basis at the industry level.

2. Output is based on calculations using the chained volume measure of Gross Value Added, the contribution of individual industries to Gross Domestic Product.
   
   
3. Energy consumption represents reallocated use of energy where energy industry electricity transformation losses and distribution losses are allocated to the final consumer.
   
   

4. Details of the policy governing the release of new data are available by visiting www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/index.html or from the Media Relations Office email: media.relations@ons.gsi.gov.uk

   These National Statistics are produced to high professional standards and released according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.