ABSTRACT
A typical consumer underestimates the benefits of future energy savings and underinvests in energy efficiency, relative to a description of the socially optimal level of energy efficiency. To alleviate this energy-efficiency gap problem, various programs have been implemented. In recent years, many governments have started providing consumers with subsidies on the purchases of eco-friendly products such as hybrid cars and energy efficient appliances. This book conducts a comprehensive analysis of the environmental subsidy programs conducted in Japan and examines their impacts on consumer product selection, consumer product use, and environmental outcome. The book also proposes recommendations for future environmental and industrial policies.
The book's empirical findings will be of interest to those who are researching on and policymakers of environmental and industrial policies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|59 pages
Environmental subsidies to consumers: conceptual issues
part II|91 pages
Rebate program for energy-efficient appliances
chapter 5|20 pages
A policy evaluation of the eco-point program
chapter 7|13 pages
Effect of the eco-point program on the implicit discount rate
part III|59 pages
Rebate program for eco-friendly vehicles
chapter 8|32 pages
Cross-country policy comparison
chapter 9|15 pages
CO2 emission reductions from hybrid vehicle use
part IV|46 pages
Environmental subsidies to consumers
part V|5 pages
Concluding part