227/08 Social challanges s the basis for foresight - Gaia

Another basis is to ensure strong and competent
basic and applied research in material and energy
efficiency to enable the industry to adapt
the research results and develop new business
opportunities. That calls for considerable resources
and investments in capacity building for
research.
Competent capacity of all stakeholders through
education and efficient R&D&I will support the
change. Efficient R&D&I mean open mind, active
dialog and flawless cooperation between universities
and research institutes, government organisations
and the industry. That cooperation could be
strengthened by developing an open innovation
environment for energy and material efficiency,
where all stakeholders could provide ideas and initiatives.
It would provide input to industry and
companies in development of a feedback instrument
for development of processes, systems and
services. The innovation environment would also
work to other direction by increasing motivation
and interest to improve new material and energy
efficiency activities and areas.
Indicators and monitoring systems
In developing and improving material and energy
efficiency it’s important to develop sufficient and
precise indicators and monitoring systems. Land
use and spatial planning need energy and material
efficiency indicators and monitoring systems to
follow e.g. CO 2 emissions. Life-cycle calculations
need to be supported also with indicators
and calculation methods.
Monitoring should provide easy to understand information
and positive messages; energy and material
efficiency is inexpensive, easy, and provides
stable comfort and more free time.
Indicators and monitoring methods are essential
for all sectors of society to justify the benefits and
cost efficiency of material and energy efficiency
activities, but also to improve the current systems
to meet the future needs.
Economical support mechanisms
The indicators give a basis to develop supporting
mechanisms and incentives for development and
implementation of energy and material efficiency
activities. Taxation is a strong incentive and
would suit well to support sustainable options.
Implementation of CO 2 tax comprehensively
calls for actions and agreements on international
(EU/OECD) level, and implementation of all parties.
Taxation on use of natural resources would
decrease excess use and also improve efficient
use of resources. Excess consumption could also
have its own tax to lead to reduced consumption
of resources and products.
Novel technology and applications could receive
special extra funding for energy and material efficiency
solutions in R&D support. Risk financing
and standardization enable to bring new technological
solutions and applications faster and easier
to the market. Commercialization of new systems
and products need support. Entrepreneurship
should be supported also by new and flexible
funding options and start funding.
Improving transport and mobility systems need
public support. Development of supportive pricing
systems for public transport and mobility
would increase the attractiveness of public transport.
One harsh option would be to cancel the tax
deduction for using private cars to work.
Energy and material efficient
technical solutions
Energy storage and distribution technology and systems
must be developed to avoid losses through the
process. Technology needs public support through,
e.g. investment and R&D support. Regional and local
waste recycling, processing and utilisation systems
can be developed to maximise the use of those
for energy production and new materials.
New inexpensive technological solutions for smallscale
production of solar, wind and bioenergy
(biogas, biodiesel) applications could ensure faster
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