Development of energy productivity and energy intensity in German horticulture from 2000 to 2013 Artikel uri icon

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Abstract

  • Energy efficiency represents an important aspect of economic sustainability. This article sets out the development of energy expenditure in % of operating expenses, energy intensity, and energy productivity in horticulture since 2000. It is based on more than 1,200 data sets containing data from annual financial statements in accordance with German commercial law of German horticultural businesses of all fields. Overall it appears that the proportion of energy expenditure in operating expenses is slightly declining in many spheres of horticulture. There are several possible reasons for this. On the one hand, technical efficiency may have increased, the weather during the period from 2000 to 2013 may have had a positive impact in terms of production (more light, more heat), or else, energy prices may have dropped. These different factors have not been considered separately. It appears most likely, however, that technical energy efficiency has slightly improved due to technological progress, the modernization of existing greenhouses, or of machinery. Similar observations can be made with regard to energy intensity. Energy productivity, however, remains unchanged during the observation period, i.e. since 2000 there has been no significant increase in generated useful output per unit of energy expenditure. That is to say the ratio of the monetary value assigned to input at market prices and the monetary value assigned to output at market prices has not improved during the observation period. There has been a slight decrease in energy use (in monetary terms); however, in comparison there has also been a slight decrease in turnover. The effect has thus "worn off" This article gives a detailed overview of the development of various categories of German horticulture, which due to their different production functions sometimes differ substantially.

Veröffentlichungszeitpunkt

  • Januar 12, 2017