Primary energy use in economic activities and emission of contaminants caused by physicochemical
reactions in the use of energy goods go hand in hand. Using Spanish data for 1995, 2000, and 2004 we have
implemented a version of the Structural Decomposition Analysis to compute the contributions coming from
changes in efficiency gains, in final demand, direct and indirect input/output requirements in energy use and
emissions. Additionally, we have also analysed the combined effect of these contributions over the multiplier
effects. According to our findings, in both pairs of years, large contributions coming from energy efficiency gains
occurred among the most energy intensive sectors. This is due not only to the observed decline in their effective
consumption of primary energy use but also because of their role as “key forward sectors” that made these energy
efficiency gains more effective. However, the remarkable final demand growth that has taken place during these
years has increased the strength of their push effects, offsetting the contribution of these energy efficiency
improvements. Finally, we show that the contribution of indirect requirements dominates the contribution of
direct requirements in the majority of Energy sectors but for energy intensive sectors the opposite is found. Our
findings could be useful as the basis for designing recommendations that may make energy efficiency policies
more effective in themselves as well as promoting fewer emissions in relative terms.
Keywords: Structural Decomposition Analysis, Input-Output Analysis, Primary Energy Use, Emissions levels,
Structural Change, Technological change, Multiplier Effects.