1. to review available national and international studies on energy-related greenhouse gas emission reduction potential and strategies;
2. to identify and assess the options and potential for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada;
3. to propose strategies to secure reductions in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in all sectors of the economy; and
4. to complete a report with recommendations for:
   a) actions for governments, individuals and industry; and,
   b) further research.
   

The goal was not to undertake new research but to come to a reasoned judgment, based on the existing literature, about the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency and fuel switching in Canada. Panel members were chosen to represent the energy research community in Canada, including representatives from the academic community, the consulting industry and the energy sector.

Over the period from May, 1992 to September, 1992, the Panel met twice to discuss the work plan, methodological issues and preliminary findings. A researcher was hired to survey the extensive literature on the potential for energy efficiency and fuel switching (see Appendix E). This survey focussed on Canadian studies but included studies undertaken for other countries and jurisdictions. A major component of the survey was a quantitative comparison and summary of the findings of the studies reviewed (See Appendix A). The Panel also commissioned a survey of all federal and provincial energy departments, and most oil and gas companies, pipeline companies and energy industry associations in Canada, to determine their projections of the expected contribution of energy efficiency and fuel switching in their jurisdiction over the next several decades.

This material served as input to Panel members who produced drafts of different sections of this report. A combined first draft was created and circulated before a third meeting of the Panel in February, 1993. Based on extensive commentary from Panel members and others at, and following, the February meeting, including a more detailed review of selected Canadian studies, this report was prepared.

Throughout the process, Panel members engaged in frequent interaction via meetings, phone, and fax exchanges. A number of drafts and commentaries on draft material were exchanged. Of particular note were the extensive discussions on methodological issues related to the definition and measurement of efficiency and fuel switching potential, and on what judgments could reasonably be drawn about what the literature conveyed about this potential. In the end the Panel was able to reach consensus on the findings reported here.