energy web and energy could also be sold back
to the grid creating additional income for con-
sumers and additional output for society. This
would allow energy production to occur at the
point of consumption, increasing the efficiency,
security and independence of society. The con-
nection of consumers with the means of pro-
ducing would also result in a decrease in waste-
ful energy consumption.
Grossly inefficient
Centralised production features a top-down
approach; the remote separation of production
and consumption. This structure, while most
able to generate profits for a capitalist global
economy due to efficient economies of scale and
scope, is perversely grossly inefficient for socie-
ty in terms of energy use. Decentralised models
of production offer a bottom-up approach and
the chance to bring consumers and producers
closer together. This removes wasteful layers of
the supply chain, and creates a true economy of
scale where the world’s inhabitant’s benefit from
enhanced security, vastly reduced transaction
costs and a greater level of independence.
Decentralisation is not a new idea and it embod-
ies the old principles of self-sufficiency and
responsibility which we now need re-embrace
to secure our energy future. The problems of
how we produce our food and fuel our exis-
tence are interconnected and we require holistic
reorganisation to create a sustainable net gain
for society. Strategies of optimisation and con-
servation of resources can only delay the effect
of the supply problem.
Centralised government has a crucial role to
play in using the tax system and legislation to
incentivise and empower change. But crucially
it is people throughout the world who want
change, to improve their own wellbeing and
enhance quality of life for future generations.
Adaptation has been a defining ability of
humankind civilisations began. Now, our gen-
eration must adapt once more to ensure the sur-
vival of our species, without it costing the earth.
Sustainable Business ❘ May 2009 29
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