This book utilizes statistical techniques to define a quality of life (QoL) indicator combining the three dimensions of economy, health, and education. In turn, it uses modeling to assess the impact of energy consumption on 112 countries’ QoL. What sets the proposed model apart from previous research is its ability to distinguish between pre-developing, developing, and developed countries. One important aspect of this distinction is their different global energy policies and their priorities with regard to achieving sustainable energy consumption. Accordingly, the book also discusses eco-sufficiency, eco-efficiency, and energy poverty reduction for the three different types of countries.
In turn, the book provides general information on how to reconcile sustainable energy consumption with QoL and economic development. Optimization programming technique and simulation are applied to measure potential energy saving in each country, without sacrificing economic progress, and while maintaining QoL.
Given its scope, the book is highly recommended to the following audiences: (1) readers seeking a state-of-the-art quantitative work on energy systems and QoL; (2) manufacturers and developers of renewable energy technologies who consider renewables as an option for mitigating energy poverty; and (3) international institutions such as the United Nations seeking a sustainable global energy strategy.