Interaction between renewable energy consumption and dematerialization: Insights based on the material footprint and the Environmental Kuznets Curve

This paper investigates the effect of renewable energy consumption on material consumption, considering relationship between Material Footrprint and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), testing assumptions Environmental Kuznets Curve. A STIRPAT variation is used to specify a model relating Footprint GDP. The tested for fossil fuels other categories. analysis applied seven European countries with highest proportion consumption. estimation shows that GDP follows an inverted N-shaped form, favours reduction fuels. However, there positive categories beyond These results must be interpreted context, as development coincides effects 2008 crisis, which may distort relation variables. To pose dematerialization scenarios, it seems necessary consider reducing even if comes from sources.