Study Resource Efficiency Gains and Green Growth Perspectives in Bulgaria Denitza Mantcheva| Stefan Karaboev| Ruslan Stefanov November 2012 n Bulgaria’s current pattern of energy use(including both households and industry) is unsustainable, its energy intensity is striking, compared to other European countries, and thus the country’s overriding priority is stimulating energy efficiency. Air pollu­tion is a persistent problem throughout the country. n Renewable energy sources’ development in Bulgaria is fairly slow-paced, while vast amounts of energy are lost(e.g. during distribution processes). The energy grid is in need of substantial upgrade and sizeable investments, as it is currently unable to ac­commodate either an expanding urbanisation, or a significant amount of additional energy produced from renewables. n The development of green technologies and businesses is utterly dependent on the availability of highly qualified specialists. Thus, a clear need arises for building up suitably educated human capital. n Bulgarian energy policy-making seems to omit the role of behavioural change. In order to achieve improvements in energy efficiency and savings, the participation of municipalities in transforming individual consumers’ behaviour should be a priority. A sustainable economy unavoidably requires changes in consumer behaviour and internalising the concept of energy efficiency and savings.