Should we "step up efficiency and conservation dramatically and without delay," as Peter Goldmark wrote in his introductory essay to this discussion? If there is a strong case for greater conservation, should one be "skeptical about the value of government mandates," as Robert Hahn argued in his essay, or should government set the goals and the ground rules, as Goldmark asserted? These issues underlie the question of how to achieve greater energy conservation, and they triggered a wide range of responses about the role of technology and innovation, and about actions by governments, individuals, and the energy industry.

The responses followed a series of major themes. At the most general level, the discussion considered the roles of technology and of behavioral changes in energy conservation. Although technological change and behavioral change represented alternative responses in the minds of some participants, for many others fostering energy conservation entailed combining technological innovation with modifications in current patterns of energy use. The cross-cutting role of technology and innovation, and of potential actions by governments, individuals and the energy industry as discussed in the forum are presented below.