INSTITUTIONAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY IN UZBEKISTAN: EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

 Institutional energy management has become a central instrument for achieving sustainable development objectives, particularly in countries undergoing economic modernization and structural transformation. This study analyzes the evolution, implementation, and performance of energy management systems in Uzbekistan’s public sector, with a particular focus on administrative, educational, and healthcare institutions. Using official national statistics, sectoral energy audits, and macroeconomic performance indicators, the research evaluates the impact of systematic energy efficiency strategies on electricity and thermal energy consumption, operational expenditures, and carbon emissions. The empirical results demonstrate that structured energy management programs supported by digital monitoring and infrastructure modernization can reduce public sector energy use by 20–30 percent while simultaneously improving service reliability and fiscal efficiency. The study further proposes an integrated institutional framework that aligns energy governance, financial incentives, and digital transformation to support large-scale implementation. The findings confirm that institutional energy management constitutes a critical mechanism for strengthening energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sustainable development in Uzbekistan.