Can energy efficiency play a major role in addressing climate change?

The Breakthrough Institute argues that while energy efficiency offers a tantalising promise of a win-win for both the environment and the economy, there is a growing number of economists and energy analysts caution against overestimating their energy and carbon savings potential and that it is time to rethink the place energy efficiency has taken in … Continue reading Can energy efficiency play a major role in addressing climate change? →

Market research shows strong growth for the building automation systems market

Frost & Sullivan which provides research and market development support writes in theheraldonline.com in England about the expected growth for building automation systems market. Encouragingly, much is seen to be driven by EU energy efficiency legislation, especially the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive. Demand for Greater Energy Efficiency Drives Building Automation Systems Market, says … Continue reading Market research shows strong growth for the building automation systems market →

Proposed legislation in US for innovative approach to finance energy-efficient homes

Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about a bill reintroduced in the Senate to have energy-efficient buildings qualify for larger mortgages than normally allowed. Given the complexity of the American legislative process, one can only hope this draft bill gains wide acceptance in Congress. Bill Would Sweeten Loans for Energy-Efficient Homes Home … Continue reading Proposed legislation in US for innovative approach to finance energy-efficient homes →

Consumer Futures, the official UK protection body raises concerns about estimates on cost savings from energy-efficient products

Andrew Oxlade writes in The Telegraph about a report from Consumer Futures that questions official estimates on cost savings of energy-efficient products. Green measures will only save £31 by 2020, says official consumer protection body Consumer Futures, the official UK protection body, today warned the Government its estimates of savings from encouraging consumers to use … Continue reading Consumer Futures, the official UK protection body raises concerns about estimates on cost savings from energy-efficient products →

The first building with an algae-bioreactor façade

Robert Everett-Green writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper about the BioIntelligent Quotient House recently opened in Hamburg, Germany. A Toronto firm did much of the design. The building has external tubes of algae to help heat, shade and generate power for the building. As Europe moves towards nearly zero energy buildings which combines renewable … Continue reading The first building with an algae-bioreactor façade →

India looks to better energy performing buildings

Peter Lehner wrote in the Energy Collective about the building boom in India and the role that improved energy performance can play in reducing many of the power supply problems facing the country. The US Natural Resources Defense Council is providing assistance which is undoubtedly welcome and needed. Yet, it is worrying that India still … Continue reading India looks to better energy performing buildings →