Cities in Canada also looking at sustainable energy

Larry Pynn writes in the Vancouver Sun about a new study that shows that cities would benefit by taking a sustainable energy approach. It is good to see how cities globally are playing and increasingly important role. Cities would benefit from national energy strategy based on renewable energy: Columbia Institute Canadian municipalities struggling with … Continue reading Cities in Canada also looking at sustainable energy →

City in Italy uses energy performance contracting to promote energy efficiency

Sadhbh Ní Hógáin writes in the Energy Collective about how the city of Modena is taking advantage of support from the EU to finance energy efficiency. Since joining the Covenant of Mayors in 2010, Modena has been quite active, starting with the development of a sustainable energy action plan. It will be important to watch … Continue reading City in Italy uses energy performance contracting to promote energy efficiency →

First reflections

The bi-annual eceee Summer Study is now over. Participants have gone home or have taken an extended holiday in the south of France. Most are quite tired from the myriad of panel session presentations, informal sessions, solutions workshops, plenary sessions and chats during the coffee breaks. But it is a good tiredness. The organisation and … Continue reading First reflections →

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 →