Month: January 2014

The rewards for small businesses that save energy are undeniably great

Recently, the Guardian held a seminar to discuss the methods by which small businesses can improve their bottom line through energy efficiency.  After reading this, EiD wished it had been there but thankfully Matthew Jenkin wrote an excellent account of the event. Small businesses strive to be lean and green UK SMEs have much to … Continue reading The rewards for small businesses that save energy are undeniably great →

Providing incentives to employees who reduce their carbon footprint

Jennifer Paterson writes in employeebenefits.com about the programme that Swiss Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurance companies, has to promote energy efficiency amongst its staff.  EiD thinks a lot of other companies should be paying attention to this. Swiss Re extends incentives for energy efficiency Swiss Re has extended its financial support for employees … Continue reading Providing incentives to employees who reduce their carbon footprint →

Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures

Understanding the true energy savings from investing in energy-efficient roducts has been an on-going problem for analysts and policy makers. Patrick Collinson writes in the Guardian about the UK’s Energy Saving Trust downgrading of claims for savings on new boilers and loft insulation. It will be good to hear of other efforts to find out … Continue reading Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures →

What you always wanted to know about scotch whisky and what it can do to save energy

Who would ever think that whisky could help us meet our biofuel targets.  Signe Brewster writes an interesting article in the Washington Post about using the whisky that is not used for human consumption.   Scottish startup thinks whiskey can fuel more than an epic bender That 15-year Macallan you’ve been saving for a special … Continue reading What you always wanted to know about scotch whisky and what it can do to save energy →

Addressing the needs of small to medium-sized manufacturers

Barbara Vergetis Lundin writes on the FierceEnergy website about the role that the manufacturing sector plays in energy efficiency in the US.   Manufacturing key industry for energy efficiency programs The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about one-third of the energy consumed in the United States, is increasingly relying on generating energy savings to meet … Continue reading Addressing the needs of small to medium-sized manufacturers →

Germany’s energy transition under the microscope

EiD has recently referred to the increased use of coal in Germany and there is a lot of speculation what this means for Germany’s energy transition policy. EiD has also had many posts on Germany’s energy transition. Now, Daniel Mittler, Political Director of Greenpeace International, provides his explanation. EiD is still hoping to hear more … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition under the microscope →

Canada in a league of its own in addressing climate change

Canada is determined to go on its own and has now admitted that the priority is fossil fuel development and not emissions reduction. Stephen Leahy writes in the Guardian that Canada has reported to the UN that GHG emissions will increase significantly by 2030. It should be noted that the Guardian also reports this week … Continue reading Canada in a league of its own in addressing climate change →

Why it is difficult to get cities to focus on energy efficiency

We know implementing energy efficiency strategies is complicated and we also know the benefits that can come from effective implementation.  We usually review the main barriers hindering progress before embarking on new measures to ensure those chosen target the problems and achieve greater impact.  Thomas Jackson, Vice President Corporate Strategy at Climatec provides an excellent … Continue reading Why it is difficult to get cities to focus on energy efficiency →

The great wall of . . . wind turbines?

David Shukman, Science Editor for the BBC, writes about the great push that China is making in the deployment of wind turbines. While already the global leader in the production of wind power, there is no letting up in the momentum to increase capacity.  Still, wind only produces 2% of electricity requirements, compared to 75% … Continue reading The great wall of . . . wind turbines? →