Houston the latest American city to pledge to go fully renewable

Houston pledges to get 100 percent of its energy from renewable solar power and, importantly, estimates the change will save more than $65 million over seven years. Michael Thomsen describes the latest developments in an article on the Daily Mail website. Houston pledges to get its energy from 100 percent renewable sources The mayor … Continue reading Houston the latest American city to pledge to go fully renewable →

Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population

The cost improvements in renewable energy technologies in recent years is staggering and now the cheapest energy options in most of the world according to new research. Giles Parkinson explains in an article on the Renew Economy website. Solar, wind and battery storage now cheapest energy options just about everywhere Further cost reductions in … Continue reading Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population →

Tesla might become an energy provider in the United Kingdom

Tesla has applied to the energy regulatory to be authorised to generate electricity. At this point it is unclear what Tesla’s intentions are behind the application. The company has developed rechargeable, lithium-ion battery-storage projects called Tesla PowerPack and Powerwall, which have been used in Wales and other parts of the UK. Adam Smith discusses latest … Continue reading Tesla might become an energy provider in the United Kingdom →

AI to be used to improve traffic flow and cut air pollution

Urban air quality is gaining in priority as we see the adverse impact of air pollution. Ben Webster writes on The Times website about a new system that will use AI to improve the traffic flow and thus reduce air pollution. What are your views? AI will predict pollution surge and hold drivers on … Continue reading AI to be used to improve traffic flow and cut air pollution →

European Court of Auditors states that greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed in co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings

The European Court of Auditors recently assessed whether EU co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings had cost-effectively helped the EU toward its 2020 energy saving target. Cost-effectiveness is not a determining factor for allocating public funding to energy efficiency measures in residential buildings, according to a new report from the ECA. Despite improved guidance from … Continue reading European Court of Auditors states that greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed in co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings →

Tribute to one of the world’s major climate change scientists: “his was the voice that always carried real authority”

A towering figure in tackling global heating, the UK climate science pioneer Sir John Houghton has died at 88, a victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Andrew Warren, director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy between 1981 and 2014and now chair the British Energy Efficiency Federation, provides a personal tribute on the Climate News … Continue reading Tribute to one of the world’s major climate change scientists: “his was the voice that always carried real authority” →

The US Environmental Protection Agency has been busy finding reasons not to pursue long-lasting air quality gains

We are increasingly discouraged by the environmental policies of the Trump administration. H. Christopher Frey, the Glenn E. Futrell Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University writes in an article on The Conversation website about the EPA’s latest rejection of science that will have an impact on air quality. EPA … Continue reading The US Environmental Protection Agency has been busy finding reasons not to pursue long-lasting air quality gains →

This year’s EU Responsible Islands Prizes go to . . .

Recognising achievements in local renewables production for power, heating, cooling and transport, prizes are awarded to discover and reward European islands that were taking real steps towards building proper sustainable communities. This year’s winners were announced in a news item on the Renews website. Danish islands and Orkney take EU sustainability prize The Danish … Continue reading This year’s EU Responsible Islands Prizes go to . . . →

Our buildings need to be ready for the changing climate

The European Commission wants us to start a renovation wave for our buildings and it considers that the national long-term renovation strategies are an important input to the 'renovation wave’ initiative announced as part of the European Green Deal. While they were due early March, only six Member States have submitted their strategies and of … Continue reading Our buildings need to be ready for the changing climate →

British climate activists stuck in Kosovo because of the coronavirus pandemic, having refused evacuation flight back home

The coronavirus crisis is affecting all of us in different ways. Visar Kryeziu writes for The Associated Press on the National Newswatch website about one couple who are stuck in Kosovo because of refusing to get on an evacuation flight. What would you have done? UK climate activists stranded in historic town in Kosovo … Continue reading British climate activists stuck in Kosovo because of the coronavirus pandemic, having refused evacuation flight back home →