Author: Rod Janssen

We need to get smarter in how we use our water resources

As we look at resource efficiency in a more comprehensive manner, there is a need to address how we use water. Dragan Savic, Professor of Hydroinformatics at the University of Exeter provides a good article on The Conversation website   Why the world needs to get smarter about water consumption In 1900, just 15% of … Continue reading We need to get smarter in how we use our water resources →

Cities adapting to climate change in Canada

As Canadians are feeling the impact of climate change, there is a need for greater action at the local level. Malcolm Araos, James Ford and Stephanie Austin explain in an article on The Conversation website. Climate change is making cities sick and we need to act Urban Canadians are feeling the impact of climate change. … Continue reading Cities adapting to climate change in Canada →

Rhode Island highlights problems with public funds for energy efficiency

Paul Roselli writes on the RI Future website about the decision to remove some of the budget for energy efficiency because the state lost money from removing the car tax from state income. This is quite worrying. Do you know of other such examples?   Energy efficiency fund raided to balance budget: $12.5 million of … Continue reading Rhode Island highlights problems with public funds for energy efficiency →

More evidence of important role of local governments to address global problems

It is encouraging to see the actions at the local level to address climate change. The Paris climate conference was valuable in raising the awareness of the challenge we face. Luc Soete, Professorial Fellow at United Nations University writes a good account of these activities in an article on The Conversation website.   Cities rally … Continue reading More evidence of important role of local governments to address global problems →

With Britain leaving EU, there is still need to maintain appropriate regulations

Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, warns energy saving product rules that slash domestic and business costs could be at risk post-Brexit. The article first appeared on the Business Green website. Importantly, Andrew’s comments were echoed by Energy Institute vice president and former National Grid CEO Steve Holliday who warned that "the … Continue reading With Britain leaving EU, there is still need to maintain appropriate regulations →

New survey shows how local governments in US are addressing climate change

It is encouraging to see how local governments everywhere are taking more direct action to address climate change. Many see the other benefits such as improved air quality. The US Conference of Mayors has recently undertaken a survey of cities throughout the country. A summary of results is available on the globenewswire website. Survey finds … Continue reading New survey shows how local governments in US are addressing climate change →

New report raises many issues related to the twin problems of carbon emissions and air pollution from road use

Richard Howard, Director of Development & Head of Environment & Energy at the Policy Exchange writes on their website about a new report that he co-authored. The report argues that the Government needs to take more coordinated and assertive action to address the twin problems of carbon emissions and air pollution from road use. However, … Continue reading New report raises many issues related to the twin problems of carbon emissions and air pollution from road use →

Blog by Silvia Zinetti: International perspectives and best practices from “Community Choice Energy” in providing financing for energy efficiency upgrades at the local level

The past two weeks I was busy traveling around Europe. By coincidence and good fortune, I was in Brussels for the EU Sustainable Energy Week and was invited to be part of a panel at PUBLENEF & Energy Advice Exchange policy roundtable "Think local first: designing an EU building policy framework centered on consumers, local … Continue reading Blog by Silvia Zinetti: International perspectives and best practices from “Community Choice Energy” in providing financing for energy efficiency upgrades at the local level →

Disputes over a full transition to renewable energy

Can we get to 100% renewable energy? There have been debates about it and no doubt there will be many more. Eduardo Porter writes a very good article on the New York Times website about one of those debates currently underway in the US.   Fisticuffs Over the Route to a Clean-Energy Future  Could the … Continue reading Disputes over a full transition to renewable energy →