Author: Rod Janssen

Grime isn’t the pollution sink that many thought it was

Jonathan Webb provides a good article on the BBC news website about recent rooftop experiments to better understand the overall effect of grime that all our cities suffer from. You may be surprised by the results.   City grime 'breathes back out' polluting nitrogen gases Scientists say the grime which clings to urban surfaces "breathes … Continue reading Grime isn’t the pollution sink that many thought it was →

Going back and find out what really happened to energy efficiency programmes

Elizabeth Harball writes an interesting article on the E&E Publishing website about the true effectiveness of energy efficiency programmes in California. This is important reading for all EiD followers, particularly those focusing on consumer behaviour.   Calif. program subsidized more efficient energy use for both rich and poor. Guess whose habits didn't change? A 2005 … Continue reading Going back and find out what really happened to energy efficiency programmes →

Showing the benefits of Europe’s investment in renewable energy

Cassie Werber writes on the Quartz website to show how renewable energy investment in Europe has played a big role in reducing emissions. She provides an excellent diagram that shows this graphically.   One chart that shows the success of Europe’s investment in renewable energy Europe has spearheaded the drive to change from a system … Continue reading Showing the benefits of Europe’s investment in renewable energy →

The surprising benefits of cleaning up wastewater

Trent Knoss of the University of Colorado Boulder writes on the alternet website about an electrochemical reaction that absorbs more CO2 than it releases while creating renewable energy could transform emission-heavy industries.   Amazing New Process Treats Wastewater, Captures Carbon and Makes Renewable Energy Cleaning up municipal and industrial wastewater can be dirty business, but … Continue reading The surprising benefits of cleaning up wastewater →

Canada on the carbon crossroads

Canada’s energy policy has covered the full spectrum of themes since the first oil crisis. It is probably long forgotten but after the oil crises of the 1970s, Canada was a leader in sustainable energy developments in the OECD. Jeff Rubin, former chief economist at CIBC World Markets, and David Suzuki, a scientist, emeritus professor … Continue reading Canada on the carbon crossroads →

England developing electric highways

Barry Cooper writes a good article in the Leicester Mercury about plants to install wireless power-transfer technology under roadways. This follows similar developments in South Korea where such systems charge its public buses as they are underway. Does anyone know about similar developments?   Electric motorways to be put to the test in England Drivers … Continue reading England developing electric highways →

European Investment Bank provides draft climate action strategy for review

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is carrying out a review on its approach to supporting climate action. A related public consultation was open from 12th January 2015 to 16th March 2015. The consultation involved meetings with stakeholders. The review process is taking place in parallel to the on-going climate negotiations before the global climate summit … Continue reading European Investment Bank provides draft climate action strategy for review →

NREL report examines energy use in cities and proposes next steps for energy innovation

What U.S. cities are doing to reduce their energy use is outlined in a new report from the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that sets the stage for broader discussion and analysis. Given increasing urbanization and their large energy footprint, cities are a prime focal point for establishing a clean energy future. The … Continue reading NREL report examines energy use in cities and proposes next steps for energy innovation →

One mayor in US shares his views on the importance of improved energy efficiency

It is encouraging to hear from Jim Gitz, mayor of Freeport Illinois explaining on the journalstandard website about the impact of implementing energy efficiency measures.   Mayor's View: Freeport can save big bucks by implementing energy cost-saving measures At Monday night’s meeting, Water & Sewer Director Tom Glendenning outlined new energy saving proposals to cut … Continue reading One mayor in US shares his views on the importance of improved energy efficiency →