Author: Rod Janssen

Let there be light – efficient light!

Several Canadian press services reported on a new energy-efficient light bulb that was developed by three graduates from the University of Toronto.  This article from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation shows the latest developments.   'Most energy-efficient' light bulb shines on Kickstarter     The Nanolight is essentially a circuit-board with LEDs attached to it, folded … Continue reading Let there be light – efficient light! →

Focus on BPIE

The Building Performance Institute Europe is almost three years old and has been churning out valuable material to help Europe improve the energy performance of its building stock. Frequently EiD has highlighted its publications and activities. There are a couple of important updates that EiD readers will be interested in.   ENTRANZE First, BPIE is … Continue reading Focus on BPIE →

IEA releases free iPhone and iPad app for 2012 Key World Energy Statistics

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the release of an updated iPhone and iPad app version of its publication "2012 Key World Energy Statistics," which includes data on supply, transformation and consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions of all major energy sources. The customisable 2013 app is designed to enable users to access multiple indicators and … Continue reading IEA releases free iPhone and iPad app for 2012 Key World Energy Statistics →

Energy taxes in the US now being discussed

Eduardo Porter wrote recently in the New York Times about the pros and cons of introducing energy taxes in the US.  Droughts and hurricanes are starting to stir some debate.  But the conclusion is that, even with all the benefits of new energy taxes, the US seems a long way off from introducing them. In … Continue reading Energy taxes in the US now being discussed →

A Q&A on a carbon tax versus cap-and-trade

Luca Taschini, Simon Dietz and Naomi Hicks of Grantham Research Institute recently provided a Q&A in the Guardian comparing a carbon tax against cap-and-trade.  This is a useful article for all EiD readers.   Carbon tax v cap-and-trade: which is better? Economists argue that, if the market is left to operate freely, greenhouse gas emissions … Continue reading A Q&A on a carbon tax versus cap-and-trade →

Roll out of smart meters hits snag in British Columbia, Canada

Justine Hunter writes in the Globe and Mail about the problems that B.C. Hydro is having in providing smart meters to all customers.  While the problem appears to be the fault of the current government, it shows that one cannot take the consumer for granted.  Now the energy company is busily trying to explain to … Continue reading Roll out of smart meters hits snag in British Columbia, Canada →

Retrofits at a fast PACE

Jim Witkin writes for the New York Times about a new financing programme for retrofits in Sacramento California.  The  programme is modelled on the PACE concept – Property Assessed Clean Energy that has no up-front costs.  As countries in Europe are starting to either implement or assess the possibility of such a scheme, it is … Continue reading Retrofits at a fast PACE →

European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its “Annual Management Plan 2013,” which outlines the EEA work programme that will address a broad range of issues including: air quality and noise; air pollutant emissions; climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; energy; and transport. The Annual Management Plan includes sections on: EEA mission statement, vision and strategic objectives; … Continue reading European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme →