The survey from the American Council for an Energy-efficient Economy on how the top 12 economies are doing on energy efficiency has thrown the Canadians into a tizzy since it is doing even worse than its neighbour, the United States as well as China. This article by Mitch Potter of the Toronto Star explains the … Continue reading Canada is less energy-efficient than . . .
Author: Rod Janssen
Air conditioning – part 2
Following last week’s post on air conditioning or not, this is a good overview by Stan Cox for Yale Environment 360 of the global impact of air conditioning. The report was on the Guardian website. Climate risks heat up as world switches on to air conditioning The world is warming, incomes are rising, and smaller … Continue reading Air conditioning – part 2
Something to ponder over the summer
In April, the Commission published its evaluation of the Ecodesign directive and (2009/125/EC) and the results were discussed at a Consultation Forum meeting of April 19, 2012. One of the conclusions of the report was: Ex-ante impact assessments estimated that the first 12 Ecodesign Regulations will allow savings of 385TWh per year by 2020, which … Continue reading Something to ponder over the summer
Number of the week – 7.5
The UK’s government's environment policy to kickstart a massive overhaul of the UK's draughty homes to save energy passed the final hurdle to become law on July 2nd amid growing concern that the scheme has become too costly to succeed. It was revealed that the borrowing rate would be 7.5% over a compulsory term of … Continue reading Number of the week – 7.5
Quote of the week – We are all Japanese
On July 10th, Gerald Curtis, a professor at Columbia University wrote a commentary in the Financial Times about the Fukushima disaster. He refers to a recent Fukushima commission report that assessed the factors leading to the tragedy. His last paragraph reads: The Fukushima commission report ‘found an organization-driven mindset that prioritized benefits to the organization … Continue reading Quote of the week – We are all Japanese
Feeling cool about air conditioning
While much of northern Europe is anxiously waiting for summer to really take hold, in Canada and the United States, a major heat wave has driven many to use their air conditioning to the maximum. Margaret Wente of Canada’s Globe and Mail writes here on the dilemma faced by the eco-conscious. The air conditioning … Continue reading Feeling cool about air conditioning
New study on retrofitting commercial buildings
Commercial buildings represent a large and growing share of energy consumption in buildings. This is a good article by Business Wire on a new market study from Pike Research. The market for energy efficiency retrofits in commercial buildings will nearly double by 2020, reaching $152 billion worldwide, according to new study Efforts to retrofit … Continue reading New study on retrofitting commercial buildings
Saving energy and enjoying a summer pint of beer
As EiD readers planning to head for the pub during these summer days will be pleased to learn that many local pubs are taking action to save energy. Defra promises drinkers the UK’s first energy-saving pint By BusinessGreen 09 Jul 2012 Drinkers could soon be supping on a more sustainable pint thanks to new … Continue reading Saving energy and enjoying a summer pint of beer
BMW accused of hypocrisy
This is a thought-provoking article by Adam Vaughan of the Guardian on BMW lobbying against tougher emission proposals while talking up its green credentials as official Olympics. BMW accused of hypocrisy over opposition to European car targets BMW is lobbying to water down European plans to improve the fuel efficiency of cars at the … Continue reading BMW accused of hypocrisy
What a carbon tax offers to Australians
Australia has taken a bold step forward by approving a carbon tax. This is an insightful article from the Canberra Times on the opportunities such a tax brings. Carbon tax a chance to rethink our energy use July 1, 2012 Canberra Times Many Australian families will wake up this morning with a sense of uncertainty … Continue reading What a carbon tax offers to Australians
