This week, we have all read about the catastrophic blackouts in India, with over 600 million people left without electricity. Energy Matters from Australia takes a different look at this terrible event. India's Massive Blackout Proves Solar Energy's Mettle In what has been described as the world's largest blackout event, solar panels again proved … Continue reading Renewables deliver even as India’s grid collapses
Author: Rod Janssen
The answer my friend is blowing in the wind . . .
With the Olympics underway in London, there have been queries about how green these games are. James Murray writes for BusinessGreen, part of the Guardian Environment Network, that there are wind turbines installed. Unfortunately, there has not been much promotion of them, but they are there. Olympic Park erects wind turbines It was one … Continue reading The answer my friend is blowing in the wind . . .
New study on corporate image and energy efficiency
Deloitte LLP has published a new report on how the corporate sector views improved energy efficiency as an important element in their own branding. This review by Market Watch provides an important overview of the study. Corporate Energy Efficiency is a Tale of Bottom Line Versus Brand Image: Deloitte Improving energy efficiency at America's businesses … Continue reading New study on corporate image and energy efficiency
Energy efficient fashion . . .
South Africa is showing the way forward by promoting energy efficient handbags, according to SABC, the South African broadcaster. Now when will they reach the fashion shops of Europe? Energy efficient bag unveiled The 49M campaign is aimed at saving energy. A new fashion handbag collection – 49M – has taken the energy efficiency … Continue reading Energy efficient fashion . . .
Financing retrofits
Improving the energy performance of buildings will require some innovation on financing. Sandra Kwak, an entrepreneur with Powerzoa and D-Light Energy has provided an insightful, detailed article on energy efficiency financing that should be of interest to EiD readers. It makes for more good summer reading. Energy Efficiency Financing: The Absent, Invisible Hand “How … Continue reading Financing retrofits
Does UK really rank number 1 in energy efficiency?
After ACEEE’s league table of major economies on their progress on energy efficiency, there is growing scepticism on Britain’s leading status. The articles and emails have been coming fast and furious. Many are questioning the indicators that are used. As one wrote this week: “The damage is done . . .” The ACEEE ranking contradicts … Continue reading Does UK really rank number 1 in energy efficiency?
Does energy efficiency raise house values?
Frequently analysts are asked to know if there is a premium on energy-efficient homes since the change in asset value has an effect on undertaking a retrofit investment or the purchase of a high performing new building. This study, reported in the Washington Post by Kenneth Harney, gives some strong evidence that there is a … Continue reading Does energy efficiency raise house values?
Don’t count your chickens . . .
Many member states have been planning to use revenue from the planned auction of allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The UK journal, Energy in Buildings and Industry, reports that introducing a floor price for the scheme risks being seen as a carbon tax. This was the view of the Director General of … Continue reading Don’t count your chickens . . .
Summer reading: on fossil fuel subsidies
This is a good report on updated estimates of global fossil fuel subsidies that was produced by Oil Change International, a research, communication, and advocacy organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitating the coming transition towards clean energy. The report highlights that, while there has been progress, there is definitely … Continue reading Summer reading: on fossil fuel subsidies
Good results from Dutch investment tax
Ulrika Lomas of Tax-News.com presents some important results showing that an Energy Investment Allowance has had a significant impact on investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Netherlands. Dutch Investment Tax Boosts Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency The Dutch ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation has recently announced that the government’s tax … Continue reading Good results from Dutch investment tax
