Lord Carnwath of Notting Hill, a justice of the UK supreme court, writes in the Guardian of the missed opportunity at Rio+20 to emphasise how people can effect real change through the courts: Judges for the environment: we have a crucial role to play While politicians may have failed to agree any headline-grabbing commitments … Continue reading Supreme Court Justice says courts are crucial to environmental protection
Author: Rod Janssen
Figures for the week
A few key figures from France on the buildings sector that show the challenge for a retrofit strategy: Potential to renovate homes in France: 20 million Energy for heating in houses: 37% gas, 35% electricity, 22% oil, 6% wood Construction date of housing stock: 33% of homes predate 1948, 32% between 1948 and 1975, … Continue reading Figures for the week
EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break
BusinessGreen reports (below) that the European Commission recently ordered the UK government to repeal a law that allows reduced rates of VAT on insulation materials and solar panels, on the grounds that it fails to comply with the EU's VAT Directive. In a bizarre move, the European Commission suggests a defence that the UK can … Continue reading EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break
MPs have no idea how to meet the ‘carbon’ target they voted for
When readers asked their MPs to explain how the UK would cut CO2 emissions by 80 per cent, the answers made worrying reading. This is an important article from Britain's Sunday Telegraph. MPs have no idea how to meet the 'carbon' target they voted for by Christopher Booker The Sunday Telegraph The great global … Continue reading MPs have no idea how to meet the ‘carbon’ target they voted for
Quote of the week
Now that the Energy Efficiency Directive has been agreed upon by the European Council, Parliament and Commission, the focus switches to implementation. It is a moment to reflect on what the Nobel Prize winning behavioural economist, Daniel Kahneman said in his recent book, Thinking, Fast and Slow: “. . . policy is ultimately about people, … Continue reading Quote of the week
Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency
This article from Japan’s newservice, Asahi Shimbun, highlights some disturbing news if Japan is to fully transform its energy sector, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. RIO+20: Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency June 20, 2012 By LOUIS TEMPLADO/ Staff Writer For a few months last summer, Japan looked with unclouded eyes … Continue reading Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency
Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity
We seldom think that climate change will actually affect renewable energy production. This article from the Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development was released before the Rio + 20 Conference. Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity, warn scientists Scientists fear climate change impacts will reduce Latin America's capacity to produce renewable … Continue reading Climate change will reduce renewable energy capacity
Historic house now a big energy saver
All countries struggle to improve the energy performance of historic buildings. This is an excellent example from Maine in the US. EiD welcomes more such examples. Historic house now a big energy saver FREEPORT -- A major energy-saving renovation of the historic Mallett House at 57 Depot St. is complete, and it's drawing attention from … Continue reading Historic house now a big energy saver
LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings
These are very important trial results on energy-efficient street lighting reported by Business Wire. LED Street Lighting Trial in 12 of World's Largest Cities Shows Up to 85% Energy Savings RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- LED (light-emitting diodes) street lighting can generate energy savings as high as 85%, an independent global … Continue reading LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings
Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded
Finally on June 13th, the rabbit was pulled out of the hat and an agreement was reached on a compromise Energy Efficiency Directive. According to many within the Coalition for Energy Savings, there is disappointment because the measures do not sufficiently close the gap to reach the 20% energy savings target by 2020. The Commission … Continue reading Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded
