Author: Rod Janssen

Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy in Buildings & Industry, a UK monthly magazine, features in its June issue a report by the electricity company npower that shows that UK businesses are missing out on significant energy savings by not having trained staff in place to procure energy.  The average SME spends about €225,000 per year.  The report said that … Continue reading Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises →

Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support

Many countries have had to re-think their policies to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies.  This article from CleanTechnica.com provides important information on developments in the Czech Republic.   Czech Solar Energy Industry Must Struggle with Retroactive Change in Support June 11, 2012 By Zachary Shahan CleanTechnica.com I received the following news release just … Continue reading Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support →

Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes

We can expect more of this type of article as Germany implements its decision to completely phase out nuclear energy.  No one said it would be easy and it won’t.  But hopefully the drive and determination of the Germans will inspire others.  There are lessons for all of us.   Germany’s Energy Revolution Hits Potholes … Continue reading Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes →

American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking

This is a very important blog from the Washington Post.  This will interest followers of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy because it sponsored a workshop two years ago on this topic. American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking Posted by Brad Plumer, June 6, 2012 American houses are getting … Continue reading American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking →

Run, rabbit, run . . .

The negotiations on the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive are coming down to the final steps, at least the final steps under the Danish Presidency which ends this month.  The last trialogue meeting is scheduled for June 13th.  In particular, there are still disputes on energy efficiency obligations for energy companies, and for retrofit strategies for … Continue reading Run, rabbit, run . . . →

Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission

The European Commission has tabled a much-awaited 'communication' looking at the EU-wide prospects for renewable energy.  EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger published the policy "blueprint on the post-2020 strategy for renewable energy" on Wednesday.  EU energy ministers will discuss the new proposal at a Council meeting on June 15th. The Commission's idea is that renewables, … Continue reading Communication on renewable energy from the European Commission →

New head for CLASP Europe

Dr. Pernille Schiellerup has just been appointed Director of European Programmes of CLASP. CLASP provides technical assistance, training, and capacity building on all aspects of energy efficiency standards and labelling, and capitalises on opportunities to collaborate and disseminate research and best practice information.  The European office, based in Brussels, is part of a global network … Continue reading New head for CLASP Europe →

Quote of the week: the lack of energy efficiency in the UK is “completely bonkers”

The boss of a British technology firm has described the UK’s lack of energy efficiency as "completely bonkers" and has called on the Government to focus more on power conservation rather than new energy generation projects. Drew Nelson, chief executive of IQE, the compound semiconductor maker, told the Financial Times that the UK was "pouring … Continue reading Quote of the week: the lack of energy efficiency in the UK is “completely bonkers” →

Paris pushes innovative solutions

The City of Paris announced this week that it had associated with the Paris Region Innovation Lab and the Paris Climate Agency to launch a call for projects dedicated to energy efficiency and to experiment with innovative solutions. "Many real estate players (museums, social landlords, businesses, public institutions) have already given their approval for a … Continue reading Paris pushes innovative solutions →