The British poet, T.S. Eliot, in his poem “The Wasteland” called April the “cruellest month.” Thirteen months after the publication of the Commission’s Energy Efficiency Plan and ten months after its publication of the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive, April is turning into crunch time. The Council (represented by Denmark as President), the European Parliament and … Continue reading Will April be “the cruellest month”?
Author: Rod Janssen
Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011
Global clean energy finance and investment (i.e. for renewables) grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5% increase over the previous year, according to new research released by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Among G-20) nations, the United States reclaimed the top spot from China, which led the global clean energy race since 2009. Germany, Italy, … Continue reading Clean energy investment reaches $263 billion in 2011
Achim Steiner: head of UN Environment Programme
Michael McCarthy of the Independent newspaper from the UK has provided an excellent article on Achim Steiner. In the lead up to Rio+20, this is excellent background information on one of the leading figures in the preparation of the summit for all EiD readers. Achim Steiner: 'We haven't even begun to understand the damage … Continue reading Achim Steiner: head of UN Environment Programme
Energy efficiency laws in Russia – starting the journey
With high potential, Russia has much to do to improve its energy efficiency in all sectors. Rod Janssen of EiD has worked in many parts of Russia and knows first hand the problems that the country faces. This is an excellent article from the Moscow Times giving an overview of the policies and the challenges … Continue reading Energy efficiency laws in Russia – starting the journey
Why are few Singaporeans going ‘green’?
This is a question that many if not most countries should be asking. This is a good article from the Straits Times of Singapore showing the behavioural studies that Singapore is undertaking to understand more about consumer behaviour. Interestingly, the International Energy Agency’s Implementing Agreement on Demand Side Management has a new focus on behavioural … Continue reading Why are few Singaporeans going ‘green’?
Question of the week
Reuter’s news agency reports that of Romania’s 19 million population, less than five million are workers paying taxes, with most of the rest pensioners, children, subsistence farmers or people working illegally. Costs for the more than five million pensioners amounted to 9% of GDP in 2010. Also, Romania, the EU’s second-poorest member with an average … Continue reading Question of the week
Hannover Fair to host roundtable on financing energy efficiency in industry
Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes (EEIP), a Brussels-based independent not-for-profit platform for business and policy in Europe, is organising a roundtable to discuss financing issues related to investing in energy efficiency in the industrial sector on April 24th at the world famous Hannover Messe, which is billed as the world’s most important technology event. The … Continue reading Hannover Fair to host roundtable on financing energy efficiency in industry
What’s a carbon footprint and how is it worked out?
This is a useful description of a carbon footprint written by Duncan Clark a consultant editor for The Guardian on April 4th. What's a carbon footprint and how is it worked out? A carbon footprint is an estimate of the climate change impact of activity – such as making a product, living a lifestyle or … Continue reading What’s a carbon footprint and how is it worked out?
Energy efficiency: Siemens launches a centre of excellence in France
Siemens recently announced the planned launch on May 1 of a centre of excellence for energy efficiency in France. It will be a combination dedicated website and call centre, with the aim of helping manufacturers in their efforts to improve their energy efficiency. While customers have the product catalogue on energy efficient products, the company … Continue reading Energy efficiency: Siemens launches a centre of excellence in France
Small businesses ‘must do more to be energy efficient’
Fiona Harvey of the Guardian writes an important article on March 30th about the vice president of the European Commission warning companies after analysis of how their impact affects targets. EiD readers should also follow the link below to the important Eurobarometer survey that was just published. Small businesses 'must do more to be energy … Continue reading Small businesses ‘must do more to be energy efficient’
