Impact of extreme heat on our machines

Higher temperatures, either from the weather or the excess heat radiated from machinery, can cause materials in machinery to deform. In an article on The Conversation website, Srinivas Garimella, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Matthew T. Hughes, Postdoctoral Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discuss the impact … Continue reading Impact of extreme heat on our machines

While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat

Emily Chung  writes on the CBC News website about the benefits and costs of air conditioning in extreme heat. Passive cooling, greenery, behaviour changes are more sustainable, researchers say.   Why air conditioners can be a problematic solution to extreme heat As extreme heat hits many parts of the world amid a warming climate, millions … Continue reading While household air conditioning is one of the “most effective adaptation strategies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity,” it can also be an unsustainable and problematic solution to extreme heat

What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

The second phase of the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation raises the bar for electric motor energy efficiency – and the rest of the world is sure to follow. Daniel Eberli from ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation, discusses ecodesign in an article on the Engineer Live website.   Energy efficiency with ecodesign Energy efficiency … Continue reading What engineers – and others – need to know about the EU Ecodesign Regulation

New UK research exploring the effect of energy labels on consumer shopping decisions

In autumn 2021 the Behavioural Insight Team (BIT), unofficially known as the “Nudge Unit”, conducted research through experiment, survey and interview to see whether the information on appliances’ energy labels influenced the consumer’s choice of product. The research was undertaken for the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. The experiment examined the difference … Continue reading New UK research exploring the effect of energy labels on consumer shopping decisions

The cooling conundrum

Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. What are the other options? Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many … Continue reading The cooling conundrum

European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode

This week the European Commission adopted new EU rules to reduce the energy consumption of electrical appliances when they are in ‘standby’ mode. The revised rules introduce a number of amendments to the 2008 ecodesign regulation on standby, off mode and networked standby, last updated in 2013, following an extensive consultation exercise and scrutiny from … Continue reading European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode

“It’s easier to save energy when you can see the energy you’re using”

In an article in the November/December issue of Energy in Business & Industry magazine, Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, questions quite how successful attempts to use the residential smart metering system to alter demand peaks this winter can possibly be.  There is no longer any requirement for an energy company to … Continue reading “It’s easier to save energy when you can see the energy you’re using”

Heat pumps show there is life beyond gas boilers

Heat pumps and solar thermal systems are keeping users all across Europe well in their comfort zones –  physically, financially, and environmentally. The latest Coolproducts analysis reveals that 88% of European users are satisfied with the switch to renewable heating.   Heat pumps perform successfully across Europe – New consumer analysis There is life beyond … Continue reading Heat pumps show there is life beyond gas boilers

How to stay cool – sustainably

Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss the options in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Climate emergency: Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many places, … Continue reading How to stay cool – sustainably

US has monumental task to update energy efficiency standards

Nearly three dozen efficiency standards are overdue for an update, and further delays could undercut Biden’s climate goals. Anna Phillips discusses latest developments in an article on The Washington Post website.   Biden faces delays in undoing Trump’s war on efficient dishwashers, dryers and lightbulbs that made him ‘look orange’ Before Donald Trump launched his … Continue reading US has monumental task to update energy efficiency standards