Update on the energy performance of buildings

Improving the energy performance of our buildings is a high priority as countries roll out their net-zero energy transition strategies. This week there were two interesting articles you should be aware of: The Mortgage Solutions website writes that around 80 per cent of landlords have already completed energy efficiency works in the UK. Check out … Continue reading Update on the energy performance of buildings →

Member states should take more responsibility for meeting the targets of the EU buildings directive

Aneta Zachová writes on the EURACTIV website about the views of energy-saving construction expert Petr Holub that the onus for meeting targets from the EPBD should be on member states and not individual owners. Do you have any views on this? Czech expert: EU Building Directive targets should be met by states, not owners … Continue reading Member states should take more responsibility for meeting the targets of the EU buildings directive →

With few carrots and tepid tambourines what is there left to stimulate we donkeys into changing our behaviour?

A market shift is underway in the rental homes sector since UK government legislation mandated that all such properties must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of at least C from 2025. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation discusses how to shift behaviour in an article in the March issue of … Continue reading With few carrots and tepid tambourines what is there left to stimulate we donkeys into changing our behaviour? →

European Commission publishes proposals for revising buildings directive and gas package

According to the European Consumer Organisation BEUC, consumers will benefit from new basic housing standards that will allow them to use less energy to heat or cool their homes, according to the European Commission’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive announced this week, part of its ‘Fit for 55’ climate package. However, the Commission’s Gas Package … Continue reading European Commission publishes proposals for revising buildings directive and gas package →

To meet long-term carbon emissions targets, we must stop demolishing buildings should start using the carbon spent in the past to avoid the emission of more in the present

Meeting net zero targets for buildings, an entirely new approach is needed. Charles Gillott, PhD student in Engineering at University of Sheffield, in an article on The Conversation website, says we must stop demolishing buildings and replacing them with new ones. What are your views? We have reusable cups, bags and bottles: so why … Continue reading To meet long-term carbon emissions targets, we must stop demolishing buildings should start using the carbon spent in the past to avoid the emission of more in the present →

New JRC report on progress of member states in implementing the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

With a new draft proposal for revising the EPBD coming soon, it is timely that the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has published Progress of the Member States in implementing the Energy Performance of Building Directive. Overall, the EPBD policy framework laid down the foundation for: i) setting cost-optimal minimum energy performance standards in new … Continue reading New JRC report on progress of member states in implementing the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive →

UNECE helps Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Moldova scale up cost-effective climate action by improving buildings’ energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a cost-effective means to support economic development while contributing to climate action. On a national scale, energy efficiency helps strengthen energy security, reduce energy expenditure, slow down energy demand growth, reduce investment needs for new generation capacities, and creates green jobs. Out of all sectors of economic activity, in many countries, the buildings sector has the largest potential for cost-effective improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reductions. To help capitalise … Continue reading UNECE helps Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Moldova scale up cost-effective climate action by improving buildings’ energy efficiency →

What it takes to urgently improve the energy efficiency of Britain’s housing stock

With some of the worst levels of energy efficiency in Europe, Britain’s housing stock is in urgent need of a plan to encompass wishes, grants to alleviate fuel poverty as well as installer training. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, provides his views in his column for the July/August issue of Energy … Continue reading What it takes to urgently improve the energy efficiency of Britain’s housing stock →

New building codes take effect Jan. 1 requiring all newly constructed homes in California to be powered by the sun

Paul Rogers writes on the Mercury News website about the landmark building rules that will be first-in-the nation solar requirement. Who else has this requirement in other countries? Solar power required for all new California homes starting Jan. 1 California already generates more electricity from solar power than any other state. But now a … Continue reading New building codes take effect Jan. 1 requiring all newly constructed homes in California to be powered by the sun →

Stricter building energy codes are some of the biggest success stories for many US cities

While there may be some backpedalling by the US federal government these days, there is much going on in the states and cities. David Ribeiro, Senior Research Manager at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy writes on their website about latest developments in adopting stricter building energy codes in many US cities. US … Continue reading Stricter building energy codes are some of the biggest success stories for many US cities →