Tim Radford writes on the Energy Mix website about research from both Singapore and the US that hold promise for important efficiency improvements. The author writes that each “is yet more testimony to the explosion of inventive thinking and technical ingenuity on show in the world’s laboratories and universities, as researchers seek new ways to … Continue reading New smart glass innovations for improving energy performance of buildings
Category: buildings
New BPIE report: climate impact of new buildings much too high
This week, the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) published a new report on nearly zero energy building standards in six member states that show decarbonisation of new buildings in is not happening fast enough. A failure to decarbonise newly constructed buildings could prevent the EU from achieving its climate targets for 2030 and 2050, according … Continue reading New BPIE report: climate impact of new buildings much too high
The “architectural rebound effect” – new technology has often encouraged extravagant forms of consumption
Bashar Al Shawa, PhD Student in Architecture at the University of Bath writes on The Conversation website that new technology has made many buildings less climate friendly. However, architects can keep pushing the limits of design without making the planet pay. Technology has made buildings less climate-friendly: but we can look back in time … Continue reading The “architectural rebound effect” – new technology has often encouraged extravagant forms of consumption
The future of cooling our buildings must become a present-day priority
At the moment, reducing cooling energy demand is not explicitly part of energy policies for buildings in the UK. Of concern is that it’s projected that 75% to 85% of UK households will install air conditioning in response to rising temperatures by the end of the century. Radhika Khosla Associate Professor of Sustainable Development at … Continue reading The future of cooling our buildings must become a present-day priority
Blog from Jane Marsh: How Does Low Carbon Housing Benefit the Environment?
The U.S. generates 5.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, which come from activities like powering appliances or heating your home. In addition, carbon is released when building materials, such as concrete, are manufactured. The overproduction of carbon can lead to air pollution and increase global warming. These emissions also disturb natural habitats … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: How Does Low Carbon Housing Benefit the Environment?
Financing energy efficiency in Poland
A news article on the New Europe website discusses a landmark scheme to improve the energy efficiency of Polish homes. Separately, the moderndiplomacy website announced that the World Bank will be lending Poland €250 million to improve air quality and energy efficiency. Poland to boost residential energy efficiency with help from EBRD, BNP Paribas … Continue reading Financing energy efficiency in Poland
Important new reports from EC Joint Research Centre
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has recently published two important reports. Mobilizing citizens to invest in energy efficiency One example of a way for citizens to contribute to the low-carbon energy transition is by investing in energy efficiency (EE). However, there are still multiple barriers that make the socially optimal level of adoption … Continue reading Important new reports from EC Joint Research Centre
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
Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
As countries such as England are planning to make the housing stock net zero by 2050, recent research shows significant regional differences. Major cities across England and all local authorities across the south and south-east have below average energy intensity while homes in northern local authorities and less built-up urban areas have above average energy … Continue reading Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
Green mortgages and the role these products have in driving change
Ana Bajri, head of sustainability at Countrywide Surveying Services, in an article on the Mortgage Finance Gazette website, discusses convening an expert panel on our latest webinar to discuss green mortgages and the role these products have in driving change. What are your views on green mortgages? Blog: Green mortgages - carrot or stick? … Continue reading Green mortgages and the role these products have in driving change
