I feel like a broken record. Every time I’m with a group related to energy and climate, the discussion obviously gets to meeting our long-term objectives. That is quite understandable. But while we discuss where we want to go in general terms we are much more uncomfortable talking about how to get there. For example, … Continue reading 35 million time bomb: what’s up with the EU Renovation Wave?
Category: buildings
Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label
Elmhurst Energy, the UK's largest accreditation scheme for energy assessors, gives its views on how EPCs should be re-designed in Britain. What are your views? Don’t scrap EPCs, but redesign them to show cost, carbon AND energy metrics, says Elmhurst Energy MPs shouldn’t misunderstand the fundamental value of EPCs But new opportunities could transform … Continue reading Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label
Calls for longer net-zero regulatory roadmap for commercial and industrial buildings in England and Wales
The introduction of new rules in England and Wales on measuring the energy performance of commercial and industrial buildings is a vital step forward. The British Property Federation, however, is calling for a longer net-zero regulatory roadmap beyond 2030, to give the sector more time to make the necessary changes. An article on the Property … Continue reading Calls for longer net-zero regulatory roadmap for commercial and industrial buildings in England and Wales
The road to climate-neutrality: Are EU national long-term renovation strategies fit for 2050?
With the EU Renovation Wave and European Green Deal, every effort by all member states is so crucial to achieve the long-term climate and energy objectives. This report by BPIE makes one wonder how serious we really are in achieving our long-term goals. Will this be a wake-up call? Hopefully, but it’s not obvious. … Continue reading The road to climate-neutrality: Are EU national long-term renovation strategies fit for 2050?
Understanding carbon-free construction
Buildings and construction generate nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. As urbanisation skyrockets, the sector needs to find ways to rapidly decarbonise through net-zero building as required under the EU Energy Performance In Buildings Directive and to meet our long-term climate and energy objectives. Stuart Braun provides a good account to understanding carbon-free construction in … Continue reading Understanding carbon-free construction
Retrofitting buildings starts with what you already have
A good article on the Propmodo website provides a good message about our climate goals and buildings. It says we cannot build our way to meet our sustainability goals. It goes on that there is a growing number of tools to help refurbish and renew existing buildings and cities are paying attention to this. What … Continue reading Retrofitting buildings starts with what you already have
Many Canadian condominiums opting for geothermal heating and cooling
While most geothermal systems in the past 40 years have been installed in single-family homes, those in the industry say growth in the market is now driven by condominiums. Emily Chung writes on the CBC website about the increasing interest in this technology. What are your views? Why geothermal is a hot trend in … Continue reading Many Canadian condominiums opting for geothermal heating and cooling
Britain’s energy transition: creating jobs requires effective policies to promote energy efficiency
The potential for jobs creation in energy efficiency is immense. But this will only be realised if it is matched by government enthusiasm behind effective policies. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, discusses the situation in Britain in the January issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry. Jabs and jobs go … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: creating jobs requires effective policies to promote energy efficiency
Calls to overhaul the Energy Performance Certificate system in UK underpinning the ratings amid mounting evidence that they are inaccurate
Energy performance certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007. Yet in a report last month the Climate Change Committee gave warning that the certificates had “extensive issues” and that there was an urgent need to make them fit for purpose. Emily Gosden discusses the problem in an article on The Times website. Energy certificate ‘flaws’ … Continue reading Calls to overhaul the Energy Performance Certificate system in UK underpinning the ratings amid mounting evidence that they are inaccurate
Europe’s energy transition: coalition calls for avoiding hydrogen for heating homes
Frédéric Simon writes on the EURACTIV website about efforts by a coalition of business and civil society groups to prioritise renewables and energy efficiency and not hydrogen when addressing the buildings sector. Avoid hydrogen for heating homes, urges energy efficiency coalition A coalition of 33 business and civil society groups have urged the European … Continue reading Europe’s energy transition: coalition calls for avoiding hydrogen for heating homes
