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 →

New Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (CEEB) established in Britain

It is encouraging to see the creation of a new coalition to promote energy efficiency in buildings. The Green Finance Institute wrote on its own website about its creation. With the support of the independent climate change think tank E3G, as secretariat, this is the first Coalition bringing together dynamic private, public and third-sector organisations … Continue reading New Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (CEEB) established in Britain →

Britain’s energy bill for its Parliament goes up

In a few days, Britons will go to the polls to elect the next government. Environmental issues have come up but not as much as Brexit, not surprisingly. Extinction Rebellion and others are keeping environmental issues as visible as possible. While the Palace of Westminster, the meeting place for both the House of Commons and … Continue reading Britain’s energy bill for its Parliament goes up →

A Cork-based startup is aiming to tackle the dual problems of carbon emissions and fuel poverty with its software solution for housing providers

It is encouraging to see innovations to encourage more and better energy renovations. A news item on the Irish Examiner website explains the new innovations from one couple in Cork. Cork couple behind breakthrough for energy solutions in energy renovation projects A Cork-based startup is aiming to tackle the dual problems of carbon emissions … Continue reading A Cork-based startup is aiming to tackle the dual problems of carbon emissions and fuel poverty with its software solution for housing providers →

The benefits of green roofs

Michael Hardman and Nick Davies at the University of Salford write on The Conversation website about installing green roofs. However, for these roofs to become the norm, there must be a buy-in from public authorities and private actors. What are your views? Green roofs can vastly improve city life, so why don’t we see … Continue reading The benefits of green roofs →

Seven facts about financing efficiency projects outline what to know when budgeting for energy solutions

Adam Fairbanks, CEO of a firm dedicated to providing cost-effective retrofit solutions for its commercial and industrial clients in the US writes on the Facility Executive website about seven facts about financing energy efficiency projects. Do you agree? 7 Facts About Financing Energy Efficiency Projects Facilities need energy efficiency; this is no longer a … Continue reading Seven facts about financing efficiency projects outline what to know when budgeting for energy solutions →

New renovation rules will require existing homes to be twice as energy efficient as current standards in Ireland

New and existing homes in Ireland will have more ambitious standards. While Ireland has consistently been ranked in the first three in the world for energy efficiency in new homes built since 2011, the big challenge is the 2 million homes built when standards were much lower. Harry McGee explains in an article on the … Continue reading New renovation rules will require existing homes to be twice as energy efficient as current standards in Ireland →

New website in London let’s homebuyers see level of air pollution that could affect purchase price

The Central Office of Public Interest (COPI), the not-for-profit campaign behind the website, believes that property prices could plummet in the most polluted areas of London when buyers become aware of the problem. Ben Webster explains in an article in The Times. Pollution hotspots website could drive down London house prices The Clean Air … Continue reading New website in London let’s homebuyers see level of air pollution that could affect purchase price →

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 →

The Netherlands is home to one of the most sustainable industrial buildings

Michael Cowan writes on the BBC website about an industrial building in The Netherlands that is considered one of the world’s most sustainable. The building was discussed on a popular BBC programme to see what lessons Britain could learn from this development. What are your views? Is this the world's most sustainable building? Climbing … Continue reading The Netherlands is home to one of the most sustainable industrial buildings →