New underwriter’s guide to facilitate energy efficiency improvements in the US

After having reported on a new G20 investment toolkit last week, Lindsay Robbins writes on the Natural Resources Defense Council website about a new investment handbook to help lenders in the US. They are hoping this will be part of the standard mortgage lending process. New Lender Guide Unlocks Potential for Efficiency Upgrades The … Continue reading New underwriter’s guide to facilitate energy efficiency improvements in the US →

Efficiency isn’t always sufficient

One of the problems of focusing on energy efficiency is that as buildings or products get larger, the impact is affected. Last week EiD had a related post. This week Susan Edmunds writes on the stuff.co.nz website about another example where the gains were cancelled. What is your experience? Growing house size cancels out … Continue reading Efficiency isn’t always sufficient →

Is air quality affecting house prices?

As we see our cities tackling air pollution, we understandably first turn to the health of their citizens. Katie Morley writes in The Telegraph about another concern, the impact on house prices. Have you experienced this? High pollution is reducing house prices by 15pc as buyers reject 'unhealthy' homes Property listings will include traffic … Continue reading Is air quality affecting house prices? →

House size can have important impact on resource use as well as environment

In many countries, new houses are getting increasingly bigger. The phys.org website reports on the a graduate student’s research that documents the impact of house size on resource use and impact on the environment. Is building bigger houses a waste of energy? Research by Iman Khajehzadeh, who graduates with a PhD in Architecture next … Continue reading House size can have important impact on resource use as well as environment →

Re-thinking the design of buildings

We are well aware that the built environment is a key area that has to be addressed in our climate change strategies. Matt Mace explains in an article on the Edie website about some important new design innovations that could have an important impact. Lego block' buildings: Adaptability essential for building stock to combat … Continue reading Re-thinking the design of buildings →

A renovation strategy for Europe?

It was in 1970 when the Beatles released The Long and Winding Road. With the onslaught of the first major oil crisis only four years later, it could be the anthem for energy policy ever since. The beginning of the road was a push to start with more insulation in our buildings in order to … Continue reading A renovation strategy for Europe? →

Coping with heatwaves through better design

This has been a particularly hot summer in Australia. This means that people turn to air conditioning to improve comfort and reduce heat-related stress. With the impact of changes in climate, the problem is going to get worse, not only in Australia but in many other regions of the globe. Lydia Hales writes in The … Continue reading Coping with heatwaves through better design →

Blog from Catrin Maby – The ‘stuckness’ of energy policy for buildings – taking a different standpoint

Energy efficiency policy can sometimes seem a bit stuck, and perhaps nowhere more than in the sphere of buildings. There is a natural human need to focus in on ‘technical fixes’ (like ‘smart’ technologies) because they seem like they could be easy solutions. This is sadly an illusion - in reality there is no quick … Continue reading Blog from Catrin Maby – The ‘stuckness’ of energy policy for buildings – taking a different standpoint →

Novel approach to create awareness for renovations in the UK

The National Energy Foundation in the UK has published an important new report that “inspires” consumers to renovate their homes. All these measures have benefit in raising awareness. They do not replace a comprehensive energy advisory service but they certainly help. NEF calls for additional Government support for Show Homes as inspiration for domestic … Continue reading Novel approach to create awareness for renovations in the UK →

Our coffee culture can become more efficient too

Walking down any street, we see more and more coffee shops. That coffee has to be roasted somewhere and it is good to read this article by Matt Mace on the Edie.net website about a new roaster in England that is "one of the most sustainable industrial buildings in the world". You should enjoy as … Continue reading Our coffee culture can become more efficient too →