Builders are harnessing the power of AI to make the construction industry more efficient and sustainable

We are reading about how artificial intelligence is having a major impact on our economies and virtually everything these days. Sara Harowitz writes on the National Observer website how AI is being used in the Canadian construction industry. She adds that AI brings its own challenges. What is your experience with AI?   How robots … Continue reading Builders are harnessing the power of AI to make the construction industry more efficient and sustainable

Energy in Demand News, May 18-19, 2025

In an article about the paradox of climate adaptation spending, a Financial Times newsletter says that many global companies recognise the seriousness of climate-related risks to their business, with 66% of the EU businesses polled confirming that they face threats from the physical impacts of climate change. But,  according to the survey last year by … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 18-19, 2025

How efficient are UK homes?

A new study discussed on the Property Reporter website has found that more than half of UK homes have an EPC rating of D or below. The analysts decided to look into data on home EPC ratings to distinguish what the average is, which of the most populated UK areas are the most energy efficient … Continue reading How efficient are UK homes?

Energy in Demand News, April 6-7, 2025

Let’s start this early spring week with some background music for you to enjoy reading this week’s newsletter. Everyone is still trying to come to grips with the “Liberation Day” tariffs that we’ve all been saddled with. The Guardian reports  that there have been some exceptions. “Trump’s new 10% universal tariffs – which are higher … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 6-7, 2025

Blog by Ellie Gabel – Passive cooling strategies: designing buildings for natural temperature regulation

With global temperatures rising and many facing rising energy costs, you may have noticed an increasing demand for buildings featuring passive cooling capabilities. What are some of the essential considerations and tips for creating them? Understand the Effects of the Surrounding Environment Experts know something as seemingly insignificant as a large tree limiting the sunlight … Continue reading Blog by Ellie Gabel – Passive cooling strategies: designing buildings for natural temperature regulation

Energy in Demand News, March 9-10, 2025

Brazil will host COP 30 of the UNFCCC, the world’s most important climate talks in November this year in the Amazon port of Belém. Quoted in the Financial Times (behind a paywall), Marina Silva, Brazil’s environment minister, said: “It is clear that the withdrawal of the Paris agreement of the world’s second-largest emitter, the world’s … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 9-10, 2025

This year Toronto will be the second city in Canada to have emission reduction rules for new and old buildings

Cloe Logan writes on the National Observer website about new emission reduction rules in Toronto for new and old buildings that could be an important step toward the city’s climate targets while avoiding rent hikes for tenants.   Toronto can reduce building emissions while protecting tenants – here's how By the end of the year, … Continue reading This year Toronto will be the second city in Canada to have emission reduction rules for new and old buildings

Energy in Demand News, February 9, 2025

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to reduce carbon emissions, put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods imported into the EU, and encourage cleaner industrial production through a methodology for calculating embedded emissions according to the Paris Agreement and the EU Fit for 55 package. … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 9, 2025

How climate change could upend the American dream

Americans have long accumulated wealth by owning their homes, but a new study predicts that spiking insurance rates and climate disasters now herald an era of widespread losses. Andrea Riquier discusses the new study in an article on the USA TODAY website   Climate risk will take trillion-dollar bite out of America’s real estate As … Continue reading How climate change could upend the American dream

Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025

The devastation from the wildfires in the Los Angeles area is a human tragedy beyond belief. It only adds to those who are suffering  globally from droughts, floods and other climate-related disasters. An article on the Financial Times (behind a paywall) counts the cost from catastrophes in 2024. “Hurricanes, fires and other disasters caused $320bn … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025