The biodiversity hit to economies is estimated at up to US$25 trillion a year, according to The Financial Times (behind a paywall). This is equivalent to one-quarter of global GDP lost annually because industries fail to factor in the damage their operations cause across systems. “Tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity and … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 22, 2024
Category: buildings
Time to recognise ‘earth’ as a valid and sustainable construction material
In an article on The Conversation website, Rabia Charef, Senior Research Associate in Circular Economy & Digitalisation, Lancaster University about the benefits of using ‘earth’ as a sustainable building material. What are your views? Building with earth could transform sustainable construction – here’s how Imagine you are standing in front of a multimillion-pound building … Continue reading Time to recognise ‘earth’ as a valid and sustainable construction material
Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024
BP and Shell are scaling back electricity ambitions to escape the ‘valley of death,’ according to the Financial Times website (behind a paywall). Over the past five years, the two companies had spent a combined US$18 billion to be major players in electricity. But now Shell has sold its retail electricity business in Germany, the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024
One major bank in UK will factor in energy performance certificate ratings when deciding how much to lend to borrowers from this week
Emily Braeger writes on the iNews website about a change in lending policy from one of the major lenders in Britain. Those buying the most energy-efficient homes will be able to borrow slightly more than they would if their home had an average rating. Halifax also says those buying the least efficient properties will be … Continue reading One major bank in UK will factor in energy performance certificate ratings when deciding how much to lend to borrowers from this week
US support for backing outstanding mortgages giving only vague guidance on climate-related catastrophe
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which backstop most U.S. mortgages, know floods and fires are a growing problem. But little action has been taken. Lydia DePillis discusses this growing issue in the US. One wonders how the new administration will deal with this issue? Mortgage Regulators Are Shrugging Off Climate Risk. It Could Cost … Continue reading US support for backing outstanding mortgages giving only vague guidance on climate-related catastrophe
Energy in Demand News, December 1, 2024
The New York Times (behind a paywall) wrote: “Five dry words — ‘transitioning away from fossil fuels’ — led to a bitter diplomatic spat Tuesday. . . . A handful of petrostates, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, ensured that a United Nations General Assembly resolution on climate change steered clear of such language, despite … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 1, 2024
Europe’s building sector off track: social, economic and climate targets at risk
The third edition of the EU Buildings Climate Tracker published this week by the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) confirms that the EU is missing opportunities to increase energy security and reduce heating costs. It is definitely not on track to achieve its climate targets. Progress on decarbonisation has stalled, with the gap more than … Continue reading Europe’s building sector off track: social, economic and climate targets at risk
Blog by Sophie Elizabeth Carter: A look at important sustainability initiatives in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
For travel enthusiasts, exploring more of our wonderful planet falls high on the priority list. But tourism takes its toll on the environment, with global travel accounting for around 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. Luckily, more and more destinations are beginning to step up and boost the eco credentials of their tourism infrastructures, helping … Continue reading Blog by Sophie Elizabeth Carter: A look at important sustainability initiatives in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Passive houses gaining in popularity in the US
Hannah Seo writes on the Washington Post website about the growing popularity of passive homes in the US. These green homes are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. New incentives aim to make them more budget-friendly. The passive house trend is booming On the morning of June 7, 2023, New York City … Continue reading Passive houses gaining in popularity in the US
Energy performance certificate system needs to reform in France
The France Insider website writes about the energy performance certificates, required under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive need to be reformed according to the French national auditor. What are your views? Are they effective in your country? Energy Saving Certificates Under Fire The system of energy savings certificates has been heavily criticized … Continue reading Energy performance certificate system needs to reform in France
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 