New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition

Replacing about a third of EU’s 86 million residential fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps could cut those households’ final energy consumption by 36% and their CO2 emissions by 28%. Heating of buildings accounts for almost 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of energy-related GHG emissions in the EU. Within these, residential buildings account … Continue reading New Joint Research Centre report on role of heat pumps in our energy transition

New EEA briefing on the human element for investing in energy renovations

A better understanding is needed of how owners, construction contractors and installers interact and perceive possible advantages of renovating their houses, apartments and other buildings to improve energy efficiency. This would help bolster European policies to shift the building sector to a carbon-neutral future. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week explores the … Continue reading New EEA briefing on the human element for investing in energy renovations

How modelling and simulation tools are being used to ensure improved energy efficiency plays a more important role in our energy and climate strategies

Modeling and simulation tools are playing a pivotal role in revolutionising energy efficiency, enabling researchers, engineers, and policymakers to optimise energy systems, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impacts. These issues are discussed in a news item on the Energy Portal website.   Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency: The Role of Modeling and Simulation Tools The world is … Continue reading How modelling and simulation tools are being used to ensure improved energy efficiency plays a more important role in our energy and climate strategies

The challenges to reduce the carbon footprint of the cement industry

The cement industry is responsible for 8 percent of global carbon emissions -- triple the emissions of the aviation industry yet reducing its carbon footprint is proving difficult. Shannon Osaka discusses in an article on the Washington Post website.   Cement emits as much CO2 as India. Why is it so hard to fix? Let’s … Continue reading The challenges to reduce the carbon footprint of the cement industry

The cooling conundrum

Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. What are the other options? Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many … Continue reading The cooling conundrum

Wildfires are not just a symptom of the worsening climate catastrophe, they are also a source that amplifies ongoing warming

Drew Shindell, Professor of Climate Sciences at Duke University writes on The Conversation website about the wildfires in Canada, the growing problem of air quality and what some of the solutions are.   Wildfire smoke and dirty air are also climate change problems: Solutions for a world on fire As the eastern U.S. and Canada … Continue reading Wildfires are not just a symptom of the worsening climate catastrophe, they are also a source that amplifies ongoing warming

New report from Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment finds that financial institutions’ climate strategies are far off track from what’s needed for climate action

A new report published by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (“Finance for Zero: Redefining Financial-Sector Action to Achieve Global Climate Goals”) finds that financial institutions’ climate strategies are far off track from what’s needed for climate action, and even from their own commitments. The financial sector’s climate commitments “often overstate or misrepresent the extent to which they support … Continue reading New report from Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment finds that financial institutions’ climate strategies are far off track from what’s needed for climate action

New EEA analysis provides an overview of the link between environment and cardiovascular disease

Scientific evidence shows that environmental risks are responsible for a major share of cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of death in Europe. A European Environment Agency analysis, published this week, provides an overview of the link between environment and cardiovascular disease, highlighting that addressing pollution, extreme temperatures, and other environmental risks are … Continue reading New EEA analysis provides an overview of the link between environment and cardiovascular disease

Planting trees not always a good approach to addressing climate change

Not enough research has been done into the value of grasslands and other habitats, meaning trees can end up being planted in places where they do more harm than good. Daniel Capurro discusses the main issues in an article on the inews website. Why planting trees can sometimes be the wrong answer to climate change … Continue reading Planting trees not always a good approach to addressing climate change

Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency

Lawrence Webb writes on the Energy Portal website about the critical role advanced insulation materials are playing in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. What are your views?   Exploring Advanced Insulation Materials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Buildings Advanced insulation materials are playing a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, thereby reducing energy … Continue reading Advanced insulation materials for energy efficiency