bigEE launched

bigEE has now been launched. bigEE is an international initiative of research institutes for technical and policy advice and public agencies in the field of energy and climate, co-ordinated by the Wuppertal Institute (Germany). Its aim is to develop the international web-based knowledge platform bigee.net for energy efficiency in buildings, building-related technologies, and appliances in … Continue reading bigEE launched →

New study on progress to lower carbon emissions in passenger cars in Europe

John Reed, Motor Industry Correspondent of the Financial Times reports on a study by a leading environmental pressure group on the progress being made to lower CO2 emissions in passenger vehicles. Carmakers ‘on track with EU carbon goals’ Carmakers are close to complying with the 2015 carbon dioxide targets set by the European Union, and … Continue reading New study on progress to lower carbon emissions in passenger cars in Europe →

Fossil fuel freedom in Manitoba

The Gallon Environment Letter states that Manitoba is adopting a Clean Energy Strategy announced November 20, 2012 by Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak who said, "Building on our strengths, this new plan sets the province on a course that will ensure reliable, affordable energy for future generations, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and maximize local … Continue reading Fossil fuel freedom in Manitoba →

The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK

The UK has set up the world’s first investment bank solely dedicated to greening the economy. The initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to setting the UK firmly on course towards a green and growing economy, while also delivering long-term sustainable growth. The Green Investment Bank (GIB) will be a key component of the progression … Continue reading The launch of the Green Investment Bank in the UK →

New research on the clean development mechanism

The secretariat of the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently published research showing that the Kyoto Protocol’s clean development mechanism (CDM) has spurred billions of dollars of investment in projects that curb greenhouse gases and contribute to sustainable development. The report, titled Benefits of the Clean Development Mechanism 2012, answers in the … Continue reading New research on the clean development mechanism →

New publication on climate change ethics

As the world turns its attention to the negotiations at the next climate change conference in Doha, it is useful to truly reflect on the subject. Most observers of climate change policy developments around the world agree that climate change is a civilization challenging ethical problem, yet most governments have utterly failed to enact climate … Continue reading New publication on climate change ethics →

Impact of growth in use of coal on climate objectives

Richard Anderson, Business Reporter of the BBC has published an extensive article on the BBC website on what the global growth of coal will mean to climate change objectives. Coal resurgence calls undermine clean energy commitments Coal, the dirtiest and most polluting of all the major fossil fuels, is making a comeback. Despite stringent … Continue reading Impact of growth in use of coal on climate objectives →

New publication on our global environmental challenges

Anders Wijkman and Johan Rockström have written an important report for the Club of Rome entitled Bankrupting Nature, Denying Our Planetary Boundaries. Both authors are recognised for their work on sustainability issues. Anders Wijkman is a co-President of the Club of Rome, a former MEP and actively involved in many environmental activities. Johan Rockström is … Continue reading New publication on our global environmental challenges →

Did you know?

There is some good news announced in the past few days: Congratulations to the IEA’s Sustainable Building Centre (SBC). The jury for the 2012 Energy Efficiency Innovator Awards has selected the International Energy Agency’s BEEP (Building Energy Efficiency Policies) database as the winner in its “Projects” category. Dr. Yamina Saheb received the award at a … Continue reading Did you know? →

Quote of the week

From Andrew Warren, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy, writing an article entitled The UK must look to Berlin to improve energy efficiency for businessgreen.com: . . .for many years, German governments of all political hues have run long-term, consistent and purposeful energy efficiency programmes, designed to minimise new supply requirements. An … Continue reading Quote of the week →