By placing sensors within a home, energy efficiency can be measured in the same way as energy generation

We all know that our policies and programmes need more data of actual energy performance. Om an article on the Architecture Today website, Matthew Prowse, Specification and Housing Director for Knauf Insulation, discusses how homes being designed today can prepare for the imminent shift to measured ‘in-use’ energy performance.   Measured energy efficiency is coming, … Continue reading By placing sensors within a home, energy efficiency can be measured in the same way as energy generation →

Injecting humour into a serious topic like climate change helps get the message across to a broad audience

Climate change is no laughing matter, but these artists are exploring dark ideas in meaningful and humorous ways. Alistair Walsh explores how cartoonists deal with climate change in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Cartoonists tackling climate change through webcomics The thermometer was touching 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in the central Indian city … Continue reading Injecting humour into a serious topic like climate change helps get the message across to a broad audience →

Spanish utility implements ambitious, personalised information campaign

Through intelligent algorithms, a Spanish utility will produce 90 million communications with personalised advice for an information campaign to help households reduce energy consumption and save on bills. Yusuf Latief discusses the campaign on the Smart Energy International website.   Iberdrola’s information campaign to spur 11mn customers to reduce energy use Iberdrola launched the information … Continue reading Spanish utility implements ambitious, personalised information campaign →

Blog from Erik Gudbjerg: High energy cost leads to new habits, they can also reduce global warming

The Danes' energy supply has been hit by the perfect storm at the moment. Together with the rest of Europe, we want to reduce our dependence on Russian energy so that Russia has a harder time financing their war against Ukraine. However, although huge savings and shifts to other forms of energy have already been … Continue reading Blog from Erik Gudbjerg: High energy cost leads to new habits, they can also reduce global warming →

A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002

While governments focus on how to protect consumers from escalating energy prices, Belgium shows an important way forward. Since 2002, eligible households have been shielded from price fluctuations in the energy market. People don’t have to struggle. Carl Packman discusses the approach taken by Belgium in an article on The Guardian website.   There is … Continue reading A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002 →

A Harvard report published Tuesday highlights rampant greenwashing by leading companies on social media

An AFP news item on the France 24 website discusses a report commissioned by Greenpeace Netherlands that analysed the text and images of 2,300 posts by 22 of Europe's largest carmakers, fossil fuel producers and airlines this June and July. Two-thirds of companies' social media posts painted a "green innovation" sheen on their operations, the … Continue reading A Harvard report published Tuesday highlights rampant greenwashing by leading companies on social media →

UK takes different approach to Europeans to addressing the current energy crisis

While the UK government on Friday announced an additional £1bn for energy efficiency obligations under new legislation, to begin from April 2023, undoubtedly the main focus of the new government is to increase energy supplies (yes, with a cap on consumer prices), largely of fossil fuels including fracking. The energy crisis is currently with us … Continue reading UK takes different approach to Europeans to addressing the current energy crisis →

Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits

After three months, the special offer in Germany of the 9-euro ticket for nationwide use on local and regional public transport made tourist highlights accessible at low cost and even achieved some carbon emissions reductions. Some news agencies note that 52 million tickets were purchased during the three month experiment. Kate Connolly discusses in an … Continue reading Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits →

New EEA report on energy prosumers

Citizens, institutions and businesses can help deploy renewable energy and reduce fuel imports by becoming prosumers who both produce and consume energy. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published recently, shows that prosumption already exists in many forms and it is expected to grow with enabling policies and better and cheaper technology.   Citizens can … Continue reading New EEA report on energy prosumers →

Dozens of local energy cooperatives ¬– citizen-owned initiatives investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency – in operation in Belgium

Gabriela Baczynska writes on the Reuters website about energy cooperatives in Belgium. These cooperatives, which rely on their own production rather than buying from volatile markets, have seen a huge spike in demand as the energy crunch has hit consumers. Many of the cooperatives have also seen demand jump in the current high-inflation environment in … Continue reading Dozens of local energy cooperatives ¬– citizen-owned initiatives investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency – in operation in Belgium →