Category: energy efficiency

Let there be light . . . when we need it

Paul Attfield writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail about the use of motion sensors to help address improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings.   Last person out, the building will turn off the lights Though provincial incentives to reward energy efficiency may give commercial landlords a financial impetus, many find it is also a … Continue reading Let there be light . . . when we need it →

Vehicle fuel economy in the spotlight

Undoubtedly, to achieve low carbon economy we need to seriously reduce consumption of vehicles. Everyone knows this but the road to achieving this is not simple. Henry Foy and Chris Bryant write in the Financial Times about the resistance of car manufacturers to even changing the fuel economy test.   Carmakers clash with EU over … Continue reading Vehicle fuel economy in the spotlight →

The impact of energy efficiency on Germany’s economy

We are always looking at the non-energy benefits of energy efficiency. This is a good example from The Local, Germany’s News in English, about the impact of energy efficiency on exports. It is good to see the priority given to energy efficiency at the Hannover Messe. My colleagues from Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes were … Continue reading The impact of energy efficiency on Germany’s economy →

What we need – an energy efficient baguette

L’EnergieD’avancer website provides a good story about bakeries working with the French energy company, EDF, to significantly reduce the costs of the traditional French mainstay, the baguette.   A cheaper baguette thanks to energy efficiency Cooking, refrigerating, lighting ... : A bakery is a relatively energy-intensive activity. As part of its business of selling gas … Continue reading What we need – an energy efficient baguette →

Companies can become zero energy

The Swedish furniture company has never had so much attention. Dominic Basulto, a futurist and blogger, writes in the Washington Post that all companies should pledge to be net zero energy by 2050, following the example of IKEA that has pledged to do so by 2020. With the eceee industrial summer study coming up in … Continue reading Companies can become zero energy →

Important new public finance initiative in UK

The website Building Better Healthcare reports on an important new financing deal to retrofit one of London’s classic hospitals. The deal could prove to be an important model for the future.   Landmark energy efficiency deal signed at St Bartholomew’s Hospital A new, low-carbon combined cooling, heating and power solution is being created for St … Continue reading Important new public finance initiative in UK →

Setting a model for other countries to follow

FOCUS Information Agency in Bulgaria writes about an interview that Terry McCallion, Director for Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, at the EBRD gave on the success from the financing facility that was established in the country.   Bulgaria’s success in energy efficiency lending is a model for other countries In an interview for Utilities monthly, … Continue reading Setting a model for other countries to follow →

Saving energy can be big business

Diane Cardwell writes in the New York Times about the initial public offering on Wall Street for Opower, which helps utilities develop services to encourage residential consumers to cut electricity use. While American, Opower has also been working in Europe for several years. Importantly, policy makers have to take note that, as quoted in this … Continue reading Saving energy can be big business →