Brazil sees bright future for energy efficiency projects

Bloomberg news service describes the dynamic situation in Brazil for energy-efficiency services provided by energy supply companies. Light Sees Demand Doubling for Brazil Energy-Efficiency Projects The Brazilian power utility, Light SA, expects demand for its energy-efficiency services to double next year as electricity prices rise and more supermalls and factories seek to conserve power. Light … Continue reading Brazil sees bright future for energy efficiency projects →

Continuing the discussion on the Indian blackout

Radhika Khosla, a staff scientist for the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), continues the discussion on the aftermath of the recent major blackout in India. Here Ms Khosla, together with Amir Kavousian, a NRDC MAP Fellow, discuss the significant potential for improved energy efficiency. This post was on the NRDC’s staff blog entitled Switchboard. Power … Continue reading Continuing the discussion on the Indian blackout →

New study on corporate image and energy efficiency

Deloitte LLP has published a new report on how the corporate sector views improved energy efficiency as an important element in their own branding. This review by Market Watch provides an important overview of the study. Corporate Energy Efficiency is a Tale of Bottom Line Versus Brand Image: Deloitte Improving energy efficiency at America's businesses … Continue reading New study on corporate image and energy efficiency →

Energy efficient fashion . . .

South Africa is showing the way forward by promoting energy efficient handbags, according to SABC, the South African broadcaster. Now when will they reach the fashion shops of Europe? Energy efficient bag unveiled The 49M campaign is aimed at saving energy. A new fashion handbag collection – 49M – has taken the energy efficiency … Continue reading Energy efficient fashion . . . →

Financing retrofits

Improving the energy performance of buildings will require some innovation on financing. Sandra Kwak, an entrepreneur with Powerzoa and D-Light Energy has provided an insightful, detailed article on energy efficiency financing that should be of interest to EiD readers. It makes for more good summer reading. Energy Efficiency Financing: The Absent, Invisible Hand “How … Continue reading Financing retrofits →

Does UK really rank number 1 in energy efficiency?

After ACEEE’s league table of major economies on their progress on energy efficiency, there is growing scepticism on Britain’s leading status. The articles and emails have been coming fast and furious. Many are questioning the indicators that are used. As one wrote this week: “The damage is done . . .” The ACEEE ranking contradicts … Continue reading Does UK really rank number 1 in energy efficiency? →

Does energy efficiency raise house values?

Frequently analysts are asked to know if there is a premium on energy-efficient homes since the change in asset value has an effect on undertaking a retrofit investment or the purchase of a high performing new building. This study, reported in the Washington Post by Kenneth Harney, gives some strong evidence that there is a … Continue reading Does energy efficiency raise house values? →

Good results from Dutch investment tax

Ulrika Lomas of Tax-News.com presents some important results showing that an Energy Investment Allowance has had a significant impact on investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Netherlands. Dutch Investment Tax Boosts Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency The Dutch ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation has recently announced that the government’s tax … Continue reading Good results from Dutch investment tax →

Reflecting on consumer preferences

This blog by Brian McGraw for GlobalWarming.org discusses a new paper by the Mercatus Center. The Mercatus Center released a paper (PDF) this month co-authored by Ted Gayer (an economist at the Brooking Institution) and W. Kip Viscusi (an economics professor at Vanderbilt), titled “Overriding Consumer Preferences with Energy Regulations” which questions the economic justification … Continue reading Reflecting on consumer preferences →

Learning from the past

This report by Matt Fulford, head of buildings at Sustain, in the Guardian, discusses what we can learn today from our heritage buildings. What can heritage buildings teach us about modern energy efficiency? Heritage buildings have, by definition, been around for a long time. With careful management, they are here to stay for hundreds … Continue reading Learning from the past →