Survey by Johnson Control’s Institute for Buildings Efficiency

The Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency just released the results of the 6th Energy Efficiency Indicator survey, an annual research study about global energy trends. Nearly 3,500 executives from private and public sectors provided insights into energy management practices, the barriers to energy efficiency, and what motivates them to act. According to the results … Continue reading Survey by Johnson Control’s Institute for Buildings Efficiency →

The challenges for energy efficiency in Russia

EiD has previously had posts on energy efficiency developments in Russia. They are important because Russia is going through a fundamental change on how it relates to energy demand. Much of the economy is built on energy supply and exporting it to western markets. But there is also an increasing realisation that its own use … Continue reading The challenges for energy efficiency in Russia →

Quote of the week

The European Council met in Brussels June 28th and 29th and formally approved the Energy Efficiency Directive. The Communiqué states: Following the formal adoption of the Energy Efficiency Directive, Member States must rapidly implement it, making full use of its provisions in order to exploit the significant potential for job creation in this sector. Council … Continue reading Quote of the week →

Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances

A study by the Energy Saving Trust in the UK of energy wasted from stand-by use provides important lessons for all countries. Even though there have been campaigns and energy performance standards to reduce stand-by consumption, the total impact is still a major concern. Energy Saving Trust: households waste £1.3bn for leaving gadget switched … Continue reading Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances →

Figures for the week

A few key figures from France on the buildings sector that show the challenge for a retrofit strategy: Potential to renovate homes in France: 20 million Energy for heating in houses: 37% gas, 35% electricity, 22% oil, 6% wood Construction date of housing stock: 33% of homes predate 1948, 32% between 1948 and 1975, … Continue reading Figures for the week →

EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break

BusinessGreen reports (below) that the European Commission recently ordered the UK government to repeal a law that allows reduced rates of VAT on insulation materials and solar panels, on the grounds that it fails to comply with the EU's VAT Directive. In a bizarre move, the European Commission suggests a defence that the UK can … Continue reading EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break →

Quote of the week

Now that the Energy Efficiency Directive has been agreed upon by the European Council, Parliament and Commission, the focus switches to implementation. It is a moment to reflect on what the Nobel Prize winning behavioural economist, Daniel Kahneman said in his recent book, Thinking, Fast and Slow: “. . . policy is ultimately about people, … Continue reading Quote of the week →

Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency

This article from Japan’s newservice, Asahi Shimbun, highlights some disturbing news if Japan is to fully transform its energy sector, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. RIO+20: Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency June 20, 2012 By LOUIS TEMPLADO/ Staff Writer For a few months last summer, Japan looked with unclouded eyes … Continue reading Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency →

Historic house now a big energy saver

All countries struggle to improve the energy performance of historic buildings. This is an excellent example from Maine in the US. EiD welcomes more such examples. Historic house now a big energy saver FREEPORT -- A major energy-saving renovation of the historic Mallett House at 57 Depot St. is complete, and it's drawing attention from … Continue reading Historic house now a big energy saver →

LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings

These are very important trial results on energy-efficient street lighting reported by Business Wire. LED Street Lighting Trial in 12 of World's Largest Cities Shows Up to 85% Energy Savings RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- LED (light-emitting diodes) street lighting can generate energy savings as high as 85%, an independent global … Continue reading LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings →