Energy efficiency: the need to look at past successful messages rather than unproven new technology

In the April issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry, Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, sets out the reasons why the Government have managed to issue its' latest energy policy whilst omitting any initiatives to stimulate energy efficiency. It also sets out what needs to be done to rectify the position, … Continue reading Energy efficiency: the need to look at past successful messages rather than unproven new technology →

Building materials have a heavy carbon footprint and present a concrete challenge to the climate

We need to rethink the way we construct our buildings in order to reduce embodied carbon. The strategies to reduce embodied carbon already exist – from building smarter to decarbonising building materials. To shine a light on these solutions, the Programme for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB) recently published a working paper presenting key facts … Continue reading Building materials have a heavy carbon footprint and present a concrete challenge to the climate →

Johnson Controls publishes its latest annual energy efficiency indicator survey

This week Johnson Controls released its latest survey which revealed that 62 percent of organisations surveyed expect to increase investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, or smart building technology in 2022, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels. Johnson Controls Annual Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey Reveals Investments in Sustainability have Rebounded to Pre-Pandemic Levels, … Continue reading Johnson Controls publishes its latest annual energy efficiency indicator survey →

Because “British people are no-nonsense pragmatists who can make decisions based on the information” the government will not “impose” measures to improve energy efficiency

The UK has some of the least energy-efficient homes in Europe, with 19 million houses and flats needing extra insulation. In February the national Climate Change Committee said the government’s policy on insulation was ‘very poor’ and a lot more needed to be done. However, the government, with its new Energy Security Strategy, will not … Continue reading Because “British people are no-nonsense pragmatists who can make decisions based on the information” the government will not “impose” measures to improve energy efficiency →

One MEP makes powerful argument for Europe giving more focus to energy efficiency

modern thermostats, and building insulation - could go a long way toward enabling the EU to cut dependence on Russia’s natural gas and petroleum products. As it is, the EU is the single largest customer for Russia's natural gas and petroleum products. Russia accounts for around 40 per cent of the EU's gas imports and … Continue reading One MEP makes powerful argument for Europe giving more focus to energy efficiency →

Irish government defends plans to promote energy efficiency in response to spiralling cost of living pressures

In contrast to the measures announced by the UK government this week, the Irish prime minister (known as the Taoiseach) defended plans to promote energy efficiency and demand restraint including taking shorter showers and driving less, as part of an overall response to spiralling cost of living pressures. Mark Hilliard and Vivienne Clarke discuss latest … Continue reading Irish government defends plans to promote energy efficiency in response to spiralling cost of living pressures →

Addressing how to achieve ‘net-zero’

A new report by Nick Eyre and Jan Rosenow reiterates that energy and carbon are different problems requiring different solutions. Lloyd Alter writes on the Treehugger website what their report means as we address ‘net-zero.’ Reinventing Energy Efficiency in a Net-Zero World For nigh on 50 years since the Arab oil embargo, energy security … Continue reading Addressing how to achieve ‘net-zero’ →

Not to miss: energy efficiency events coming soon

So we see that in-person networking is finally coming back and there are important energy efficiency events coming soon in Europe and Australia. This will be the first time they have been held in person since 2019. Given the importance of energy efficiency in our energy and climate strategies, it is important that they are … Continue reading Not to miss: energy efficiency events coming soon →

New publication from OECD: Decarbonising Buildings in Cities and Regions

Accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and sometimes up to 70% in large cities, buildings are central to the low-carbon transition. Decarbonising buildings, especially older stock, through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy use not only reduces carbon emissions, but also generates co-benefits in health, energy affordability and the labour market. … Continue reading New publication from OECD: Decarbonising Buildings in Cities and Regions →

New survey on British attitudes on criteria when selecting a new home

A news item on the Property Reporter website discusses the findings of a survey commissioned by the Home Builders Federation on the sentiment among the British public towards more sustainable living, following in the wake of the recent energy crisis and growing general awareness of our individual carbon footprints. Demand for energy efficiency at … Continue reading New survey on British attitudes on criteria when selecting a new home →