Understanding what people know about energy efficiency in a favela in Rio de Janeiro

The architect Aline Marieta, writing on the Rio On Watch website, analyses energy efficiency in 16 homes, between public and self-built units in a favela in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone. Energy Efficiency: Never Seen It, Never Ate It, and Least of All Heard of It! Have you heard of energy efficiency? This was … Continue reading Understanding what people know about energy efficiency in a favela in Rio de Janeiro →

Improved energy efficiency has important role in our energy transition

Reaching the net zero targets announced by countries around the world isn’t just about generating cleaner energy: it will also require significant improvements in making our energy use more efficient. These issues are discussed in an article on the Open Access Government website The role of energy efficiency in achieving net zero targets Energy … Continue reading Improved energy efficiency has important role in our energy transition →

Efforts underway in Germany to increase the demand for energy-efficient buildings

Alice Boldis and Christian Lütkehaus write on the Pinsent Mason website about recent developments in Germany that should increase the demand for more energy-efficient buildings. What are your views? New carbon price makes energy efficiency in the German building sector even more important Heating oil will soon become more expensive for consumers in Germany … Continue reading Efforts underway in Germany to increase the demand for energy-efficient buildings →

35 million time bomb: what’s up with the EU Renovation Wave?

I feel like a broken record. Every time I’m with a group related to energy and climate, the discussion obviously gets to meeting our long-term objectives. That is quite understandable. But while we discuss where we want to go in general terms we are much more uncomfortable talking about how to get there. For example, … Continue reading 35 million time bomb: what’s up with the EU Renovation Wave? →

Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label

Elmhurst Energy, the UK's largest accreditation scheme for energy assessors, gives its views on how EPCs should be re-designed in Britain. What are your views? Don’t scrap EPCs, but redesign them to show cost, carbon AND energy metrics, says Elmhurst Energy MPs shouldn’t misunderstand the fundamental value of EPCs But new opportunities could transform … Continue reading Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label →

Calls for longer net-zero regulatory roadmap for commercial and industrial buildings in England and Wales

The introduction of new rules in England and Wales on measuring the energy performance of commercial and industrial buildings is a vital step forward. The British Property Federation, however, is calling for a longer net-zero regulatory roadmap beyond 2030, to give the sector more time to make the necessary changes. An article on the Property … Continue reading Calls for longer net-zero regulatory roadmap for commercial and industrial buildings in England and Wales →

The road to climate-neutrality: Are EU national long-term renovation strategies fit for 2050?

With the EU Renovation Wave and European Green Deal, every effort by all member states is so crucial to achieve the long-term climate and energy objectives. This report by BPIE makes one wonder how serious we really are in achieving our long-term goals. Will this be a wake-up call? Hopefully, but it’s not obvious. … Continue reading The road to climate-neutrality: Are EU national long-term renovation strategies fit for 2050? →

Understanding carbon-free construction

Buildings and construction generate nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. As urbanisation skyrockets, the sector needs to find ways to rapidly decarbonise through net-zero building as required under the EU Energy Performance In Buildings Directive and to meet our long-term climate and energy objectives. Stuart Braun provides a good account to understanding carbon-free construction in … Continue reading Understanding carbon-free construction →

Retrofitting buildings starts with what you already have

A good article on the Propmodo website provides a good message about our climate goals and buildings. It says we cannot build our way to meet our sustainability goals. It goes on that there is a growing number of tools to help refurbish and renew existing buildings and cities are paying attention to this. What … Continue reading Retrofitting buildings starts with what you already have →

To reach our climate change targets and produce real, meaningful energy savings we have to think bigger

Cher Murphy writes on The Stewardship Report website about the need for us to be much more ambitious in our actions to improve energy efficiency. What are your views? Why Small Changes Are Not Enough in Energy Efficiency Millions of people take steps each year to try to reduce their carbon footprint and save … Continue reading To reach our climate change targets and produce real, meaningful energy savings we have to think bigger →