Category: EU policies

The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out

On 27 March 2013, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper on "A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies". This document launches a public consultation lasting until 2 July, allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views; for example on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy … Continue reading The EC’s Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” finally out →

Impact of air pollution in the UK

John Vidal writes in the Guardian about air quality in UK cities, although primarily London, and what it is doing to health. One monitoring station in London shows the fourth highest levels of NO2 of over 2,000 monitoring stations in Europe. Cities are missing targets set under EU laws, but questions arise as to who … Continue reading Impact of air pollution in the UK →

Finally – three cheers for efficient boilers!

Coolproducts, a coalition of NGOs from all across Europe working to ensure ecodesign policy works for Europeans and the environment, finally had something to celebrate this week.  One would not think it would be that difficult to approve minimum energy performance standards for boilers, but it has been a very difficult road, indeed.  In fact, … Continue reading Finally – three cheers for efficient boilers! →

Public consultation launched on linking Australian, EU Emission Trading Systems

Australia's Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) have launched an online public consultation on registry options for linking the Australian and European Union emission trading systems. The DCCEE and DG CLIMA jointly authored a consultation paper on “Registry Options to Facilitate Linking of … Continue reading Public consultation launched on linking Australian, EU Emission Trading Systems →

Two important new reports

Estimating potential additional energy savings from upcoming revisions to existing regulations under the ecodesign and energy labelling directives, by CLASP and eceee  In the new discussion paper, CLASP has identified an additional 40-70 TWh per annum by 2030 from eleven existing ecodesign and energy labelling regulations covering seven product groups. All eleven regulations are scheduled … Continue reading Two important new reports →

More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission

In the recent post on Britain's taxing issue, EiD quoted Andrew Warren, Director of the UK Association for the Conservation of Energy.  Following other comments that EiD has received, Andrew has kindly provided the following extended note.  As all Europeans are trying to address how to finance energy efficiency investments, this is an important issue … Continue reading More on UK’s VAT issue with European Commission →

Letter to the editor of The Independent

This is a very interesting letter to the editor of a major British newspaper published February 12th.  It was written by a friend of EiD, Bill Bordass, who has been part of a group battling with how the UK government is implementing the display of energy performance certificate.  Our red tape John Morgan . . … Continue reading Letter to the editor of The Independent →

European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its “Annual Management Plan 2013,” which outlines the EEA work programme that will address a broad range of issues including: air quality and noise; air pollutant emissions; climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; energy; and transport. The Annual Management Plan includes sections on: EEA mission statement, vision and strategic objectives; … Continue reading European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme →