Assessing the benefits of energy efficiency

It is encouraging to see when the benefits of sustainable energy are explained to new audiences Stacey Paradis, executive director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, writes a good article on the midwestenergynews website about the benefits of energy efficiency that Americans should remember, even as the US federal government starts dismantling many of the … Continue reading Assessing the benefits of energy efficiency →

Beware what glows in the dark

The Internet of Things, activated through apps, promises tremendous convenience to homeowners. But it may also prove irresistible to hackers. John Markoff writes a good article in The New York Times that should give you plenty to think about as we design our sustainable energy policies. Why Light Bulbs May Be the Next Hacker … Continue reading Beware what glows in the dark →

Bioenergy may be reducing emissions but not by nearly as much as is claimed

Bioenergy has been steeped in controversy about the net benefits and the costs. Michael Le Page writes a good article in The New Scientist that it is not yet time yet to cheer about the impact on reducing emissions. Revealed: The renewable energy scam making global warming worse On the face of it, Europe … Continue reading Bioenergy may be reducing emissions but not by nearly as much as is claimed →

Appreciating the multiple benefits of energy efficiency in Scotland

There are many important reasons for taking energy efficiency seriously. Nathanael Williams writes a good article on the Commonspace website that leading economists are backing a housing and energy charity in Scotland that is calling for infrastructure energy efficiency for a jobs boost. Leading economists say 'national efficiency programme' could bring 9,000 jobs to … Continue reading Appreciating the multiple benefits of energy efficiency in Scotland →

Energy transition in India bringing many benefits

It is encouraging how the deployment of renewable energy technologies is gaining momentum. Hugh Bowring writes a good article on the GreenBiz website about how increased renewable energy deployment is bringing many societal benefits to India. How affordable solar energy is transforming lives in India The world is in the midst of a solar … Continue reading Energy transition in India bringing many benefits →

Good news on jobs in energy efficiency

When we discuss energy efficiency policies, everyone wants to know the impact on jobs. This is totally understandable. Carl Weinschenk writes on the Energy Manager Today website about recent analysis in the US. Do we have equivalent and recent data in Europe? Big Job Gains in Energy Efficiency Sectors A report from the U.S. … Continue reading Good news on jobs in energy efficiency →

Fifth fuel? First fuel? Gains from energy efficiency “biggest energy resource, and cheapest”

Increasingly, people are starting to appreciate the impact of improved energy efficiency. In Europe, every day we are reading about “energy efficiency first” or even, as in this article, continuing to consider it the “fifth fuel.” The important point is that improved energy efficiency is finally getting the recognition it deserves because it has silently … Continue reading Fifth fuel? First fuel? Gains from energy efficiency “biggest energy resource, and cheapest” →

The impact of air pollution

Air pollution is discussed more and more. We have read about the impact in cities. We are reading about the impact from aviation and diesel vehicles and on and on. Chelsea Harvey writes a good article in the Washington Post about the impact in the US. It is encouraging that it is improving but there … Continue reading The impact of air pollution →

Exploring the impact of air pollution

Air pollution is known for serious health and climate change impacts. Now, as Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post, there is a link with violent crime. Researchers just discovered a hidden factor that could be driving violent crimes In a paper published by the National Bureau for Economic Research, two researchers say they … Continue reading Exploring the impact of air pollution →

Energy efficiency employs nearly 1 million in the EU

Some 900 thousand people were employed in work relating to the supply of energy efficient goods and services in 2010, according to a new study entitled ‘assessing the employment and social impact of energy efficiency’. The study, published in December 2015, found that the sectors with the greatest levels of energy efficiency jobs were those … Continue reading Energy efficiency employs nearly 1 million in the EU →