In praise of Paris’ climate and energy transition

Jimmy Thomson, Editor-In-Chief of Canada’s National Observer, was obviously in Paris recently and impressed with how the city has transitioned to improve its sustainability. The city’s efforts to transform its downtown into an active-transportation Mecca had attracted me on a pilgrimage across the world to see what it looks and feels like. You can tell … Continue reading In praise of Paris’ climate and energy transition →

Spotlight on EU funded project to provide home renovation roadmaps to address energy poverty in vulnerable rural districts

The EU-funded project RENOVERTY fosters energy efficiency building upgrades in the energy poor households of Central and Eastern Europe, South-eastern Europe and Southern European countries. The project aims to deliver tools and resources to support local and regional actors to build and execute operational single or multi-household roadmaps for rural areas. It has been underway … Continue reading Spotlight on EU funded project to provide home renovation roadmaps to address energy poverty in vulnerable rural districts →

How cities can prepare for the “adaptation gap”

In an article on The Conversation website, Paul O'Hare, Lecturer in Human Geography and Urban Development, Manchester Metropolitan University gives his views on how cities should prepare to address the impact of climate change. Five ways to make cities more resilient to climate change Climate breakdown poses immense threats to global economies, societies and … Continue reading How cities can prepare for the “adaptation gap” →

Air quality in Paris significantly improving

Air pollution fell substantially as the city restricted car traffic and made way for parks and bike lanes. Naema Ahmed and Chico Harlan discuss the improvements in an article on the Washington Post website. Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change. Over the past 20 years, Paris has … Continue reading Air quality in Paris significantly improving →

New ranking of global cities that highlights Europe’s ability to balance sustainability and growth in its urban centres

In an article on The Conversation website, Pascual Berrone, Head of Strategic Management Department and Chair of Sustainability and Business Strategy, IESE Business School (Universidad de Navarra) and Joan Enric Ricart, Professor of Strategic Management, Chair of Strategic Management, IESE Business School (Universidad de Navarra) discuss the new ranking of 183 cites in 92 countries. … Continue reading New ranking of global cities that highlights Europe’s ability to balance sustainability and growth in its urban centres →

Energy in Demand News, April 6-7, 2025

Let’s start this early spring week with some background music for you to enjoy reading this week’s newsletter. Everyone is still trying to come to grips with the “Liberation Day” tariffs that we’ve all been saddled with. The Guardian reports that there have been some exceptions. “Trump’s new 10% universal tariffs – which are higher … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 6-7, 2025 →

Breakthrough agreement set to accelerate renewable energy rollout across Europe

Renewable energy supplies could surge across Europe following a breakthrough agreement to minimise local opposition to new wind, solar and electricity grid projects, announced this week by the global network of local and regional governments, Local Governments for Sustainability Europe (ICLEI). Development time could be cut significantly for new wind, solar and electricity grid connection … Continue reading Breakthrough agreement set to accelerate renewable energy rollout across Europe →

This year Toronto will be the second city in Canada to have emission reduction rules for new and old buildings

Cloe Logan writes on the National Observer website about new emission reduction rules in Toronto for new and old buildings that could be an important step toward the city’s climate targets while avoiding rent hikes for tenants. Toronto can reduce building emissions while protecting tenants – here's how By the end of the year, … Continue reading This year Toronto will be the second city in Canada to have emission reduction rules for new and old buildings →

Britain takes important step forward to retrofit its building stock

The LHC Procurement Group, established by London Boroughs in 1966, provides knowledge and experience, technical expertise, commitment to better homes and buildings and fast and efficient procurement which delivers financial gains. It brings buyers and suppliers together to build, refurbish and maintain social housing and public property more efficiently and cost effectively, and to benefit … Continue reading Britain takes important step forward to retrofit its building stock →

Blog by Jane Marsh: How Flood-Prone Cities Can Become Hydro Energy Hubs

Many people live far away from coasts and flood plains, worrying about how it would affect their investments and livelihoods. Regions known for its flooding trends can transform their reputation by capturing the heavy winds and rain. Then, it could turn into electricity for citizens. How do these geographies become hydroelectric havens instead of battered … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: How Flood-Prone Cities Can Become Hydro Energy Hubs →