Devising new cycle lanes that protect cyclists and contribute to more sustainable cities

Oliver Balch writes a good article in The Observer about plans for a novel new cycle path in Chicago that will be a floating car-free bike path along the surface of the Chicago River. Chicago entices cyclists with plan for floating, solar-powered bike path City cyclists, picture the scene: no more road-hogging drivers, no … Continue reading Devising new cycle lanes that protect cyclists and contribute to more sustainable cities →

Local governments taking the lead to promote sustainable energy

We are increasingly appreciating how local governments are playing a key role in the low carbon energy transition. Silvia Zinetti, a previous contributor to EiD, is a sustainable energy expert and policy advisor, based in California. Many of you will remember Silvia when she was working in Brussels in sustainable energy. She brought her experience … Continue reading Local governments taking the lead to promote sustainable energy →

It takes money to make money: getting money to flow into energy efficiency projects

Jim Barrett, Chief Economist, for ACEEE, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, writes an excellent blog on the ACEEE website about an initiative by the Bank of America to increase investments at the community level. Bank of America’s Energy Efficiency Financing Program shows path to combining energy savings and community development If you … Continue reading It takes money to make money: getting money to flow into energy efficiency projects →

Australia finds that, with federal climate change policies lacking, the local level is taking up the cause

We all know how important the local and regional levels are for promoting and contributing towards the energy transition. Stephen Bygrave, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, writes a good article in The Guardian about how the local level has been a major force in Australia, especially given that the federal level has definitely not taken … Continue reading Australia finds that, with federal climate change policies lacking, the local level is taking up the cause →

Reviewing the benefits to our cities of energy-efficient buildings

We are increasingly aware of the importance of addressing climate and energy issues at the urban level. This is a good article by Eric Maackres on the Eco-Business website about four ways he has identified that cities benefit from better energy performing buildings. 4 surprising ways energy-efficient buildings benefit cities Urbanisation presents major challenges: … Continue reading Reviewing the benefits to our cities of energy-efficient buildings →

State of New York wants to lead on green energy

It is actually quite interesting to see everything going on in the US. The Obama administration has found ways around Congress to make progress on clean energy and many states and cities are increasingly active. Justin Gillis writes in the New York Times about the developments underway in New York. New York Plans to … Continue reading State of New York wants to lead on green energy →

Have your say . . .

Silvia Zinetti is well known to many of us who have been working in and around Brussels. Last year she moved to the San Diego area but has continued to work in the field of sustainable energy and wrote a post for EiD last summer. She is very involved with many local groups encouraging sustainable … Continue reading Have your say . . . →

Reflections on a COST-JRC workshop on the role of cities-regions in achieving a low-carbon economy

Increasingly, we are better understanding the important role cities and regions can and should play to effectively address priority areas such as climate change and sustainable energy. Cities and regions are unique because so much happens in a relatively small area: we live, work and play there and globally we are becoming increasingly urbanised. This … Continue reading Reflections on a COST-JRC workshop on the role of cities-regions in achieving a low-carbon economy →

Good initiative in London to encourage business to reduce emissions

Matt Field writes on the edie.net website about the second Business Energy Challenge to get businesses to take action to reduce emissions mainly through improving energy efficiency. London hosts energy efficiency challenge for businesses The London Mayor's office has launched its second Business Energy Challenge to encourage corporations to step up to meeting city-wide … Continue reading Good initiative in London to encourage business to reduce emissions →

Plans for community-owned solar panels on buildings

ClickGreen provides an interesting article on the recent developments in Edinburgh for a partnership to create a community-owned renewable energy project. Will this be the way of the future? Edinburgh plans for UK's largest community renewable energy project Edinburgh Council has revealed plans to install community-owned solar panels on buildings across the Scottish capital. … Continue reading Plans for community-owned solar panels on buildings →