Update on the energy performance of buildings

Improving the energy performance of our buildings is a high priority as countries roll out their net-zero energy transition strategies. This week there were two interesting articles you should be aware of: The Mortgage Solutions website writes that around 80 per cent of landlords have already completed energy efficiency works in the UK. Check out … Continue reading Update on the energy performance of buildings →

Dutch government announces major funding for climate measures

A news item on the Dutch News website details the latest funding for climate measures in The Netherlands. The approach is to ensure climate policy ‘works for everyone, no matter where they live, their age or their income.’ Is it enough? Cabinet allocates €28bn to slashing CO2 emissions The cabinet is to spend €28 … Continue reading Dutch government announces major funding for climate measures →

UK’s National Grid is preparing to pay people to reduce their electricity usage at peak times again

Emily Gosden writes on The Times website about the plans to pay people to reduce their electricity use at peak times next winter. Are readers aware of such initiatives in other countries? National Grid set to revive ‘demand flexibility’ payments for saving electricity National Grid is preparing to pay people to reduce their electricity … Continue reading UK’s National Grid is preparing to pay people to reduce their electricity usage at peak times again →

Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment?

As the European Union slashes its gas use by almost 20 per cent, the UK stubbornly refuses to follow suit. Could a lack of Government commitment be hampering progress asks Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, in a column in the April issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry magazine? The … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment? →

Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

A recent Parliamentary report in France highlighted “the reasons for the loss of sovereignty and energy independence of France”. Le Monde introduced it as “the damning report on France's energy choices, and its loss of sovereignty: "A political rambling that has taken us away from the ecological transition."” Paul Messad discusses the report in an … Continue reading Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system →

Britain’s energy transition: looking at its building stock, the challenges are daunting to meet the net-zero target

Thursday, March 30th, the UK government announced its net-zero strategy and you can get the main elements of it here in an article on the Guardian website. Jillian Ambrose wrote a very important background article on Monday on the Guardian website, focusing on the negligible progress made in improving the energy efficiency of its building … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: looking at its building stock, the challenges are daunting to meet the net-zero target →

Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive?

Next-generation nuclear technologies will divert resources away from cheaper options that can more quickly contribute to energy security and climate goals, argues Andrew Warren, former special advisor to the House of Commons environment committee and a friend of EiD, in an article on the Business Green website. Small modular reactors are a high-risk and … Continue reading Is there really a need in Britain for small modular nuclear reactors in the net-zero drive? →

Cost, consumption, carbon – EPCs in the UK must change to measure all three

A report from Elmhurst Energy is urging an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) revamp as part of 10 act-now policy and industry recommendations it says are necessary for preventing the UK from stalling further in its journey to carbon net zero and delivering truly energy efficient homes. EPCs must change if they are to properly support … Continue reading Cost, consumption, carbon – EPCs in the UK must change to measure all three →

Blog from Jane Marsh: Can the U.S. EPA Do More to Regulate Emissions from Energy?

The climate crisis is becoming more of a concern than ever before. With global temperatures rising, it is no surprise that certain regions are experiencing the effects of climate change, such as melting ice caps, more severe natural disasters and extreme droughts. The U.S. EPA is well-known for establishing regulations and requirements for companies and … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: Can the U.S. EPA Do More to Regulate Emissions from Energy? →

Fossil fuels still dominate the German heating market

A new heating report in Germany shows that oil and gas boilers continue to dominate the heating market. Heat pump sales, however, have increased more than 50%. According to the German heat pump association (BWP), the report “clearly shows that the incentives to switch heating systems to renewable technologies are not yet sufficient.” The heat … Continue reading Fossil fuels still dominate the German heating market →