Germany benefits from citizen assembly on environmental ambitions

Inspired by citizens’ assemblies in Ireland and France, Germany is doing the same. One hundred and sixty Germans, four major issues, one goal: for lawmakers to live up to their climate pledges. The Citizen Assembly is set to debate Germany's environmental ambitions and make sure its voices are heard. Martin Kuebler discusses recent developments in … Continue reading Germany benefits from citizen assembly on environmental ambitions

Efforts underway in Germany to increase the demand for energy-efficient buildings

Alice Boldis and Christian Lütkehaus write on the Pinsent Mason website about recent developments in Germany that should increase the demand for more energy-efficient buildings. What are your views?   New carbon price makes energy efficiency in the German building sector even more important Heating oil will soon become more expensive for consumers in Germany … Continue reading Efforts underway in Germany to increase the demand for energy-efficient buildings

Impact of environmental taxes in the UK

A report from the UK National Audit Office acknowledges the benefits of taxation on organisations but questions what specific effects they achieve. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, discusses the issues in an article  in the April 2021 issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry.   Environmental taxes work – but we’re … Continue reading Impact of environmental taxes in the UK

Draft decision in Australia for households and small business with solar panels pay to inject their surplus production into the grid raises concerns

Australian households with rooftop solar panels could be charged for exporting electricity into the power grid at times when it is not needed under proposed changes to the national electricity market. Bruce Mountain, Director, Victoria Energy Policy Centre at Victoria University writes on The Conversation website that this could prove to be a big mistake … Continue reading Draft decision in Australia for households and small business with solar panels pay to inject their surplus production into the grid raises concerns

Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label

Elmhurst Energy, the UK's largest accreditation scheme for energy assessors, gives its views on how EPCs should be re-designed in Britain. What are your views?   Don’t scrap EPCs, but redesign them to show cost, carbon AND energy metrics, says Elmhurst Energy MPs shouldn’t misunderstand the fundamental value of EPCs But new opportunities could transform … Continue reading Don’t scrap Energy Performance Certificates – redesign them like a food label

Cities of Leeds and London will be home to a new UK centre for driving global green finance and investment

The research hubs in the two cities will provide data and analytics to financial institutions and services such as banks, lenders, investors and insurers around the world to better support investment and business decisions by considering the impact on the environment and climate change. The hubs also aim to attract and develop new green finance … Continue reading Cities of Leeds and London will be home to a new UK centre for driving global green finance and investment

Britain comes up with its own emissions trading scheme

On January 1st, EiD had a post about Britain, Brexit and ETS and where everything was heading. Now Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation writes in February issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry about Britain’s own emissions trading scheme. Although the UK has set its own scheme, it is likely that, … Continue reading Britain comes up with its own emissions trading scheme

US trails China and EU in creating clean energy jobs

Alexandra Ellerbeck writes on the Washington Post website about the challenges facing the Biden administration to create millions of jobs, particularly related to battery technology critical for powering electric cars and storing solar and wind energy   China, Europe way ahead of U.S. when it comes to clean energy jobs President Biden has promised that … Continue reading US trails China and EU in creating clean energy jobs

French court decision this week “a historic victory for climate justice”

French judges have ruled that the government is failing to meet its obligations to fight climate change in a decision hailed as a triumph for environmental campaigners. Charles Bremner writes on The Times website about this week’s developments.   France failing to meet Paris climate pledge French judges have ruled that the government is failing … Continue reading French court decision this week “a historic victory for climate justice”

Automakers recognise the future importance of electrification but still need to increase fuel efficiency

Though EVs are important, it’s emissions from the entire automobile fleet – meaning vehicles of all types and sizes – that ultimately matter for climate. John DeCicco, Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan argues in an article on The Conversation website about the need to continue increasing fuel efficiency.   To make the … Continue reading Automakers recognise the future importance of electrification but still need to increase fuel efficiency