Large enterprises required to have regular mandatory audits but that policy is still not a game changer

For many organisations it was merely a box-ticking exercise required under the 2012 EU Energy Efficiency Directive. In Britain it was called the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme and there were hopes it would really make a difference and drive energy efficiency investments. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation and a friend of … Continue reading Large enterprises required to have regular mandatory audits but that policy is still not a game changer →

Japanese government urged to reconsider its ”disappointing” proposals to cut GHG emissions and adopt a more “ambitious” stance

Samuel Lovett writes on The Independent website about the lack of ambition in Japan’s latest targets that remain unchanged from first commitments made five years ago under Paris Agreement. Japan’s latest climate change plans criticised as ‘feeble’ and ‘shameful’ Japan’s new proposals for fighting climate change have been described as “feeble” and “shameful”, after … Continue reading Japanese government urged to reconsider its ”disappointing” proposals to cut GHG emissions and adopt a more “ambitious” stance →

IEA welcomes Luxembourg’s ambitions to shift to a low-carbon economy

In its latest in-depth review of Luxembourg’s energy policies, the IEA notes that Luxembourg faces challenges in achieving its energy objectives but welcomes their approach. These are described in an article by the Newsroom on the Modern Diplomacy website. IEA support Luxembourg’s ambitious energy transition goals Luxembourg is targeting a sharp reduction in emissions … Continue reading IEA welcomes Luxembourg’s ambitions to shift to a low-carbon economy →

The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards for automobiles this week, creating regulatory confusion for the auto industry

Alyssa Danigelis, writing on the Environment + Energy Leader website, discusses the confusion that has been created by the Trump administration rolling back on the previous planned approach to improve fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. Now the annual improvement is significantly lower than previously planned. But there are still clashes with the new federal standards … Continue reading The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards for automobiles this week, creating regulatory confusion for the auto industry →

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia scored poorly in terms of energy transition readiness

All countries need to review their policies to ensure they are on the right path for the low-carbon energy transition. Fadhila El Discha writes on the ASEAN Post website that Indonesia has much to do to reach the levels of readiness of their regional neighbours. Indonesia needs a better clean energy policy While ASEAN … Continue reading In Southeast Asia, Indonesia scored poorly in terms of energy transition readiness →

Calls in Hungary for climate and energy policy reform

Zsófia Végh writes on the Budapest Business Journal website climate and energy policy reforms are needed in Hungary. To start with, Hungarian energy strategy needs to be dealt with in the context of climate policy and economic development. There is also a need to accelerate decarbonisation. What are your views? Efficient Climate and Energy … Continue reading Calls in Hungary for climate and energy policy reform →

Denmark’s parliament adopted new climate law on Friday

Denmark’s parliament adopted a new climate law on Friday, committing to reach 70% below its 1990 emissions in the next eleven years. The new law binds Denmark to the international climate process, including climate finance to developing countries. Joselyn Timperley explains in an article on the Climate Home News website. Denmark adopts climate law … Continue reading Denmark’s parliament adopted new climate law on Friday →

Toyota’s reputation at stake because it is not siding with California over fuel-efficiency standards

Toyota has spent decades cultivating an environmentally conscious reputation for pioneering the Prius, the first mass-market hybrid in the United States, along with other hybrid cars. Now that reputation may suffer because it has sided with the federal government against the government of California over stricter fuel efficiency standards for vehicles. Dino Grandoni explains in … Continue reading Toyota’s reputation at stake because it is not siding with California over fuel-efficiency standards →

Understanding the importance of EU energy performance standards in Britain

Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, asks an important question in the October issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry about Britain’s future in EU energy performance standards. They have had an important impact in lowering electricity consumption in recent years but, because of Brexit, there are worries that Britain may take … Continue reading Understanding the importance of EU energy performance standards in Britain →

Canadian youth taking government to court over its role in climate change

There was just a federal election this week that now has the government in a minority position. Already, there is controversy over a new pipeline, seen by many to help support the fossil fuel industry. Meanwhile, several youth are keeping up the pressure on the government to be more ambitious addressing climate change. 15 children … Continue reading Canadian youth taking government to court over its role in climate change →