Energy company obligations in Britain – two important papers

Energy savings obligations in the UK – a history of change: Jan Rosenow of the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford has produced a paper for a special issue of the journal Energy Policy that looks at Energy Savings Obligations in the UK. More specifically, it discusses how the policy instrument changed over time and … Continue reading Energy company obligations in Britain – two important papers →

Ireland should give priority to energy efficiency

Harry McGee of The Irish Times reported of a report that is being prepared by the National Economic and Social Council to provide analysis to inform the development of Irish climate change policy. The work was commissioned by the Minister of Environment. An interim report is out and the final report is due by the … Continue reading Ireland should give priority to energy efficiency →

How shale gas is affecting energy efficiency discussions

John Funk of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on the discussions underway at an energy efficiency conference at the end of September. What it shows is that there are many who are now questioning the focus on energy efficiency when such cheap energy supply is available. Shale gas dominates energy efficiency conference The steady … Continue reading How shale gas is affecting energy efficiency discussions →

RE + build 2012

Rod Janssen recently attended Italy's first national convention on best practices, case studies, and experience to retrofit buildings. The conference was to kickstart the transformation of Italy’s retrofit construction market. Rod spoke at one session on the impact of EU legislation on retrofitting buildings. It is useful for EiD readers to read some of the … Continue reading RE + build 2012 →

Retrofitting older homes in Canada

After the second war, there was a big effort in Canada to ensure that returning soldiers and other needy families were provided with basic housing. These wartime houses were built throughout Canada. Unfortunately, while they were built quickly, they were not always the most energy efficient. This is a good article by the Daily Commercial … Continue reading Retrofitting older homes in Canada →

The challenge of meeting energy efficiency obligations in the UK

Terry Macalister of the Guardian writes the efforts of Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, to ensure the big six energy suppliers to ensure they meet their legal obligations. Energy firms face fines over obligations to vulnerable customers Suppliers have until 31 December to meet commitments to make homes more efficient after data reveals failings, says Ofgem … Continue reading The challenge of meeting energy efficiency obligations in the UK →

Getting the youth to give their opinions

It is encouraging to see the effort underway in Australia. Laura Nelson of Sun Community Newspapers writes about an initiative to get students to provide their views on the future of federal renewable energy policies in Australia. Youth comment on renewable energy GRIFFITH University students are having their say on the Federal Government's renewable … Continue reading Getting the youth to give their opinions →

VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects

The UK government is to fight an EU ruling that the UK must raise VAT on energy efficiency products from 5% to 20%. VAT was reduced to 5% on energy efficiency products in the UK because government wants to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs. Andrew Warren of the Association for the … Continue reading VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects →

Addressing fuel poverty in Scotland

Scotland’s Daily Record news describes efforts underway by the Scottish Government to more effectively address fuel poverty. The article quotes Brenda Boardman, who has championed the cause of tackling fuel poverty. Calls for fuel poverty to be stamped out by improving energy efficiency THE Scottish Government has pledged to ensure that by November 2016, "so … Continue reading Addressing fuel poverty in Scotland →

Germany’s transition to low carbon economy leaves no stone unturned

Stefan Nicola of Bloomberg’s Businessweek.com provides more information on Germany as it seeks ways to ensure the effective transition to a low carbon, no nuclear future. EiD continues to provide its readers useful articles on Germany because it is one of the most important test cases in Europe and globally to show what must and … Continue reading Germany’s transition to low carbon economy leaves no stone unturned →