Sustainable development in the Paris region

Paris is taking a very progressive approach on sustainable development. You can see from the “Neighbourhood” that there are good things going on in the EiD “quartier.” This article from Agence France Presse presents a new roadmap that the regional council has recently published. Sustainable Development: the Ile de France presents its roadmap PARIS … Continue reading Sustainable development in the Paris region →

The challenges for energy efficiency in Russia

EiD has previously had posts on energy efficiency developments in Russia. They are important because Russia is going through a fundamental change on how it relates to energy demand. Much of the economy is built on energy supply and exporting it to western markets. But there is also an increasing realisation that its own use … Continue reading The challenges for energy efficiency in Russia →

Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances

A study by the Energy Saving Trust in the UK of energy wasted from stand-by use provides important lessons for all countries. Even though there have been campaigns and energy performance standards to reduce stand-by consumption, the total impact is still a major concern. Energy Saving Trust: households waste £1.3bn for leaving gadget switched … Continue reading Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances →

Figures for the week

A few key figures from France on the buildings sector that show the challenge for a retrofit strategy: Potential to renovate homes in France: 20 million Energy for heating in houses: 37% gas, 35% electricity, 22% oil, 6% wood Construction date of housing stock: 33% of homes predate 1948, 32% between 1948 and 1975, … Continue reading Figures for the week →

EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break

BusinessGreen reports (below) that the European Commission recently ordered the UK government to repeal a law that allows reduced rates of VAT on insulation materials and solar panels, on the grounds that it fails to comply with the EU's VAT Directive. In a bizarre move, the European Commission suggests a defence that the UK can … Continue reading EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break →

MPs have no idea how to meet the ‘carbon’ target they voted for

When readers asked their MPs to explain how the UK would cut CO2 emissions by 80 per cent, the answers made worrying reading. This is an important article from Britain's Sunday Telegraph. MPs have no idea how to meet the 'carbon' target they voted for by Christopher Booker The Sunday Telegraph The great global … Continue reading MPs have no idea how to meet the ‘carbon’ target they voted for →

Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency

This article from Japan’s newservice, Asahi Shimbun, highlights some disturbing news if Japan is to fully transform its energy sector, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. RIO+20: Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency June 20, 2012 By LOUIS TEMPLADO/ Staff Writer For a few months last summer, Japan looked with unclouded eyes … Continue reading Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency →

Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy in Buildings & Industry, a UK monthly magazine, features in its June issue a report by the electricity company npower that shows that UK businesses are missing out on significant energy savings by not having trained staff in place to procure energy. The average SME spends about €225,000 per year. The report said that … Continue reading Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises →

Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support

Many countries have had to re-think their policies to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies. This article from CleanTechnica.com provides important information on developments in the Czech Republic. Czech Solar Energy Industry Must Struggle with Retroactive Change in Support June 11, 2012 By Zachary Shahan CleanTechnica.com I received the following news release just … Continue reading Czech solar energy industry must struggle with retroactive change in support →

Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes

We can expect more of this type of article as Germany implements its decision to completely phase out nuclear energy. No one said it would be easy and it won’t. But hopefully the drive and determination of the Germans will inspire others. There are lessons for all of us. Germany’s Energy Revolution Hits Potholes … Continue reading Germany’s energy revolution hits potholes →