This report by Matt Fulford, head of buildings at Sustain, in the Guardian, discusses what we can learn today from our heritage buildings. What can heritage buildings teach us about modern energy efficiency? Heritage buildings have, by definition, been around for a long time. With careful management, they are here to stay for hundreds … Continue reading Learning from the past
Category: technology
Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage
This new book on carbon capture and storage (CCS) takes a different approach than the normal technical review. This book will therefore be of interest to anyone who is engaged with the study of energy technologies, carbon reduction and climate change policy more widely, and concerned with questions about the political, policy and social context … Continue reading Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage
Feeling cool about air conditioning
While much of northern Europe is anxiously waiting for summer to really take hold, in Canada and the United States, a major heat wave has driven many to use their air conditioning to the maximum. Margaret Wente of Canada’s Globe and Mail writes here on the dilemma faced by the eco-conscious. The air conditioning … Continue reading Feeling cool about air conditioning
LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings
These are very important trial results on energy-efficient street lighting reported by Business Wire. LED Street Lighting Trial in 12 of World's Largest Cities Shows Up to 85% Energy Savings RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- LED (light-emitting diodes) street lighting can generate energy savings as high as 85%, an independent global … Continue reading LED street lighting trial in 12 of world’s largest cities shows up to 85% energy savings
CCS: Sitting on the wrong side of innovation
This is a valuable article by Matthew Ulterino, an independent consultant from London and a colleague of EiD. This is an excerpt from his article in Energy and Environment, Volume 23 No. 2&3, 2012. This is a debate that is going to continue for some time. Carbon Capture and Storage: Sitting on the Wrong … Continue reading CCS: Sitting on the wrong side of innovation
Discussing Germany’s nuclear exit
This is an important article by Damian Carrington of the Guardian on the costs of Germany’s phase out of nuclear. This is important because there is so much mis-information around. For all countries, watching this “experiment” in Germany and learning lessons from it will be essential. There is a need for more than just a … Continue reading Discussing Germany’s nuclear exit
Geneva: owners required to improve energy efficiency
In Geneva, the results of an aerial thermography targeting all the cantonal territory roofs are available on the Internet. Homeowners can benefit from expert advice for data interpretation and diagnosis of their building energy. "More than 35,000 buildings consume half the energy used in the township," said Isabel Friday Rochat, head of the Department of … Continue reading Geneva: owners required to improve energy efficiency
Short Takes
Important Comment On May 15th, at an event on Energy Efficient Buildings and Districts: Research to Accelerate Innovation at the European Economic and Social Committee, Ms. Silvia-Adriana, MEP and former rapporteur for the recast of the buildings directive said: “Energy efficiency is important for each household and not just for the European Union. We need … Continue reading Short Takes
Balancing the promotion of sustainable energy with government revenue
While this article by Gwyn Topham from the Guardian is on the UK, it is an important issue for all countries. Governments are caught between promoting sustainable energy and taxes they gain from “conventional” practices. Green cars will lead to fall in motoring revenue for Treasury, says study The drive to promote greener, more … Continue reading Balancing the promotion of sustainable energy with government revenue
Air conditioning in India
An interesting article published by the Times of India says that India has become more active in establishing minimum energy performance standards and appliance labelling. This article states that 12% of products labelled for energy efficiency fail the tests. How that compares to Europe or the US, I cannot say. Interestingly, the article notes that … Continue reading Air conditioning in India
