Philipp Grünewald, EPSRC Fellow, Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford writes on The Conversation website about learning from the first lockdown to provide us with important lessons as we cope with the current pandemic. Four energy-saving lessons from the first lockdown which may help us through the winter The gold standard … Continue reading Changing some of our energy use routines due to the pandemic really can have significant benefits for ourselves and the planet
Shift to construction with wood could lead to a cleaner, greener future
Harry Cockburn writes on The Independent website that there are many environmental benefits from using wood as the construction material of choice, according to researchers at Aalto University in Finland, and the Finnish Environment Institute. Cities made of wood 'could store huge amounts of carbon and cut construction emissions' The construction material of choice … Continue reading Shift to construction with wood could lead to a cleaner, greener future
We need to recognise that electricity is only part of the necessary transformation for a cleaner, better tomorrow
George Loumakis, Lecturer in Energy at Glasgow Caledonian University writes on The Conversation website to clear up some mistakes that are commonly made to understand the difference between energy and electricity. As we design decarbonisation strategies, understanding the differences is critical. Energy isn't just electricity – the common mistake obscuring the mammoth task of … Continue reading We need to recognise that electricity is only part of the necessary transformation for a cleaner, better tomorrow
By shifting current policies and fundamental program designs, next-generation energy efficiency programmes can be a crucial tool for meeting deep carbon-reduction goals
Val Jensen writes on the Greentech media website about the need to revamp energy efficiency programmes to meet long-term energy and climate objectives. While he speaks about the United States, there are no doubt lessons for all of us. Revamped Energy Efficiency Programs Are the Key to Deep Carbon Reductions Across the U.S., governments … Continue reading By shifting current policies and fundamental program designs, next-generation energy efficiency programmes can be a crucial tool for meeting deep carbon-reduction goals
Blog from Stuart Fairlie: Don’t reinvent the wheel for commercial property retrofit
In the same way that Government-approved technical standards provided the foundation for the Green Homes Grant and the low energy retrofit of millions of UK homes, so similar energy efficiency standards are now being developed that should pave the way for the retrofit of commercial buildings. The only trouble is, the first draft of these … Continue reading Blog from Stuart Fairlie: Don’t reinvent the wheel for commercial property retrofit
Concerns about “net-zero energy ready” buildings in Canada
As many countries around the world are planning on ambitious energy efficient buildings, Canada has run into some problems for new buildings. John Bleasby discusses latest developments in an article on the Daily Commercial News website Energy efficiency advocates concerned about direction of 2020 NBC Two groups representing Canada’s leading edge of building energy … Continue reading Concerns about “net-zero energy ready” buildings in Canada
The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change
This pandemic reminds us how vulnerable this planet, and in particular humanity, really are. Another striking reminder is the latest publication of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) available on its website. For more on the report see also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q90lDeis7-o and https://youtu.be/5Gk9prsjmEg. Resistance and Challenges to Green Deals should not be underestimated “Scientific knowledge of climate … Continue reading The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change
New EEA briefing on the environmental impact of COVID-19 measures
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions imposed to fight the spread of the disease have provided some short-term positive impacts on Europe’s environment, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. These include temporary improvements in air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of noise pollution. However, the assessment also … Continue reading New EEA briefing on the environmental impact of COVID-19 measures
Targets for emissions cuts released by Chinese government this week
China will use energy more efficiently over the next five years and expects its carbon emissions to be on a steady decline by 2035 at the latest, according to a roadmap for the country's development released after top-level political meetings this week. Kevin Foster explains latest developments on the Argus website. China lays out … Continue reading Targets for emissions cuts released by Chinese government this week
New project aims to utilise cutting-edge wind propulsion technology to bring down the vast carbon emissions of commercial shipping
A maritime design specialist spun out of Sir Ben Ainslie’s yacht racing team (remember Ben won medals at five consecutive Olympics) will install solid 45-metre sails on cargo vessels with the aim of cutting emissions. Callum Jones discusses latest developments in an article on The Times website. Wind in the sails of emissions challenge … Continue reading New project aims to utilise cutting-edge wind propulsion technology to bring down the vast carbon emissions of commercial shipping
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 