EU funding to help develop renewable energy in Ireland and UK

While the UK takes the next steps for leaving the EU, there is still funding coming from Brussels to help in supporting sustainable energy development. Latest developments are explained in an article in the Belfast Telegraph.   EU to spend millions researching renewable energy in Britain and Ireland  The EU is to spend almost 10 … Continue reading EU funding to help develop renewable energy in Ireland and UK

Canada can capitalise on the global clean energy demand for metals and minerals

Mining can be a dirty business. Unfortunately, our lifestyles depend on a wide range of minerals and metals. Fortunately, there are efforts to promote sustainability. Dan Woynillowicz and Merran Smith from Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue have written a good article on the Policy Options website about Canadian mining and the clean energy transition. … Continue reading Canada can capitalise on the global clean energy demand for metals and minerals

Innovation is exalted, maintenance devalued – but maintenance brings many benefits

Sometimes it is good to have a wake up call about priorities. In our throw away culture (that is slowly changing) it is time to look at the value of maintenance. Andrew Russell from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Lee Vinsel from Virginia Tech do just that in an article in the New York Times. … Continue reading Innovation is exalted, maintenance devalued – but maintenance brings many benefits

Assessing what Americans are investing in energy efficiency

As we await the International Energy Agency’s 2017 assessment of the energy efficiency market report, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has come up with its own assessment for the United States. What are your views? How Many Billions Do U.S. Businesses and Individuals Invest in Energy Efficiency Each Year? Energy efficiency investments occur … Continue reading Assessing what Americans are investing in energy efficiency

European Investment Bank increases investments in sustainable energy

The EIB is the world's largest international public lending institution. It is an institution of the European Union and plays an important role funding infrastructure and other related measures in Europe and globally. Joshua S Hill writes on the CleanTechnica website about new commitments the EIB has made to support sustainable energy.   European Investment … Continue reading European Investment Bank increases investments in sustainable energy

Future generations will have to pay dearly for our recklessness

We know that business as usual cannot continue. We are seeing the impact of our lack of addressing climate change every day. One assumes it will only get worse. James Dyke from the University of Southampton has estimated what future generations will have to pay because of our lack of attention. Is this really what … Continue reading Future generations will have to pay dearly for our recklessness

Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign in US explained

On the Deutsche Welle website, Charlotta Lomas interviews a senior US mayor about an important new initiative by local governments related to climate change.   Politics aside, it′s all about climate With Trump ditching climate action, mayors across the US are stepping up. Steve Benjamin, co-chair of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign, told … Continue reading Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign in US explained

Industry in Europe starting to get support to improve energy performance

Since the oil crises in the 1970s, industry has been treated specially, although not always in ways that led to important improvements in energy performance. There is no need to repeat the history of stop-start energy efficiency policy. The context has significantly changed since most global leaders importantly agreed on the Paris climate agreement in … Continue reading Industry in Europe starting to get support to improve energy performance

Building owners and operators recognise that energy efficiency continues to make sense

Hilary Firestone and Dan Sakaguchi write on the Natural Resources Defense Council website about the role of the real estate community in promoting sustainability.   Real Estate’s Commitment to Green Continues to Grow Whether it is President Trump’s proposed budget or Scott Pruitt’s rollback of EPA policies, the federal government appears to be walking backward … Continue reading Building owners and operators recognise that energy efficiency continues to make sense

Local governments continue to fill policy gap

We have read much recently about how US states and local governments are playing an increasingly important role in taking action on climate change and sustainable energy. This is equally true in Europe. Now Michael Slezak writes in The Guardian about similar actions in Australia.   Australian local councils lead the way in tackling climate … Continue reading Local governments continue to fill policy gap