Some useful advice when considering undertaking an energy retrofit

Only this week, EiD received an email from a colleague in Australia who said he finally had to give in and install air conditioning. The temperature reached 40 degrees C and became unbearable. Other friends have talked about their days at minus 30 degrees in Canada. Whether you are at these extremes or whether you … Continue reading Some useful advice when considering undertaking an energy retrofit

Reviewing the progress in the US to reduce carbon emissions

It was not planned to have so many posts on the United States but with the change in Administrations there definitely is increased attention on what is going on in the country and about future expectations. Eduardo Porter writes a very good article in the New York Times about how some states, such as California, … Continue reading Reviewing the progress in the US to reduce carbon emissions

New survey of facility managers shows current patters of energy management and investments

Marketwired writes an important article on the Yahoo Finance website about a recent survey by the consulting firm DNV GL of facility managers. While the survey was undertaken in the US, the lessons learned are for practically everyone.   DNV GL Survey: Majority of Facility Managers View Energy Efficiency as Proven Operating and Investment Strategy … Continue reading New survey of facility managers shows current patters of energy management and investments

Storing electricity is coming into the mainstream

Many in Europe will have noticed how the European Commission’s recent “winter package” for sustainable energy has given increasing attention to energy storage. Now Diane Cardwell and Clifford Krauss write in the New York Times about recent developments in the US.   A Big Test for Big Batteries This idea has far-reaching potential. But the … Continue reading Storing electricity is coming into the mainstream

With China doing well, countries such as the United States and Canada are starting to realise they are falling far behind

It is always a good time to take stock of progress in the sustainable energy transition. Shawn McCarthy writes a good article in The Globe and Mail about how countries such as the US and Canada need a clear and aggressive strategy in the battle for the manufacturing and services businesses that support renewable energy. … Continue reading With China doing well, countries such as the United States and Canada are starting to realise they are falling far behind

With air pollution so bad, China knows it has to turn to sustainable energy

This winter, many of China’s cities have experienced historic levels of smog. This is definitely making policy makers focus on important remedies. The Christian Science Monitor provides a good account of China’s recently announced renewable energy plan.   Can China’s new $360B renewable energy plan stop 'Airpocalypse'? Chinese officials rolled out a detailed plan this … Continue reading With air pollution so bad, China knows it has to turn to sustainable energy

India has ambitions to be a global leader in renewable energy

The energy transition is definitely underway on a global scale. Ashwani Kumar writes on the Khaleej Times website that India plans to ramp up production of renewable energy sources on a large scale. Importantly, the energy minister says India is “focused on energy efficiency and conservation in a big way.” That is music to our … Continue reading India has ambitions to be a global leader in renewable energy

Scottish programme to address fuel poverty had mixed success

A recent study shows that Scotland’s flagship scheme to address fuel poverty had limited success and left some feeling even poorer. Helen McArdie writes on the Herald Scotland website that there has been limited impact. The government, however, remains committed to effectively tackle fuel poverty. Surely, this is a sign that it is important to … Continue reading Scottish programme to address fuel poverty had mixed success

Global investment in renewable energy dropped in 2016

Investment in renewable energies in Japan and China, the two key markets, fell significantly in 2016 on the previous year, a recent study found, according to a recent article on the yahoo.com website from the news agency AFP.   Renewable energy investment fell 18% in 2016: study Global investment in renewable energy dropped by 18 … Continue reading Global investment in renewable energy dropped in 2016

Wake up call to take our energy efficiency policies seriously

As always, Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, makes us think. The EU is revising its energy efficiency directives at a time when his country is in the midst of leaving the EU. But leaving the EU does not mean leaving the policies that matter to people, the environment and other economic … Continue reading Wake up call to take our energy efficiency policies seriously