We are increasingly aware of the importance of addressing climate and energy issues at the urban level. This is a good article by Eric Maackres on the Eco-Business website about four ways he has identified that cities benefit from better energy performing buildings. 4 surprising ways energy-efficient buildings benefit cities Urbanisation presents major challenges: … Continue reading Reviewing the benefits to our cities of energy-efficient buildings
EU sustainable energy directives need to match ambition with real impact
In part, following the global agreement on climate change in Paris last December, EU energy efficiency and renewable energy directives are being reviewed this year, aiming to improve efficiency, cut emissions, increase supply security and save money. But a number of requirements must be met before this can happen, write Marie Linder and Kurt Eliasson … Continue reading EU sustainable energy directives need to match ambition with real impact
Cuts in subsidies likely to cancel major wind farm project in Scotland
Every day we are reading about the somewhat chaotic state of support from the UK government for sustainable energy. Some of the policies are safeguarded by EU renewable energy and energy efficiency objectives, but there is still considerable room for manoeuvre by the national government. Mure Dickie and Pilita Clark write in The Financial Times … Continue reading Cuts in subsidies likely to cancel major wind farm project in Scotland
Impact of worsening air pollution
The World Health Organisation came out this week with a major study documenting the impact of worsening air pollution globally. Chris Mooney and Brady Dennis provide a very good article in the Washington Post. What is it like in your city? WHO: Global air pollution is worsening, and poor countries are being hit the … Continue reading Impact of worsening air pollution
A real estate broker discusses energy-efficient mortgages
Financing more energy-efficient buildings is a big topic globally. While this is from David Brown, a real estate broker from Arizona, he raises important points on the AzCentral website that should be of interest to many of you. 3 questions to ask about Energy-Efficient Mortgages An Energy Efficient Mortgage is good to weigh, but … Continue reading A real estate broker discusses energy-efficient mortgages
India looking to improve energy performance of its government buildings
Emerging economies such as India are taking sustainable energy policies increasingly seriously. While we have been reading of its efforts in renewable energy, it is good to read on the India Today website that a Parliamentary panel is now recommending that all government buildings ensure that they meet certain performance levels. Hopefully this proposal will … Continue reading India looking to improve energy performance of its government buildings
Levelized Cost of Electricity improvements have helped make renewable energy more competitive
Using new ways of measuring the lifetime of costs has increased the cost competitive of renewable energy technologies. Joshua Hill discusses the latest developments on the CleanTechnica website. Renewable Energy Is More Competitive Than Ever With Improved LCOE The global renewable energy industry, in particular its wind and solar segments, have seen tremendous growth … Continue reading Levelized Cost of Electricity improvements have helped make renewable energy more competitive
State of New York wants to lead on green energy
It is actually quite interesting to see everything going on in the US. The Obama administration has found ways around Congress to make progress on clean energy and many states and cities are increasingly active. Justin Gillis writes in the New York Times about the developments underway in New York. New York Plans to … Continue reading State of New York wants to lead on green energy
Hotels in US waking up to need to take new approach to energy efficient techniques
It is interesting when the New York Times has an article explaining how US hotels should follow good practice in Europe. Erica Goode writes a good article describing the latest developments. If you're staying in an American hotel, let us know your experience. At Energy-Minded U.S. Hotels, They’ll Turn the Lights Off for You … Continue reading Hotels in US waking up to need to take new approach to energy efficient techniques
The transition to a new energy economy is happening
Paul Ebert, global director, new energy at Advisian and co-author of The New Energy Future: the global transition, writes in The Guardian that even in Australia the energy transition is underway. He argues that those that do not keep pace with change are bound to lose out. The clean energy economy is coming – … Continue reading The transition to a new energy economy is happening
