The future is looking cloudy for the broader smart home business

Recently Ruth Mourik wrote an excellent column for eceee about the “smart” solutions to non-existing problems. Yet, there continues to be those “smart” technology developers who are doing their best to lead us to the smart home revolution. Hayley Tsukayama writes in the Washington Post about the latest developments in the US in the “smart” … Continue reading The future is looking cloudy for the broader smart home business →

Explaining the rules for minimum energy efficiency standards for England and Wales’ rental properties

EiD has had several posts over the years on the upcoming minimum energy efficiency standards that landlords will have to meet. The international law firm Eversheds provides a useful review of the obligations that must be met.   Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards & the Landlord and Tenant Relationship Introduction The rules around minimum energy efficiency … Continue reading Explaining the rules for minimum energy efficiency standards for England and Wales’ rental properties →

The energy transition cannot be resisted but it could be a source of some of the greatest political instability

It is always good to have different perspectives on the dynamics in the energy sector. While recognising that the energy transition is underway, Nick Butler writes in the Financial Times that there could be some disruptions that make the path a bit bumpy. Let us know your views.   Don’t count on an orderly transition … Continue reading The energy transition cannot be resisted but it could be a source of some of the greatest political instability →

Ireland starting to realise the benefits of improving the energy performance of its buildings

Sylvia Thompson writes in the Irish Times why making Irish homes more energy efficient is a good first step towards mitigating climate change and it also helps to lift vulnerable households out of energy poverty.   A retrofitting revolution Upgrading our homes and offices so that they use less energy is one of the most … Continue reading Ireland starting to realise the benefits of improving the energy performance of its buildings →

Scotland’s Existing Homes Alliance calls for energy efficiency to be priority in infrastructure investments

With the high level of fuel poverty and poor quality of buildings in Scotland, the Existing Homes Alliance is calling for the government to give a higher priority to improving energy efficiency. James Hamilton explains the situation on The National website.   Call to end scourge of poor housing with nationwide project With six months … Continue reading Scotland’s Existing Homes Alliance calls for energy efficiency to be priority in infrastructure investments →

Buildings in Britain’s low-carbon energy transition

It is well documented the role buildings can and should play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help us achieve our long-term energy and climate objectives. That role is enshrined in both EU and national legislation. Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, writes in the June issue of Energy in Buildings and … Continue reading Buildings in Britain’s low-carbon energy transition →

Is there really a role for nuclear in the low-carbon energy transition?

Nuclear energy still raises controversies, understandably. Diane Cardwell describes the level of support in a recent article in the New York Times. What are your views?   Nuclear Plants, Despite Safety Concerns, Gain Support as Clean Energy Sources Just a few years ago, the United States seemed poised to say farewell to nuclear energy. No … Continue reading Is there really a role for nuclear in the low-carbon energy transition? →

Are efforts to improve energy efficiency jeopardised by the so-called “rebound effect”?

Every once in a while we have another post on the rebound effect and its impact on energy efficiency. This is a post by Oybek Yuldashev and Mirkhonbek Mirkomilov of Colibri Law. Do you have any views?   Energy efficiency and the rebound effect The rapid depletion of energy sources as a result of global … Continue reading Are efforts to improve energy efficiency jeopardised by the so-called “rebound effect”? →

Latest update on climate finance

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the May update on global developments in climate finance.   May 2016 Climate Finance Update: Calls for Adaptation Funding, Attention to Climate Risk A number of international meetings that convened in May 2016 included a focus on climate finance. Carbon pricing continued to receive attention, alongside climate … Continue reading Latest update on climate finance →