The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive calls for two types of energy certificates. One is for public buildings and it allows the public to see the improvements made in energy performance. When the directive was being negotiated 15 years ago, Britain was definitely amongst the leaders. Compliance may be patchy, but DECs bring clear … Continue reading Display Energy Certificates bring clear benefits . . . so why the reluctance of governments?
The abandoned dream of a zero-carbon city
Developers have abandoned their original goal of building the world’s first zero-carbon city in the UAE desert. With completion originally scheduled for this year, just how much of the once-revolutionary vision has actually been realised? Suzanne Goldenberg writes in The Guardian about the abandoned dream. Masdar's zero-carbon dream could become world’s first green ghost … Continue reading The abandoned dream of a zero-carbon city
Impact of carbon tax in Canada
The province of British Columbia introduced a carbon tax in 2008. Eduardo Porter writes a very good article in the New York Times about its impact. Interestingly, the new federal government under Justin Trudeau is currently trying to set a nation-wide price for carbon and coming up with some resistance by some of the provincial … Continue reading Impact of carbon tax in Canada
Residential hot water systems could soon be “grid interactive” in the US
The smart environment is evolving quickly. Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post about latest research that shows the possibility of using electric domestic hot water systems will be able to act like a “battery” in the sense that they will be storing thermal energy for longer periods of time. Do you have any views? … Continue reading Residential hot water systems could soon be “grid interactive” in the US
New solar storage system on the Australian market
Brisbane company Redback Technologies, backed by researchers from the University of Queensland, says it has cracked the formula for the most cost-effective solar storage system on the Australian market. Joshua Robertson discusses latest developments in The Guardian. Half the price in half the time: solar storage innovation harnesses new energy frontier If Tesla’s Powerwall … Continue reading New solar storage system on the Australian market
Britain’s Green Investment Bank about to lose its green purpose
Everyone, even outside the UK, hailed the creation of the Green Investment Bank. Now the Conservative government will change the bank’s mission so that it will no longer be required by law to invest in green schemes. Adam Vaughan discusses the plans in The Guardian. Green investment bank 'no longer required by law to … Continue reading Britain’s Green Investment Bank about to lose its green purpose
China powers ahead in wind turbine industry
The global wind turbine industry has been dominated by the Danish firm Vestas for many years. Pilita writes in the Financial Times that a Chinese company, Goldwind has now overtaken Vestas to be the global leader. China’s Goldwind becomes world’s largest wind turbine maker A Chinese company has become the world’s biggest wind turbine … Continue reading China powers ahead in wind turbine industry
Progress in energy efficiency improvements expected to continue even with Supreme Court challenge
The Obama Administration is certainly keeping up the momentum even though there are often legislative and judicial roadblocks. Steven Mufson and Chris Mooney write in the Washington Post about recent developments. Despite the Supreme Court, here’s why the White House says we’ll cut carbon anyway The Supreme Court stay on the Obama administration’s Clean … Continue reading Progress in energy efficiency improvements expected to continue even with Supreme Court challenge
Figuring out which factors influence individuals’ beliefs about climate change
There are many reports documenting climate change yet there are many individuals that deny the evidence. Chelsea Harvey writes in the Washington Post about new analysis of the main predictors of a person’s belief. What do you think about this? Science confirms it: Denial of climate change is all about the politics Dozens of … Continue reading Figuring out which factors influence individuals’ beliefs about climate change
New report shows gaps in gaps in EU Energy Efficiency Directive renovation strategies
This year, the European Commission will be providing its recommendations for changes in the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive following a recent consultation. One of the important articles concerns Member States obligation to prepare long-term renovation strategies. The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission recently published an analysis about the Member States renovation strategies as … Continue reading New report shows gaps in gaps in EU Energy Efficiency Directive renovation strategies
