How the global climate conference dealt with transport – or didn’t

The transport sector has always proven to be a complex issue for both energy and climate policy. The sector is highly dependent on fossil fuels and with increasing international travel, it has been easier for decision makers to simply duck the fundamental issues. Andrew Warren, a regular commentator on energy efficiency issues both within the … Continue reading How the global climate conference dealt with transport – or didn’t

Monitoring progress of elements of the EU energy efficiency directive

The EU Energy Efficiency Directive requires monitoring of all the major articles. Recently, the Joint Research Centre published a report of the progress made in implementing Article 8 concerning energy audits.   Survey of energy audits and energy management systems in the Member States This report, conducted by the Joint Research Centre for DG ENERGY, … Continue reading Monitoring progress of elements of the EU energy efficiency directive

Indonesia taking renewable energy seriously

To promote renewable energy, Indonesia is taking a bold step by considering to set up a separate electricity utility devoted to renewable energy. Wilda Asmarina describes the developments on the Thomson Reuters Foundation website.   Indonesia mulls new renewable energy utility as PLN resists costs Indonesia is considering creating another utility company dedicated to purchasing … Continue reading Indonesia taking renewable energy seriously

2015 was a good year for sustainable energy

It is normal in January to reflect on the progress made in the previous year. The Rocky Mountain Institute provides what it believes are the 12 major developments on the Energy Efficiency Markets website.   Rocky Mountain Institute’s 12 Clean Energy Developments of 2015 Philips-LA-Steet-Lights-58It was a good year for clean energy development, says the … Continue reading 2015 was a good year for sustainable energy

Latest update on climate finance

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the December 2015 update on global developments in climate finance.   December 2015 Sustainable Energy Finance Update During the month of December, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Caribbean Development Bank (CBD), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Inter-American … Continue reading Latest update on climate finance

Following the Volkswagen fiasco, Brussels sets out plan to improve compliance

The European Union has many excellent policies relating to energy or climate change. But ensuring good implementation is not simple because in most cases compliance is the responsibility of individual member states. The EU can set out a policy framework but compliance is always a delicate area. Following the controversy that has arisen by Volkswagen … Continue reading Following the Volkswagen fiasco, Brussels sets out plan to improve compliance

One city sets a good example in promoting sustainable energy

EiD has written before about San Diego’s plans to switch completely to renewable energy. Claire Trageser provides this report on the KPBS radio website about just how San Diego plans to do so. It is an encouraging story. It would be good to know, however, what role improved energy efficiency plays. For this interested, the … Continue reading One city sets a good example in promoting sustainable energy

Making a convincing argument for subsidies on solar energy

It is hard to get anyone to agree to new subsidies, but convincing conservatives is even more difficult. Ben Ho, an economics professor at Vassar and Columbia as well as the lead energy economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisers from 2006 to 2007 provides quite a convincing argument. As he states, not … Continue reading Making a convincing argument for subsidies on solar energy

Important new report on residential sector energy performance

Michael MacDonald from the Energy Performance Measurement Institute has recently published a new report on-line on residential sector energy performance. As he states in the foreword, “This book is aimed at informing people about energy use in the residential sector worldwide and what can be done to make politicians and others more accountable for improving … Continue reading Important new report on residential sector energy performance

Reaching out to help low-income consumers save energy

Addressing low-income consumers is never easy but of fundamental importance for many reasons. Kari Lydersen writes on the Midwest Energy News website about the challenges faced in Illinois. It is worth reading the actions they are taking.   In Illinois, low-income housing presents unique efficiency challenge The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) helped Collins make changes … Continue reading Reaching out to help low-income consumers save energy