San Diego showing real leadership

At the recent climate conference in Paris, much attention was given to cities. Yes, many were highlighted because of the severe air pollution problems but others were noted for the efforts they are making to promote sustainable energy – either renewable energy or improved energy efficiency. Matt Richtel writes a good article in the New … Continue reading San Diego showing real leadership

A must read – following the evolution of carbon emissions

As we try to address climate change, it is valuable to understand how we got where we are today. Aurélien Saussay, from the French Economic Observatory, wrote an article for EurActiv during the final days of COP21. It came too late for EiD to publish it last week. You will definitely be impressed by the … Continue reading A must read – following the evolution of carbon emissions

Energy storage is getting cheaper and having greater impact

For faithful followers of EiD, the year could not come to an end without a good story on energy storage. Nick Butler provides an excellent blog on the Financial Times website about recent developments.   Energy storage — the shape of things to come Storage — whether of grain or of knowledge through the printed … Continue reading Energy storage is getting cheaper and having greater impact

Washington not slowing down on energy efficiency as year coming to an end

It is encouraging to see how the Obama Administration has been able to push the agenda on sustainable energy, even though they have had no co-operation from Congress. Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post about the latest rulings on minimum energy performance standards. The Department of Energy is calling this the “largest energy-saving standard … Continue reading Washington not slowing down on energy efficiency as year coming to an end

At Paris climate conference, financing the improvement in buildings has become a particular focus

Buildings are responsible for over 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions, according to many analysts. Thus, it makes sense to address how their energy performance can be improved. Panama Bartholomy, director of the EDF Investor Confidence Project Europe, writes on the Greentech Media website that more than 100 banks managing a total of $4 trillion in … Continue reading At Paris climate conference, financing the improvement in buildings has become a particular focus

Regulatory concerns about minimum energy performance standards for vacuum cleaners

Ever since the news about how VW flaunted the regulatory process on emissions testing, James Dyson, inventor of his famous bag-less vacuum cleaner, has been raising concerns about vacuum cleaner tests. Michael Pooler writes in the Financial Times about latest developments.   Inventor James Dyson faces challenge to clean up EU vacuum tests It took … Continue reading Regulatory concerns about minimum energy performance standards for vacuum cleaners

Shipping starting to use liquefied natural gas to reduce carbon emissions

In our global world, shipping is more important than ever. Henry Fountain writes in the New York Times about some shippers starting to use LNG in an effort to reduce overall emissions.   Taming Carbon Emissions From the ‘Invisible’ Shipping Industry With its cavernous cargo holds and gleaming white superstructure, the 730-foot Perla del Caribe, … Continue reading Shipping starting to use liquefied natural gas to reduce carbon emissions

Germany’s energy transition and the concerns about extra transmission lines

There is increased realisation that simply adding solar or wind power to the grid isn’t enough. Often the grid needs expanding to deal with the new load. Maggie Koerth-Baker writes a good article in the New York Times about the issues that arise and how Germany is dealing with them.   Change Isn’t as Easy … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition and the concerns about extra transmission lines

The impact of a growing number of automobiles globally

Whether it is demographic reality or an income effect, the number of cars on roads is set to double by 2030, David Jolly writes in the New York Times. So, what does that mean for our fossil fuel consumption and our need to reduce carbon emissions?   Despite Push for Cleaner Cars, Sheer Numbers Could … Continue reading The impact of a growing number of automobiles globally

How the Chinese are looking to Japan for lessons on energy efficiency

Learning from best practice is necessary for all of us. It is good to see an article from Cai Hong, China Daily’s Tokyo bureau chief writing about what Japanese experience in energy efficiency can do for the Chinese.   Lessons can be learned from Japan's energy efficiency experience The Chinese government has announced new target … Continue reading How the Chinese are looking to Japan for lessons on energy efficiency