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
A “digital life” home management and automation platform is coming to Britain
Daniel Thomas writes in the Financial Times about one mobile group in the UK that will be providing its customers with an integrated internet-based platform that will do much to provide energy savings. O2 to launch smart-home platform in UK by summer British mobile group O2 will offer its 25m customers a connected home … Continue reading A “digital life” home management and automation platform is coming to Britain
Leapfrogging the coal-dependent grid straight to renewable energy sources
Innovation takes place in many ways. Max Bearak writes in the New York Times about the solar company that has persuaded a network of banks to provide financing options for solar systems to poor people who were typically seen as too risky. It is quite an encouraging story. Electrifying India, With the Sun and … Continue reading Leapfrogging the coal-dependent grid straight to renewable energy sources
The effects of “cool roofs”
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has recently published a study to show the benefits of cool roofs during heat waves in China. The benefits are quite impressive. Cool Roofs in China Offer Enhanced Benefits During Heat Waves It is well established that white roofs can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reflecting the … Continue reading The effects of “cool roofs”
Progress being made in microgrid development
In order to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, microgrids are also necessary. Arnaud Henin reviews on the EnergyCollective website the progress made in 2015. Global Renewable Microgrid Deployment Growth in 2015 Set to Continue in 2016 It is time to review the progress and status of renewable microgrid development around the world. The … Continue reading Progress being made in microgrid development
Racing car engineers turn their attention to refrigerators
Formula One racing is the premier championship globally. While the focus is on state-of-the-art cars, at least one of the teams is using its technical understanding to improve the performance of commercial refrigerators. Malcolm Moore writes about latest developments in the Financial Times Williams harnesses Formula One aerofoil technology for fridges In a room … Continue reading Racing car engineers turn their attention to refrigerators
