Developing countries increasingly deploying sustainable energy technologies

Chris Mooney wrote a good article in the Washington Post about a new report highlighting how developing countries are more and more installing renewable energy technologies to great effect.   This will give you hope: Developing countries are racing to install wind and solar There’s been a lot of glum news on the climate front … Continue reading Developing countries increasingly deploying sustainable energy technologies →

Impact of proposed new air pollution limits in Europe

Arthur Neslen writes in the Guardian about a new study commissioned by Greenpeace and the European Environment Bureau about concerns that likely weakened air pollution standards that are currently in draft form will have a serious impact in Europe. It would be good if anyone has more information on the likelihood of these plans being … Continue reading Impact of proposed new air pollution limits in Europe →

Showing the renewable energy transition is underway

The Earth Policy Institute writes on the EcoWatch website about seven reasons why renewable energy is firmly entrenched in our global energy system.   7 Facts That Prove the Renewable Energy Revolution Has Arrived The global transition to clean, renewable energy and away from nuclear and fossil fuels is well under way with remarkable developments … Continue reading Showing the renewable energy transition is underway →

Improving the energy performance of buildings by using intermediaries in the innovation process

Paula Kivimaa, from the Sussex Energy Group at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) of University of Sussex explains that we need to rely more on ‘carrot’, ‘sermon’ and voluntary action by a range of actors than regulation to improve the energy performance of buildings. She brings forth some excellent ideas that should give us … Continue reading Improving the energy performance of buildings by using intermediaries in the innovation process →

Electrical origami for buildings

Stacey Huang writes on the physics.org website about the latest developments by a university student for an environmentally sustainable building   Self-folding structure could slash energy use in buildings Princeton student Denisa Buzatu's vision for an environmentally sustainable building is a sort of shape-shifting origami façade. For her senior thesis, Buzatu, a civil and environmental … Continue reading Electrical origami for buildings →

Technology development: bladeless wind turbines

Andrew Griffin writes in the Independent about the latest technology development for wind turbines. It will be interesting to see what impact these new turbines will have.   Bladeless wind turbines generate electricity by shaking, not spinning Scientists hope to hugely reduce the cost of wind energy by removing the blades from wind farms, instead … Continue reading Technology development: bladeless wind turbines →

The renewable energy sector is creating jobs

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has recently published its latest report on the status of renewable energy employment. It is impressive that employment rose 18% between 2013 and 2014.   IRENA and jobs Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review presents the status of renewable energy employment, both by technology and in selected countries, … Continue reading The renewable energy sector is creating jobs →

Update on energy efficiency programmes of US utilities

Dylan Sullivan, a staff scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) writes an excellent account of utility efforts on energy efficiency in the US on the NRDC blog site.   Utility investment in energy efficiency programs continues to increase, but we need more Energy efficiency programs - rebates, information, and market development efforts that … Continue reading Update on energy efficiency programmes of US utilities →