Derek Handova writes on the Intelligentutility website about the role utilities are playing to promote more advanced LEED buildings in the US. Handover admits that In spite of the efforts of some very progressive utilities, overall, utility LEED programmes still need more outreach because of their lack of uptake. Utilities LEED us into energy … Continue reading Progressive utilities in US grasp the value of LEED
Looking beyond the centralised grid to solve many development issues
Tracy London, a lawyer for Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, writes an excellent article on the important role for off-grid renewable energy in West Africa. Population growth is outgrowing new supply. Development is being held back because of the lack of energy infrastructure. Where have we heard that before? But, there are viable solutions, as Ms. … Continue reading Looking beyond the centralised grid to solve many development issues
He huffed and he puffed . .
As our childhood fairy tales explained, the wolf huffed and puffed and blew the straw house down. Well, no more. This is apparently becoming state of the art. Victoria Gill reports on the BBC News website about very energy-efficient straw houses now being offered on the open market. Now how do we revise these bedtime … Continue reading He huffed and he puffed . .
Most British buses are below EU emission standards
Jane Wild explains in the Financial Times that bus companies have found loopholes to buy cheaper, dirtier buses, thus circumventing EU standards. It is worrying because as Wild reports, the finding will add to the UK’s poor record on air quality, with other European countries having already acted to close similar loopholes. UK buses … Continue reading Most British buses are below EU emission standards
How the spread of bigger wind turbines is being boosted in the UK
Pilita Clark explains in the Financial Times how a loophole allows large-sized wind power project developers to take advantage of the feed-in-tariff that had been designed for smaller systems. Wind subsidy loophole boosts spread of bigger turbines A loophole in a popular subsidy scheme for small wind power projects is boosting the spread of … Continue reading How the spread of bigger wind turbines is being boosted in the UK
24/7 for many of our appliances and what it costs us
Chris Mooney provides a good article in the Washington Post on our energy waste because we simply cannot (or do not) turn off energy-consuming devices. Many of you will be pleased to see that Alan Meier, a friend of EiD and many of us throughout Europe, gives his explanation. Alan is also a member of … Continue reading 24/7 for many of our appliances and what it costs us
Even the common kettle can become more efficient
Shane Hickey provides an interesting article in The Guardian on the redesigned kettle. Two designers are convinced their new kettle will revolutionise the way we heat food and drastically reduce energy consumption. Boiling point: redesigning the kettle for the 21st century When Nils Chudy came up with the idea of redesigning the domestic kettle … Continue reading Even the common kettle can become more efficient
Vehicle emissions tests to reflect reality better
It is never easy to fully model real conditions for emissions tests but, according to Arthur Neslen in The Guardian, the European Commission is going to require tests that are comparable to when driving on roads and in traffic rather than in ideal laboratory-like conditions. Car makers face 'real world' emissions tests in EU … Continue reading Vehicle emissions tests to reflect reality better
Latest update on climate finance
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the January update on global developments in climate finance. This follows the EiD post last week on sustainable energy finance. January 2015 Climate Finance Update During January 2015, the Adaptation Fund, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the World Bank reported … Continue reading Latest update on climate finance
Is this a good time to cut energy subsidies?
We are currently in a period of low oil prices that are having repercussions throughout our economies. Clifford Krauss writes in the New York Times about whether this is the time to seize the opportunity to reduce or even remove energy subsidies. Low Energy Prices Offer Opening for Subsidy Cuts In Saudi Arabia, drivers … Continue reading Is this a good time to cut energy subsidies?
