The European Environment Agency recently reported that the efficiency of passenger cars and vans in the EU has improved over the past years, and the number of electric cars, albeit still low, is increasing rapidly. The report, which presents data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these vehicles, finds that, on average, both passenger cars … Continue reading New EU car fleet emissions performance in line with targets
Backyard energy plants
Paul Hockenos writes a very good article in Foreign Policy about the green energy revolution taking place in Germany’s backyards. Undoubtedly, this is an important part of Germany’s energy transition. As Hockenos states Germany is increasingly powered by backyard windmills and locally owned solar panels. And he goes on that this complex, patchwork system just … Continue reading Backyard energy plants
Latest update on sustainable energy finance
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the October update on global developments in sustainable energy finance. October 2014 Sustainable Energy Finance Update During the month of October, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), Inter-American Development Bank … Continue reading Latest update on sustainable energy finance
Background to Canada lobbying the EU to change the fuel quality directive
Many in Europe were not pleased to hear that the Fuel Quality Directive was changed to allow crude oil from Canada’s tar sands. Barbara Lewis writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail about the lobbying process. How Canada blocked Europe’s dirty oil label In the cafés and bars of Brussels, bitumen has been high on … Continue reading Background to Canada lobbying the EU to change the fuel quality directive
This week’s briefs
There are several good news briefs this week that you should enjoy. • Leonardo Energy – IEA DSM Webinar November 6th, Catherine Cooremans will be leading a webinar entitled: Customized, Systemic, Strategic – the way to succeed with energy efficiency in industry. It will be held at 15h00 to 16h00 Central European Time. Catherine … Continue reading This week’s briefs
Linking energy efficiency to economic productivity
John A. “Skip” Laitner, an energy and resource economist, well known to many EiD readers, has recently published an article entitled Linking energy efficiency to economic productivity: recommendations for improving the robustness of the U.S. economy. It discusses new evidence that traces, at least in part, both the growing climate problem and a weakening economy … Continue reading Linking energy efficiency to economic productivity
Sistine Chapel goes energy efficient
The Sistine Chapel is one of the great wonders of the Vatican. Lighting is crucial to enjoy the stunning beauty. John Hooper writes in The Guardian that the LEDs not only improve the illumination but also preserve the artwork and significantly reduce energy costs. Sistine Chapel revived by cutting-edge lighting and air conditioning The … Continue reading Sistine Chapel goes energy efficient
Evidence of Germany’s energy transition
Sourceable Industry News and Analysis writes about the efforts of one village in Germany to be the first to leave the national grid. Could this be the start of a new trend? German Village Goes Off-Grid With Renewable Energy If Germany has taken a pioneering though risky role in shifting to renewable energy, then … Continue reading Evidence of Germany’s energy transition
‘Diktats’ on renewable energy and energy efficiency?
Jessica Shankleman writes on the BusinessGreen website how the British Prime Minister protected national interests by ensuring that there is no binding EU energy efficiency target and the one for renewable energy is only binding at the EU level. The Prime Minister referred to avoiding binding ‘diktats’. One wonders what the real national interest is. … Continue reading ‘Diktats’ on renewable energy and energy efficiency?
European Environment Agency assesses how EU meeting 2020 climate and energy targets
The European Environment Agency recently published a set of documents assessing the EU’s progress in meeting 2020 climate and energy targets Policies put the EU on track to meet its 2020 climate and energy targets but bigger push needed for 2030 European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions fell almost 2 % between 2012 and … Continue reading European Environment Agency assesses how EU meeting 2020 climate and energy targets
