Focus must be on implementation if we are to see needed impact of energy performance of buildings

The energy performance of buildings directive was recast in 2010 and EU member states are busy implementing it.  A new EiD discussion paper by Rod Janssen considers many of the challenges facing member states in this implementation phase.  It reviews the challenges in improving the energy performance of buildings as a whole:  gaining and maintaining … Continue reading Focus must be on implementation if we are to see needed impact of energy performance of buildings →

Irish Minister criticises EU plan to phase out feed-in tariffs for mature players

Even when renewable energy technologies are considered mature, the Irish argue that there is still need for cost-effective support, according to article written by Valerie Flynn in the Irish Times.  The minister makes a good argument, but will it be listened to? EU to change renewables subsidy Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte has criticised a … Continue reading Irish Minister criticises EU plan to phase out feed-in tariffs for mature players →

Open consultation for the future of the Energy Company Obligation in the UK

The Department of Energy & Climate Change recently announced an open consultation on the Energy Company Obligation, which is also an obligation under the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive. This consultation closes at 16 April 2014. The proposals contained in The Future of the Energy Company Obligation consultation were highlighted as part of Government’s announcement on … Continue reading Open consultation for the future of the Energy Company Obligation in the UK →

New academic paper on the rebound effect

It has been a while since EiD had a post on analysing the rebound effect.  Miklós Antala and Jeroen van den Bergh will soon have a paper published in the May issue of the journal, Energy Policy, entitled “Re-spending rebound: A macro-level assessment for OECD countries and emerging economies.” Abstract It is well-known that energy … Continue reading New academic paper on the rebound effect →

Five-point plan for communicating on climate change

Continuing on the communication theme, Simon Maxwell, Executive Chair of the Climate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), has published a new paper, offering a five-point plan on how to win the public and policy argument on climate change. Maxwell argues that a plan is necessary because climate change policy is contested, and – like all … Continue reading Five-point plan for communicating on climate change →

Will the sun’s effects tower over London?

Londoners could soon be in awe at how Big Ben chimes.  Serious consideration is now being given to using solar panels on the famous clock face, writes Jessica Shankleman for BusinessGreen, part of the Guardian Environment Network.  This could change how we think of foggy, drizzly London.   Solar-powered Big Ben mulled in plan to … Continue reading Will the sun’s effects tower over London? →

Women finding opportunities in Scottish renewable energy sector

ClickGreen provides an interesting article showing that there is a greater proportion of women working in the renewable energy sector in Scotland than in the oil, gas or nuclear energy sectors.  It would be interesting to know if this is true in other countries.  And it would be good to know how many women are … Continue reading Women finding opportunities in Scottish renewable energy sector →