Terry Macalister of the Guardian writes the efforts of Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, to ensure the big six energy suppliers to ensure they meet their legal obligations. Energy firms face fines over obligations to vulnerable customers Suppliers have until 31 December to meet commitments to make homes more efficient after data reveals failings, says Ofgem … Continue reading The challenge of meeting energy efficiency obligations in the UK
Getting the youth to give their opinions
It is encouraging to see the effort underway in Australia. Laura Nelson of Sun Community Newspapers writes about an initiative to get students to provide their views on the future of federal renewable energy policies in Australia. Youth comment on renewable energy GRIFFITH University students are having their say on the Federal Government's renewable … Continue reading Getting the youth to give their opinions
Pot pourri
EiD welcomes the appointment of three colleagues to new positions. Pernille Schiellerup has replaced Anita Eide has the Director of European Programmes of CLASP (www.clasponline.org). Most recently Pernille had been with the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP). Anita has returned to Oslo. Dan Staniaszek has joined the Buildings Performance Institute Europe where he will … Continue reading Pot pourri
Important tools to help success in the renewables industry
David Worthington writes for Smart Planet about the role insurance can play to promote the deployment of renewable energy. Insurance: the key to renewable energy success? Many banks are wary to finance renewable energy projects, and that hesitation can stall or even stop new projects. Insurers have stepped in to help mitigate the risks … Continue reading Important tools to help success in the renewables industry
New guidebook outlines technologies for climate change mitigation in the building sector
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Risø Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have published a guidebook on mitigation technologies and practices in the building sector, with examples of the use of solar energy, energy efficient building materials, and urban planning for storm water management. Such a "green building" … Continue reading New guidebook outlines technologies for climate change mitigation in the building sector
New study on the use of financial instruments to retrofit buildings in Europe
The Buildings Performance Institute Europe has come out with a new report reviewing the use of financial instruments in the European Union. The paper presents an overview of the various financial schemes in place dedicated to the energy efficient renovation of buildings in 2011. It makes a quantitative analysis of the different financing mechanisms and … Continue reading New study on the use of financial instruments to retrofit buildings in Europe
German bank helps India finance the retrofit of houses
Rashme Sehgal of the news service deccanchronical.com provides details of support by the state-owned German bank, KfW providing a loan to an Indian bank to finance retrofitting houses in India. German bank push for energy efficient homes In a strong bid to promote energy conservation in the residential sector, German KfW Development Bank is … Continue reading German bank helps India finance the retrofit of houses
European Investment Bank supports the retrofit of schools in France
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a loan agreement with the Languedoc-Roussillon Region to enable it to build and refurbish secondary schools to a high energy efficiency standard, meeting Europe 2020 environmental norms. A first EUR 100 million instalment was put in place on 7 September 2012 by the President of the Languedoc-Roussillon Region, … Continue reading European Investment Bank supports the retrofit of schools in France
VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects
The UK government is to fight an EU ruling that the UK must raise VAT on energy efficiency products from 5% to 20%. VAT was reduced to 5% on energy efficiency products in the UK because government wants to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs. Andrew Warren of the Association for the … Continue reading VAT challenge could harm Green Deal prospects
Berlin is waiting
On October 24th and 25th, the EEIP (Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes) will hold its bi-annual congress in Berlin in co-operation with Deneff, the GermanBusiness Initiative for Energy Efficiency. The EEIP Congress 24-25 October brings forth the three main elements of EEIP work: energy recovery, financing and energy management systems. With the focus on industrial … Continue reading Berlin is waiting
