Passive houses gaining in popularity in the US

Hannah Seo writes on the Washington Post website about the growing popularity of passive homes in the US. These green homes are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. New incentives aim to make them more budget-friendly.   The passive house trend is booming On the morning of June 7, 2023, New York City … Continue reading Passive houses gaining in popularity in the US

Energy performance certificate system needs to reform in France

The France Insider website writes about the energy performance certificates, required under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive need to be reformed according to the French national auditor. What are your views? Are they effective in your country?   Energy Saving Certificates Under Fire The system of energy savings certificates has been heavily criticized … Continue reading Energy performance certificate system needs to reform in France

EC’s European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition takes shape

Jov Onsat writes on the Rigzone website about the financial institutions that have joined the EEEFC that was launched earlier this year.   European Commission Welcomes First Banks in Energy Efficiency Alliance The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition has signed 49 private and public financial institutions including some of the biggest banks in Europe as … Continue reading EC’s European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition takes shape

New EEA report on ensuring justice in sustainability transitions in Europe

As Europe strives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and decouple economic growth from resource consumption, various social groups and regions face unequal challenges. According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) published this week, ensuring justice in sustainability transitions requires combining corrective measures to address potentially regressive social consequences of the green transition … Continue reading New EEA report on ensuring justice in sustainability transitions in Europe

Energy in Demand, November 3, 2024

A piece of good news about electric vehicles. In Florida, EVs exhibited an unexpected side benefit during Hurricane Milton, according to Energy Changemakers (behind a paywall). Before Milton made landfall on October 9, Florida resident Paul Fosse reported in CleanTechnica  that public charging stations were readily available to EV drivers in the days preceding Milton, even … Continue reading Energy in Demand, November 3, 2024

High school students in US gain big win in pushing for fossil fuel divestment in private high schools

Aliya Uteuova and Dharna Noor write on the Guardian website about  how a high school in California has decided not to invest in coal, oil or gas, instead pledging to put money into clean energy. It’s the latest win in a new fossil fuel divestment campus campaign launched by high schoolers across 11 countries that … Continue reading High school students in US gain big win in pushing for fossil fuel divestment in private high schools

The annual market survey from the California Association of Realtors shows that problems with property insurance are worsening

The California Climate Politico newsletter writes about the problems in California to find affordable house insurance. Major insurers remain skittish on California after pulling back amid high wildfire losses. Are you seeing this trend in your country?   California insurance woes sunk twice as many home sales this year, realtors say More and more homebuyers … Continue reading The annual market survey from the California Association of Realtors shows that problems with property insurance are worsening

“Seeing climate experts’ fears and opinions about the climate crisis as irrelevant suggests science is separate from society and ultimately weakens it”

Damian Carrington writes on the Guardian website that climate scientists that have been criticised and gaslighted after sharing fears say acknowledging feelings is critical to their work.   ‘We have emotions too’: Climate scientists respond to attacks on objectivity Climate scientists who were mocked and gaslighted after speaking up about their fears for the future … Continue reading “Seeing climate experts’ fears and opinions about the climate crisis as irrelevant suggests science is separate from society and ultimately weakens it”

Germany’s coal consumption continued its downward trend in 2024

Julian Wettengel writes on the Reneweconomy website about the continuing trend in Germany to reduce its dependency on coal.   German coal use plunges nearly 40 per cent in 2024, despite nuclear exit Germany’s coal consumption continued its downward trend in 2024, helping to reduce the country’s climate-damaging CO2 emissions, said energy market research group … Continue reading Germany’s coal consumption continued its downward trend in 2024

Private investments in adaptation are likely to be significantly underestimated as a result of the colossal challenge in tracking them

Matteo Civillini writes on the Climate Change News website about the difficulties in estimating how much businesses are spending on adaptation.   Businesses may be investing more in climate adaptation than we think Measures to adapt to climate change are often seen as the Cinderella of climate action – largely ignored and under-funded, garnering only … Continue reading Private investments in adaptation are likely to be significantly underestimated as a result of the colossal challenge in tracking them