Weighing the benefits of energy efficiency

This article from the Toronto Star argues a strong case for energy efficiency. The article, by Tyler Hamilton, the paper’s energy and technology columnist, gives cause for reflection as we all try to seacrh for fresh arguments to increase the priority for energy efficiency. Way more pros than cons to energy efficiency We hear … Continue reading Weighing the benefits of energy efficiency →

Brazil sees bright future for energy efficiency projects

Bloomberg news service describes the dynamic situation in Brazil for energy-efficiency services provided by energy supply companies. Light Sees Demand Doubling for Brazil Energy-Efficiency Projects The Brazilian power utility, Light SA, expects demand for its energy-efficiency services to double next year as electricity prices rise and more supermalls and factories seek to conserve power. Light … Continue reading Brazil sees bright future for energy efficiency projects →

New study on corporate image and energy efficiency

Deloitte LLP has published a new report on how the corporate sector views improved energy efficiency as an important element in their own branding. This review by Market Watch provides an important overview of the study. Corporate Energy Efficiency is a Tale of Bottom Line Versus Brand Image: Deloitte Improving energy efficiency at America's businesses … Continue reading New study on corporate image and energy efficiency →

Summer reading: on fossil fuel subsidies

This is a good report on updated estimates of global fossil fuel subsidies that was produced by Oil Change International, a research, communication, and advocacy organization focused on exposing the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitating the coming transition towards clean energy. The report highlights that, while there has been progress, there is definitely … Continue reading Summer reading: on fossil fuel subsidies →

Good results from Dutch investment tax

Ulrika Lomas of Tax-News.com presents some important results showing that an Energy Investment Allowance has had a significant impact on investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Netherlands. Dutch Investment Tax Boosts Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency The Dutch ministry of economic affairs, agriculture and innovation has recently announced that the government’s tax … Continue reading Good results from Dutch investment tax →

Reflecting on consumer preferences

This blog by Brian McGraw for GlobalWarming.org discusses a new paper by the Mercatus Center. The Mercatus Center released a paper (PDF) this month co-authored by Ted Gayer (an economist at the Brooking Institution) and W. Kip Viscusi (an economics professor at Vanderbilt), titled “Overriding Consumer Preferences with Energy Regulations” which questions the economic justification … Continue reading Reflecting on consumer preferences →

Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage

This new book on carbon capture and storage (CCS) takes a different approach than the normal technical review. This book will therefore be of interest to anyone who is engaged with the study of energy technologies, carbon reduction and climate change policy more widely, and concerned with questions about the political, policy and social context … Continue reading Summer reading: The social dynamics of carbon capture and storage →

Canada is less energy-efficient than . . .

The survey from the American Council for an Energy-efficient Economy on how the top 12 economies are doing on energy efficiency has thrown the Canadians into a tizzy since it is doing even worse than its neighbour, the United States as well as China. This article by Mitch Potter of the Toronto Star explains the … Continue reading Canada is less energy-efficient than . . . →

Air conditioning – part 2

Following last week’s post on air conditioning or not, this is a good overview by Stan Cox for Yale Environment 360 of the global impact of air conditioning. The report was on the Guardian website. Climate risks heat up as world switches on to air conditioning The world is warming, incomes are rising, and smaller … Continue reading Air conditioning – part 2 →

Something to ponder over the summer

In April, the Commission published its evaluation of the Ecodesign directive and (2009/125/EC) and the results were discussed at a Consultation Forum meeting of April 19, 2012. One of the conclusions of the report was: Ex-ante impact assessments estimated that the first 12 Ecodesign Regulations will allow savings of 385TWh per year by 2020, which … Continue reading Something to ponder over the summer →