Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances

A study by the Energy Saving Trust in the UK of energy wasted from stand-by use provides important lessons for all countries. Even though there have been campaigns and energy performance standards to reduce stand-by consumption, the total impact is still a major concern. Energy Saving Trust: households waste £1.3bn for leaving gadget switched … Continue reading Energy Saving Trust: stand-by mode wastes £1.3bn on household appliances →

Figures for the week

A few key figures from France on the buildings sector that show the challenge for a retrofit strategy: Potential to renovate homes in France: 20 million Energy for heating in houses: 37% gas, 35% electricity, 22% oil, 6% wood Construction date of housing stock: 33% of homes predate 1948, 32% between 1948 and 1975, … Continue reading Figures for the week →

EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break

BusinessGreen reports (below) that the European Commission recently ordered the UK government to repeal a law that allows reduced rates of VAT on insulation materials and solar panels, on the grounds that it fails to comply with the EU's VAT Directive. In a bizarre move, the European Commission suggests a defence that the UK can … Continue reading EU holds out hope for UK’s green goods tax break →

Quote of the week

Now that the Energy Efficiency Directive has been agreed upon by the European Council, Parliament and Commission, the focus switches to implementation. It is a moment to reflect on what the Nobel Prize winning behavioural economist, Daniel Kahneman said in his recent book, Thinking, Fast and Slow: “. . . policy is ultimately about people, … Continue reading Quote of the week →

Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency

This article from Japan’s newservice, Asahi Shimbun, highlights some disturbing news if Japan is to fully transform its energy sector, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. RIO+20: Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency June 20, 2012 By LOUIS TEMPLADO/ Staff Writer For a few months last summer, Japan looked with unclouded eyes … Continue reading Indian researcher says Japan is lagging on energy efficiency →

Historic house now a big energy saver

All countries struggle to improve the energy performance of historic buildings. This is an excellent example from Maine in the US. EiD welcomes more such examples. Historic house now a big energy saver FREEPORT -- A major energy-saving renovation of the historic Mallett House at 57 Depot St. is complete, and it's drawing attention from … Continue reading Historic house now a big energy saver →

Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded

Finally on June 13th, the rabbit was pulled out of the hat and an agreement was reached on a compromise Energy Efficiency Directive. According to many within the Coalition for Energy Savings, there is disappointment because the measures do not sufficiently close the gap to reach the 20% energy savings target by 2020. The Commission … Continue reading Number of the week . . . or how the European Energy Efficiency Directive succeeded →

Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises

Energy in Buildings & Industry, a UK monthly magazine, features in its June issue a report by the electricity company npower that shows that UK businesses are missing out on significant energy savings by not having trained staff in place to procure energy. The average SME spends about €225,000 per year. The report said that … Continue reading Effect of procurement training on energy savings in small and medium-sized enterprises →

American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking

This is a very important blog from the Washington Post. This will interest followers of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy because it sponsored a workshop two years ago on this topic. American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking Posted by Brad Plumer, June 6, 2012 American houses are getting … Continue reading American homes are getting bigger, but energy use is shrinking →

Run, rabbit, run . . .

The negotiations on the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive are coming down to the final steps, at least the final steps under the Danish Presidency which ends this month. The last trialogue meeting is scheduled for June 13th. In particular, there are still disputes on energy efficiency obligations for energy companies, and for retrofit strategies for … Continue reading Run, rabbit, run . . . →