Tag: energy efficiency

Briefly speaking . . .

China increase in energy consumption Bloomberg News reports that China's energy use rose at the fastest pace in four years in 2011, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Consumption climbed 7 % to 3.48 billion metric tons of standard coal equivalent. That was the fastest rate since 2007, when it grew 7.8 %. However, … Continue reading Briefly speaking . . . →

IEA Energy Policy Review of Denmark

The International Energy Agency recently published a report on Danish energy policies.  The IEA in-depth review opens: “Denmark is a leader among OECD member countries in terms of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change policies.”  This is obviously a winning combination. The report sets the scene by stating that Denmark has a long history … Continue reading IEA Energy Policy Review of Denmark →

Neighbourhood Watch

Public buildings are required to display an energy performance certificate, as mandated by the recast of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.  This is required for all buildings larger than 500 square metres.  That threshold will drop to 250 square metres in 2015.  The city hall of the 18th district (arrondissement) of Paris (where … Continue reading Neighbourhood Watch →

Focus on industrial energy efficiency

After slumbering for many years, it is back, moving up the policy agenda.  Improvement of energy efficiency in industry was a focus of attention after the oil crises of the 1970s because it could be done quickly.  There was a lot of progress, with a combination of monitoring (actually counting energy consumption in a factory), … Continue reading Focus on industrial energy efficiency →

IEA Energy Policy Review of Slovak Republic

In early February, the International Energy Agency published its in-depth review of Slovak energy policies with important findings on sustainable energy.  The key objectives of Slovak energy policy include energy efficiency, reducing energy intensity, reducing dependence on energy imports, expanding the use of nuclear power, increasing the share of renewables and supporting the use of … Continue reading IEA Energy Policy Review of Slovak Republic →

Mesures européennes pour l’efficacité énergétique

Yes, this website is in English, but EiD wants to make you aware of a small technical report EiD’s editor, Rod Janssen did on the energy efficiency strategy in Europe.  This report is now available from the Institut de l’énergie et de l’environnement de la Francophonie.  It is a useful guide for anyone who needs … Continue reading Mesures européennes pour l’efficacité énergétique →

Creating jobs in the energy efficiency field – not an easy job, but worth it

Energy efficiency initiatives create jobs, and normally very good jobs.  Recent analysis shows that between 17 and 19 net jobs can be created for every million euros spent.  That is a million euros from all sources.  And since the analysis shows that energy efficiency activities are more labour-intensive than manufacturing, decision-makers should pay close attention.  … Continue reading Creating jobs in the energy efficiency field – not an easy job, but worth it →

Basics of energy efficiency – a basic need?

There is quite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of improved energy efficiency; but when the economy wobbles, energy efficiency assumes secondary importance, at best. Europe is making the transition to a low carbon economy. Council has agreed to an 80-95 % reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 if certain international conditions are met, and energy … Continue reading Basics of energy efficiency – a basic need? →

Reliance on compliance

One six-storey building housing Canterbury Television in Christchurch, New Zealand collapsed during last year’s earthquake killing 115 people. New Zealand's department of building and housing found that the building did not meet minimum requirements, even when it was built in 1986. The report concluded that load-bearing concrete columns were reinforced with insufficient steel, making them … Continue reading Reliance on compliance →