New survey shows that British businesses believe energy efficiency policies need strengthening

A recent article by staff on the BusinessGreen website shows that there is significant dissatisfaction over the government's existing plans to improve energy productivity. Would this also be the case in your own country? Survey: UK business energy efficiency targets "lack ambition" Businesses believe government policy needs strengthening, survey reveals, amid continued uncertainty across … Continue reading New survey shows that British businesses believe energy efficiency policies need strengthening →

Innovative approach to how consumers can access advanced energy technology

Peter Kelly-Detwiler writes on the Forbes website about a novel approach to increase investments in energy efficiency in the commercial and industrial sectors. Can A Subscription Approach Help Accelerate Adoption of Advanced Energy Technology? For decades, the energy efficiency industry has – to a large degree – been stymied in its effort to transform … Continue reading Innovative approach to how consumers can access advanced energy technology →

A new app for viewing an analysis of the energy usage of buildings

Software from ING, the Dutch global financial institution, is providing important information to building owners on how to navigate the transition from “brown” to “green” buildings. Duncan Jefferies explains in an article in The Guardian. How to save money and energy in buildings? There's an app for that Imagine you lease over 175 buildings in … Continue reading A new app for viewing an analysis of the energy usage of buildings →

Why Canada needs to give increased priority to low-carbon buildings

Where I lived in Canada, it is minus 30 degrees Celsius this week and then we can add in the wind chill. Undoubtedly the energy performance of the buildings is fundamental. Annie Bérubé, director of government relations at Équiterre, and Karen Tam Wu, director of the Buildings and Urban Solutions Program at the Pembina Institute, … Continue reading Why Canada needs to give increased priority to low-carbon buildings →

Utility programmes in Michigan disproportionately benefit wealthier customers

We have had utility programmes for decades and the EU even has specific obligations under the Energy Efficiency Directive. It is interesting to see this article by Andy Balaskovitz in the Midwest Energy News website. Have any of you had similar findings? In Michigan, study shows utility energy savings mostly benefit wealthier customers Michigan … Continue reading Utility programmes in Michigan disproportionately benefit wealthier customers →

India focusing on best practice in energy efficiency

Energy transitions are never easy and there are always mixed messages. While India is still using coal and other fossil fuels far too much there are encouraging developments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. A news item in the New Indian Express states that Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is requiring his officials to study … Continue reading India focusing on best practice in energy efficiency →

Britain’s Green Investment Group launches pay-as-you-save energy efficiency scheme for businesses

The Green Investment Group, formerly known as the Green Investment Bank, before it was sold to Australia’s Macquarie Bank, has launched an important new funding service to help businesses. Madeleine Cuff explains in an article on the Business Green website. Green Investment Group launches 'pay-as-you save' green energy offer New Energy Solutions service will … Continue reading Britain’s Green Investment Group launches pay-as-you-save energy efficiency scheme for businesses →

Progress being made in reducing fuel poverty levels in Scotland

Douglas Fraser writes on the BBC website about the progress made in 2016 to reduce the level of those households considered in fuel poverty. Interestingly, two thirds of the change was explained by falling energy prices, and one third by improved energy efficiency. While the progress was good, now the challenge is underway to help … Continue reading Progress being made in reducing fuel poverty levels in Scotland →

This week’s briefs

This week there are some items that should be of interest to you. First, the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee) provides an explanatory note on why the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, that is currently under revision, must focus on energy needs. Second, there is a good article on how to minimise … Continue reading This week’s briefs →

California Energy Commission unanimously adopted energy-saving targets for 2030

As Europe is still in the process of revising its targets for 2030, California has established a new energy savings target for 2030. Given the lack of leadership at the federal level, this is welcome news. Mohit Chhabra explains in an article on the Natural Resources Defense Council. California Establishes a Path to an … Continue reading California Energy Commission unanimously adopted energy-saving targets for 2030 →