US utilities pushing for changing role of energy conservation

EiD has had many posts concerning the role and activities of energy companies, including, as we see in Europe, certain obligations to promote energy efficiency. Jim Malewitz writes in the New York Times about the efforts of utilities in many states to change the business model from an “energy only” market to a “capacity” model. … Continue reading US utilities pushing for changing role of energy conservation →

What will it take to make consumers more energy efficient?

The Boston-based reporter, Martin LaMonica, writes an excellent article on how new “smart” products are changing how we use appliances in our homes. There are environmental benefits but they are not always immediate. LaMonica concludes that, whether a smart home is an energy-efficient home has more to do with the owner than the technology. It … Continue reading What will it take to make consumers more energy efficient? →

The European Commission in the news

This week, the European Commission presented its long-expected 2030 climate and energy policy framework, whereby there will be a binding target for GHG emissions, a modest binding EU (but not at the member state level) target for renewable energy and, once again, a non-binding target for energy savings. The purpose behind the policy framework is … Continue reading The European Commission in the news →

The rewards for small businesses that save energy are undeniably great

Recently, the Guardian held a seminar to discuss the methods by which small businesses can improve their bottom line through energy efficiency. After reading this, EiD wished it had been there but thankfully Matthew Jenkin wrote an excellent account of the event. Small businesses strive to be lean and green UK SMEs have much to … Continue reading The rewards for small businesses that save energy are undeniably great →

Providing incentives to employees who reduce their carbon footprint

Jennifer Paterson writes in employeebenefits.com about the programme that Swiss Re, one of the world’s leading reinsurance companies, has to promote energy efficiency amongst its staff. EiD thinks a lot of other companies should be paying attention to this. Swiss Re extends incentives for energy efficiency Swiss Re has extended its financial support for employees … Continue reading Providing incentives to employees who reduce their carbon footprint →

Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures

Understanding the true energy savings from investing in energy-efficient roducts has been an on-going problem for analysts and policy makers. Patrick Collinson writes in the Guardian about the UK’s Energy Saving Trust downgrading of claims for savings on new boilers and loft insulation. It will be good to hear of other efforts to find out … Continue reading Having a sober look at the impact of energy efficiency measures →

Addressing the needs of small to medium-sized manufacturers

Barbara Vergetis Lundin writes on the FierceEnergy website about the role that the manufacturing sector plays in energy efficiency in the US. Manufacturing key industry for energy efficiency programs The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about one-third of the energy consumed in the United States, is increasingly relying on generating energy savings to meet … Continue reading Addressing the needs of small to medium-sized manufacturers →

Why it is difficult to get cities to focus on energy efficiency

We know implementing energy efficiency strategies is complicated and we also know the benefits that can come from effective implementation. We usually review the main barriers hindering progress before embarking on new measures to ensure those chosen target the problems and achieve greater impact. Thomas Jackson, Vice President Corporate Strategy at Climatec provides an excellent … Continue reading Why it is difficult to get cities to focus on energy efficiency →

Calling for common sense to promote energy efficient lighting

Simon Brammer, who works for works for the sustainable energy charity Ashden, writes an excellent article in the Guardian Professional about consumer confusion over choosing energy efficient lighting. His suggestions call for common-sense labelling and better marketing. How many incentives does it take to change a light bulb? If I asked you to give me … Continue reading Calling for common sense to promote energy efficient lighting →

Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission

Reuters news service provided an article in The Guardian about the controversy within the European Commission itself in agreeing on climate and energy goals for 2030. Undoubtedly, the EU wants to be a global leader but there is also the cold reality of trying to re-build momentum in the lagging economy. Can the two be … Continue reading Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission →