Tag: EU policies

Taking energy efficiency to the cleaners

Some media have been outraged by the decision of the EU’s Ecodesign programme to set minimum energy efficiency requirements for vacuum cleaners. This has meant that some of the most highly powered (but not necessarily efficient) appliances will have to be taken off the market. John Vidal tries to allay the hysteria by arguing of … Continue reading Taking energy efficiency to the cleaners →

Fleets start to take action under the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive

It is good to see how industry is waking up to the obligations under the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive. This article from the Fleet News website shows how large fleets are learning about what those obligations entail.   Large fleets targeted by EU energy efficiency legislation Energy used by company cars and vans, including the … Continue reading Fleets start to take action under the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive →

Large or small, EU member states have their obligations

The Times of Malta explains how Malta is one of the few member states that has fully transposed the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive. Member states had until June 5th.   Malta among few member states meeting energy deadline rules Currently, only Italy, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta and Sweden have so far declared full transposition of the … Continue reading Large or small, EU member states have their obligations →

Energy efficiency strategy in the news – Europe at the vanguard?

Seldom do energy efficiency policies get such attention but this week the European Commission recommended a new target for 2030. While much has been written this week, Alex Barker provides a very good review in the Financial Times. The new target of 30% improvement is good but many have argued that even the Commission’s impact … Continue reading Energy efficiency strategy in the news – Europe at the vanguard? →

UK’s programmes for buildings retrofits not living up to promises

Fiona Harvey writes in The Guardian about the poor results from the two programmes in the UK that are designed to help finance building retrofits. UK on track to miss carbon targets, climate change advisers warn The coalition’s flagship insulation programmes have failed to put the UK on the right track to meet its commitments … Continue reading UK’s programmes for buildings retrofits not living up to promises →

Two member states failing to fully implement the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Priyanka Shrestha writes in Energy Live News about the failure of Austria and Poland to fully meet their obligations under the EU Directive. Poland and Austria referred to court over energy efficiency law The European Commission is referring Poland and Austria to the EU Court of Justice for failing to enact the energy efficiency buildings … Continue reading Two member states failing to fully implement the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive →

Update on rolling out smart meters

Barbara Lewis writes on the Reuters website about the poor progress of introducing smart meters throughout the EU. The EU risks not reaching the 80% roll out goal by 2020.   Europe behind target for energy saving power meters Sixteen of the European Union's 28 nations will go ahead with a large-scale roll out of … Continue reading Update on rolling out smart meters →

Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards

James Dyson is one of Europe’s world-recognised innovators and is known for his iconic vacuum cleaner. He writes in the Financial Times about his concerns that the EU is essentially promoting mediocrity and not better performance, fewer materials and less energy. It would be good to get the views of others. James Dyson: ‘The EU … Continue reading Dyson’s view on EU’s energy labelling and performance standards →

Energy efficiency needs higher priority in Malta

Calamatta Cuschieri writes in the Malta Independent about the problems in Malta in implementing elements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, specifically the Energy Performance Certificates. Flouting the law on energy efficiency – at what cost to us all? It has to be said that some positive steps have been taken to improve and … Continue reading Energy efficiency needs higher priority in Malta →