Financing energy efficiency

It is well known that most energy efficiency measures are cost-effective in meeting energy policy and climate objectives but initial costs are often a barrier for consumers. When an energy company experiences major initial costs, for example in building a thermal power plant, banks will usually provide the necessary financing. It is much different for … Continue reading Financing energy efficiency →

How To Achieve A Low Carbon Society #1

There is an interesting debate in the UK at the moment concerning the role of nuclear energy in a future low-carbon society. A recently published cross-party report finds that Ministers misled parliament about the need for new nuclear plants. According to the government's own figures, "there is absolutely no need for any more nuclear power … Continue reading How To Achieve A Low Carbon Society #1 →

Europe’s Buildings – Zero-energy, or almost . . .

In Europe, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was recast in 2010, in large part to set more ambitious goals for the energy performance of buildings. As of December 31, 2020, all new – residential and non-residential – buildings will have to be “nearly zero energy.” Nearly zero energy buildings can completely transform the buildings … Continue reading Europe’s Buildings – Zero-energy, or almost . . . →

Georgia on my mind

Georgia has had a new in-depth review of its energy efficiency policies and programmes published by the Energy Charter Secretariat. This review follows the one in 2006 for which I was part of the team. Georgia is a country with a lot of potential for energy efficiency improvements and some very dedicated people to make … Continue reading Georgia on my mind →

Looking past to look forward

As the year begins, and we look forward to what 2012 will bring to the progress of energy efficiency in Europe, a look back at 2011 can offer some clues. In March 2011, after endless delays, the Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) was finally published. The Plan showed that the EU is not on track to … Continue reading Looking past to look forward →

Everyone is Watching

There are a lot of financial instruments in Europe being used to help consumers improve the energy performance of buildings. The recent study by the Buildings Performance Institute Europe on “ Europe’s Buildings Under the Microscope” documents many of them in place today. Yet, everyone knows that those incentives are not enough if Europe is … Continue reading Everyone is Watching →