What Policies Work Best to Deploy Renewable Energy and Increase Energy Efficiency?

The World Bank Group recently held a workshop to discuss the topic of what policies work best.  The workshop noted that investment in renewable energy worldwide rose to about $250 billion in 2010, up from $160 billion in 2009, to reach about 20% of new investment in the energy space. This is rapid growth, but … Continue reading What Policies Work Best to Deploy Renewable Energy and Increase Energy Efficiency?

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

Thinking Global

United Nations declares UN Year of Sustainable Energy for All The United Nations has made2012 the year of Sustainable Energy for All to support three inter-linked objectives: Ensure universal access to modern energy services Double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency Double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Anyone working … Continue reading Thinking Global

Légion d’Honneur

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has named Dr. Hélène Connor, founder and chairman of HELIO International, a recipient of the 2012 Légion d'Honneur in recognition of her four decades of visionary work in promoting environmental protection, sustainable energy and participatory governance. Hélène and I worked together for more than 12 years and she has been one … Continue reading Légion d’Honneur