Creating jobs in the energy efficiency field – not an easy job, but worth it

Energy efficiency initiatives create jobs, and normally very good jobs. Recent analysis shows that between 17 and 19 net jobs can be created for every million euros spent. That is a million euros from all sources. And since the analysis shows that energy efficiency activities are more labour-intensive than manufacturing, decision-makers should pay close attention. … Continue reading Creating jobs in the energy efficiency field – not an easy job, but worth it →

Basics of energy efficiency – a basic need?

There is quite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of improved energy efficiency; but when the economy wobbles, energy efficiency assumes secondary importance, at best. Europe is making the transition to a low carbon economy. Council has agreed to an 80-95 % reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 if certain international conditions are met, and energy … Continue reading Basics of energy efficiency – a basic need? →

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 →

In the news . . .

This is a very interesting article on a unique system to use of sunlight to light buildings. Switch off the lights, here comes the sun By Rick Pilger Globe and Mail, Friday, January 27, 2012 For those of us who spend most of our days under the alien glow of the artificial light that … Continue reading In the news . . . →

Brussels Briefing #1 – an ambitious Energy Efficiency Directive?

From a distance, and even inside Brussels, the process to put sustainable energy policies and programmes in place can be baffling. Here is an attempt to untangle the process for the draft Energy Efficiency Directive and the many voices trying to shape its final form. The Energy Efficiency Directive was published in June 2011. The … Continue reading Brussels Briefing #1 – an ambitious Energy Efficiency Directive? →

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 →