How better buildings can help von der Leyen maintain her green legacy
The EU president must implement plans to boost energy efficiency in the sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to geopolitical shocks
Energy Efficiency
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EU’s new energy efficiency rules could be gamechanger for education
Renewed ambition represents an awareness of the key role energy efficiency plays in hitting carbon targets
Despite solar surge, world off track for COP28 renewable energy target
Current plans will only deliver half of the growth needed to hit a global target of tripling renewables by 2030, IRENA warns
Turn down the heating: France unveils ‘ambitious’ energy saving plan
French people and businesses are encouraged to take shorter showers, turn down thermostats and car pool but none of the measures are binding
Why ‘energy productivity’ is making a comeback
ANALYSIS: It presents a positive message and appeals to business, but technological progress is no substitute for climate regulations
Low carbon experts mull iconic buildings for green makeovers
ANALYSIS: Notre Dame or a Durban township? Sustainability advocates are divided on the best way to push the energy efficiency message
EU energy union fails to tackle falling industrial efficiency
ANALYSIS: European leaders seem unaware that energy intensity in the steel, cement and chemicals industries has stalled or increased
Energy efficiency is on 80% of UK businesses’ agendas
The sector is growing by almost 4% a year, creating 136,000 jobs and increasing the country’s GDP by 1%
Smart windows could spark energy efficiency revolution
US window coating can stop around 50% of heat and 70% of visible light, generating huge energy savings
UK reveals plans for world’s largest offshore wind farm
Plans for giant onshore and offshore windfarms unveiled as government seeks to meet ‘Saudi Arabia of wind’ tag
Smart air conditioning could save business $100k a year
Office sensors could save business millions if deployed across USA, scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory report
Analysis: where is all the money for energy efficiency?
From the EU to individual homeowners, sourcing the cash for supposed no-brainer projects is proving harder than anticipated
IEA: World heading for 3.6°C of warming
New report recommends four energy policies that could keep world within the 2°C limit recommended by scientists
Energy efficiency: Do it for your wallet
In his third column for RTCC, Transition Town Berkhamstead member John Bell says opposing wind farms is understandable but wasting energy is inexcusable
US consumers respond to energy independence not efficiency
Study finds conservative-minded consumers are deterred by environmental credentials of products
Weightless carbon gel offers major clean tech boost
Move over graphene. The latest new super material in town, a carbon aerogel developed in China, could cut residential, transport and industrial emissions
Paint the town white to keep warming cities cool
Energy efficiency expert says painting roofs white in the world’s warm cities would have same effect as taking half the world’s cars off the road
US energy efficiency league tables revealed
Energy Star certified buildings certified in 2012 saved enough energy to power 2m homes for a year
Machine networking vital to meet climate targets
New report from Carbon War Room claims efficiencies gained from machine to machine networking could cut 7.2 Gigatonnes of CO2 by 2020
Closing the door on energy efficiency
If shopkeepers closed their doors and turned the heating down they could save 50% on the bills – but few seem inclined to play ball
New study: Work less, fight climate change
Reducing working hours could help cut greenhouse gas emissions but research gets cool reception
Scotland the brave reveals new climate targets
Ambitious new climate change policy measures announced including plans to cut emissions from electricity production by 80%
Could Don Draper sell energy efficiency?
Today the UK Government launches the Green Deal – but why is energy efficiency such a hard sell?
China clean energy drive is working, says BP
Oil giant’s Energy Outlook highlights China’s slowing thirst for coal and better efficiency but its new greener economy will still increase its emissions output
Chinese carbon intensity drops 3.5% in 2012
Move welcomed as step in right direction but absolute emission reduction requires a climbdown on coal
‘Hidden fuel’ of energy efficiency vital for climate change efforts
The IEA says the US fossil fuel boom is set to continue shaking up international markets, but energy efficiency not a dash for gas is the key to climate friendly energy security.
IEA: Fossil fuel subsidies increased 30% in 2011
Latest World Energy Outlook reveals many Middle East and North African countries increased subsidies in wake of Arab Spring as they look to appease restless populations.
Virgin Atlantic saves 100,000 tonnes of CO2 with new fuel efficiency system
Virgin Atlantic lays out the potential carbon and cost savings from using innovative software to track flight efficiency, in its 2012 sustainability report.
Mayor of Seoul aims to ‘cancel out’ a nuclear power plant with climate action
City-wide energy efficiency drive announced as South Korea continues to push the climate change agenda at home and abroad.
Hawaii’s Green Blue economy tackles climate change challenges head-on
The import-dependent US State has set ambitious goals as it pursues food and energy security.
What can the US learn from Australia’s clean energy roadmap?
Business and government could do worse than follow in Australian footsteps writes, Jennifer Morgan, director of the climate and energy programme at the World Resource Institute.