Challenging Lock-in from Sustainable Energy Systems (CLUES)

Posted on: 24 October 2012
By: mackene
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CLUES (Challenging Lock-in from Sustainable Energy Systems) is a project which aimed to critically assess the development of decentralised energy systems in urban areas in the light of national decarbonisation and urban sustainability goals. Based upon national and international reviews, it examined the range and types of urban energy systems that have been and might have been installed. It further considered the issues raised by the need for such initiatives to integrate with energy systems at urban level in the UK, regional and national scales in order to deliver energy and carbon reductions to 2050 effectively. A tool has been developed for people working at the strategic level in local authorities, and will also be valuable to those delivering professional planning education. The project completed its work on 1 October 2012.

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Green Deal Quick Guides

Posted on: 24 October 2012
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The Green Deal aims to promote energy-saving home improvements, like insulation. This scheme lets you pay for some or all of the improvements over time on your electricity bill. Repayments will be no more than what a typical household should save in energy costs. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has published a series of quick guides on the Green Deal for residential landlords, social housing tenants, social housing provides, and business, as well as guidance on Green Deal assessment, energy company obligations, and consumer protection.

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Planning for a low carbon future: Lessons learned from seven country studies

Posted on: 24 October 2012
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According to a report from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank, countries seeking to balance economic growth with carbon reduction can achieve both. The report details case studies on low-carbon development in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland and South Africa. The report proposes frameworks for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, highlighting approaches to low-carbon development that balance challenges like poverty, climate change and energy use. Globally, the report’s findings focus on development of green technologies, engaging mainstream leadership across sectors, and meeting potential increased demand for technical assistance. It suggests that larger countries with rapidly-developing economies, such as Brazil, China, and India, have the most at stake in cost-effective low-carbon development, and notes that these three countries were responsible for over 40 percent of global renewable energy investment in 2010.

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UK wave resource study

Posted on: 22 October 2012
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The Carbon Trust has published the results of the first concerted attempt to map the sites around the UK with the most potential for wave power.

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The Haringey Carbon Commission Report: A sustainable new economy

Posted on: 22 October 2012
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The Carbon Commission, working with local groups, has developed a set of 5 recommendations which together form the foundations of a transition to a low carbon economy for the London Borough of Haringey. The various roles for civil society, business and government are detailed in the main body of the report.

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Social indicators (Research Paper 12/59)

Posted on: 22 October 2012
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This House of Commons Library Research Paper summarises a wide range of social statistics, including environment, energy, housing, transport, local government and UK aviation.

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199 Bishopsgate, London: Energy efficiency case study

Posted on: 19 October 2012
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Updating the 1980s building 199 Bishopsgate on London’s Broadgate became an exercise in energy efficiency, and the job proved that sustainable buildings are very cost-effective too. Giovanna Dunmall reports.

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Delivering a low-energy building: Making quality commonplace

Posted on: 18 October 2012
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The University of East Anglia’s Adapt Low Carbon Group has published a report which claims that today’s quality standards for construction could leave the country unable to meet climate change targets, and makes recommendations for radical changes in construction practice. The report reveals that energy bills for new homes are likely to be higher than anticipated and that occupant health may suffer from poor indoor air quality. The report is the result of a four-year study of building performance in Sweden, Germany, the UK, and elsewhere in Europe as part of Build with CaRe – a European programme promoting energy-efficient buildings.

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Green Deal for real. London, 25 September 2012

Posted on: 15 October 2012
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This conference aimed to increase understanding of how the Green Deal will work, and what the risks are, and what tools are available for assessment and delivery. The conference addressed three key themes: Green Deal operation and opportunities; Reducing the risks associated with energy savings in refurbishment; Tools to assist in decision making on refurbishment techniques. Presentations are available online.

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Understanding energy challenges in India: Policies, players and issues

Posted on: 12 October 2012
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This report from the International Energy Agency explores in detail the policies, players and issues of India’s power, coal, oil and gas, renewables and nuclear sectors. It also highlights the key challenges India faces, challenges that must be resolved for the evolution of the fast-growing country’s energy sector towards a sustainable energy future and eventually critical for the prospects of the Indian and global economies.

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