City of Vancouver
Date: 2020-01-06
In British Columbia, the city of Vancouver has released its Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP) which builds on the 2009 work of Mayor Gregor Robertson's Greenest City Action Team -- local experts researched best practices from leading green cities around the world.

According to the GCAP overview, Vancouver aims to cut community-based greenhouse gas emissions to 5 pct below 1990 levels, even though the city's population has jumped 27 pct and jobs have increased more than 18 pct. Vancouver secured 93 pct of it's electric power from British Columbia-based renewable sources. The city has implemented the greenest building code in North America, stresses energy efficiency and other measures aimed at encouraging and support a low-carbon economy and addressing climate change.

Download the Greenest City Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Vancouver, CBC, 3 Jan., 2020) Contact: City of Vancouver, (604) 873-7000, www.vancouver.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  City of Vancouver,  

UK Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-12-30
In London, the newly elected majority Conservative government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed its election manifesto pledge to "enable new floating turbines" and increase the country's new offshore wind capacity from 30GW to 40GW by 2030.

The Johnson government's commitment to wind energy is part of its effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The government also confirmed its planned £800 million investment in a carbon capture storage (CCS) cluster by the mid-2020s. A further £500 million will also be provided to help energy-intensive industries move to low-carbon techniques and a low-carbon economy. (Source: BBC, Various Media,Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News CCS,  Offshore Wind,  UK Renewable Energy,  

The Climate Group
Date: 2019-12-20
The Climate Group, in partnership with Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), reports it is working to accelerate the adoption of LED street lighting in cities as well as driving a more urgent goal for all indoor lighting across the private sector to be LED by 2020. To that end, the Climate Group is working to create a network of companies and governments to speed up the sharing of energy efficient LED lighting information.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), a global switch to LEDs is one of the most actionable and ready-to-implement technologies for cities to transition to a low-carbon economy. This is especially important given that lighting accounts for nearly 6 pct of global CO2 emissions, with outdoor street lighting accounting for 25-50 pct of a city's entire electricity use. With LED lighting, cities and municipalities can expect to make energy savings of between 50-70 pct, alongside reduced maintenance costs. (Source: The Climate Group, PR, DEC., 2019) Contact: Signify, www.signify.com/en-gb; The Climate Group, Toby Morgan, LED Program Manager, LED@theclimategroup.org, www.theclimategroup.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LED Light,  Energy Efficient Light,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2019-12-04
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has released the results of its Disclosure Challenge, an initiative designed to champion the importance of energy bench-marking and data transparency in the Canadian commercial real estate market. The results have CaGBC and initiative participants, including QuadReal, Triovest Realty Advisors Inc., Concert Properties Ltd., Colliers International, and the Minto Group calling on federal and provincial governments to implement consistent building data disclosure regulations and requirements.

For Canada to reach its emissions reduction targets and transition to a low-carbon economy over the next decade it is essential that existing buildings achieve significant energy efficiency improvements. One of the barriers to meeting these goals is the current lack of publicly available data on commercial building performance in Canada.

While energy bench-marking regulations are in effect in Ontario, the Challenge marked the first time Canadian real estate owners have voluntarily disclosed their Canada-wide portfolio data. These five participants publicly disclosed available data for over 11 million square meters of space in buildings spread across the country from Victoria to Halifax including offices, warehouses, residential apartment buildings and retail shops. Insights from the Disclosure Challenge show:

In comparison with Natural Research Canada (NRCan) average site energy use intensity values, overall participant office buildings performed approximately 10 pct better than the average office in Canada, whereas participant multi-residential buildings were about even with the average.

Average energy use intensity for office and multi-residential buildings in the challenge were 286 kWh/m2 and 256 kWh/m2 respectively. As compared to high-performance efficiency standards for new office and multi-residential buildings in Canada coming into force in different jurisdictions (with a standard of 100 kWh/m2). Disclosure Challenge office buildings were approximately 65 pct less efficient and multi-residential buildings were 61 pct less efficient.

GHG Emissions intensity varied across the country and was generally correlated with the electricity supply grid intensity, so office buildings in Alberta were as high as 170 kgCO2e/m2 and apartments in British Columbia were as low as 24 kgCO2e/m2 .

View the full Canada Green Building Council Disclosure Challenge HERE. (Source: Canada Green Building Council, PR, Dec., 2019) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Energy Benchmark,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Eddiciency,  

World Bank
Date: 2019-11-27
The World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reporting the issuance of a $28.6 million five-year Sustainable Development Bond as part of ongoing efforts to focus attention on the sustainable use of oceans and coastal areas -- the "Blue Economy." Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd., through its Impact Advisory and Finance Department, acted as the sole manager of the transaction.

World Bank bonds support the financing of sustainable development projects and programs designed to promote strong governance of marine and coastal resources to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, reduce pollution in waterways and oceans and address climate change. The World Bank issues $50-$60 billion in the global capital markets every year.

"Absorbing approximately 30 pct of the CO2 created by humans and generating 50 pct of the world's oxygen, yet significantly underfunded from a private capital perspective, ocean health is critical," according to Marisa Drew, CEO of the Impact Advisory and Finance Department at Credit Suisse.

(Source: World Bank, Credit Suisse, The Asset, Nov., 2019) Contact: World Bank International Finance Corporation, www.ifc.org; Credit Suisse, www.credit-suisse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Credit Suisse,  World Bank,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

Climate Transparency’s 2019
Date: 2019-11-15
According to Climate Transparency's 2019 report card on Canada's climate plan and Canadian emissions within the G20:

Canada's per-capita emissions in 2016 were 18.9 tonnes per person, compared with a G20 average of 7.5 tpp. By way of comparison, the lowest per-capita emissions in the G20 were in India, at 1.9 tonnes, and the highest in Australia, at 21.8 tonnes.

Almost one-third of Canada's emissions come from transportation -- the second-highest in the G20 and still rising while they are falling in the G20 as a whole.

Buildings produced 13 pct of Canadian emissions, and Canada has no national strategy to reduce emissions from existing buildings. Building emissions in Canada are twice the G20 average, but while the G20 average has gotten slightly worse in the last five years, Canada has cut its emissions from buildings almost 10 pct.

Canada is among the three least likely G20 countries to hit its existing 2030 emissions-reductions targets, and are presently less than half of where Canada needs to go.

Climate Transparency is an open global consortium with a shared mission to stimulate a 'race to the top' in climate action through enhanced transparency. For this purpose, comprehensive, comparable and credible information about government climate action is spread by bringing together the most important actors in assessing and communicating climate action for the benefit of key influencers and decision makers.

According to its website, he Climate Transparency consortium produces the Brown to Green Report every year, providing a comprehensive overview of how the G20 countries are doing on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report draws on the latest emissions data and covers over 80 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards of climate action in the G20. Additionally, a country profile is produced for each of the G20 countries. (Source: New Climate Institute, Nov., 2019) Contact: New Climate Institute, www.newclimate.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Institute,  

AXIS Capital Holdings
Date: 2019-10-25
Bermuda-headquartered insurance and re-insurance major AXIS Capital Holdings Limited is reporting a new policy addressing underwriting and investments related to thermal coal and oil sands. The policy is in keeping with the company's commitment to a low-carbon economy and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Under the new policy, which takes effect January 01, 2020, AXIS will not provide new insurance or facultative reinsurance for the construction of new thermal coal plants or mines, oil-sands extraction and pipeline projects, and their dedicated infrastructure, nor insure companies that generate 30 pct or more of their revenue or generate 30 pct or more of their power from thermal coal, or hold more than 20 pct of their reserves in oil sands.

AXIS Capital is the first US insurer to restrict insurance for both coal and oil sands -- a move that won praise from environmental advocacy groups. (Source: AXIS Capital, Insurance Business America, Oct., 2019) Contact: AXIS Capital Holdings, Albert Benchimol, CEO, www.axiscapital.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Climate Change,  Oil Sands,  Carbon Emissions ,  

Aviva Investors
Date: 2019-09-13
In the UK, London-headquartered Aviva Investors is reporting the launch of its Climate Transition European Equity Fund that will focus on the transition to a low-carbon economy. The new fund has received €100 million seed investment from Aviva France.

The fund will invest in companies that derive revenues from goods and services that address climate change mitigation and adaptation, and companies aligning their business models with a warmer, low-carbon world. It will not invest in stocks exposed to coal, unconventional fossil fuels, Arctic oil and gas production, or thermal coal electricity generation. (Source: Aviva Investors, City Wire, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Aviva Investors, Euan Munro, CEO, www.avivainvestors.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviva Investors,  LowCarbon Energy,  

Taiwan,eep Decarbonization Pathways Project
Date: 2019-06-07
In Taiwan, the Taipei-based research university Academia Sinica has released its Taiwan Deep Decarbonization Policy White Paper as a recommendation to the Taiwanese government for developing relevant national strategies aimed at achieving a low carbon future.

According to the report, Taiwan should follow the mindset of the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP), a global consortium formed in 2013. Although Taiwan is not a member of the DDPP, it could study the various open-source research and policy recommendations to reduce annual carbon emissions per person to 1.7 metric tons by 2050, which is also a goal set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Based on the progress of Taiwan's Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, it is likely that the country will only be able to reduce carbon emissions per person to 5.4-6 metric tons by 2050, which is far higher than the figure set by the DDPP, the white paper cautioned.

The study also recommends the government should revisit related government-led strategies concerning carbon trading, energy taxes and draft better incentives for industry and consumers.

The government should also push a more comprehensive climate act to serve as a national guideline, an create an open and transparent platform so that stakeholders from the public and private sectors can exchange climate change related information.

Academia Sinica, headquartered in Nangang District, Taipei, is the national academy of the Republic of China. It supports research activities in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from mathematical and physical sciences, to life sciences, the humanities and social sciences. (Source: Academia Sinica, Focus Taiwan, June, 2019) Contact: Academia Sinica, +886 2 2782 2120, www.sinica.edu.tw/en; Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project, www.deepdecarbonization.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

Natural Gas
Date: 2019-05-31
"Research tells us natural gas can only become a 'bridge' fuel to the needed, lower-carbon economy if appropriate policy is enacted. Otherwise natural gas expansion is predicted to slow renewable energy growth." -- Joylette Portlock, Exec. Dir., Sustainable Pittsburgh Contact: Sustainable Pittsburgh,(412) 258-6642, (412) 258-6645 (fax), info@sustainablepittsburgh.org, www.sustainablepittsburgh.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Natural Gas,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Date: 2019-04-26
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reports it will launch a series of consultations on the commercial buildings sector's energy efficiency which the Ministry describes as a "huge untapped area" for improvements. The consultation is intended to identify actions that would drive improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the commercial built environment sector.

Approximately 60 pct of the sector is rented, creating barriers to improve energy efficiency due to complex contracts between landlords and commercial tenants which often clash with the ownership, maintenance and long lifetimes of technological improvements.

The Ministry notes its Clean Growth Strategy includes a "package of measures" to support business to improve energy efficiency and productivity by at least 20 pct by 2030 and lead to the establishment of an Industrial Energy Efficiency scheme to help large companies cut energy use and bills in commercial properties.

BEIS estimates that the 20 pct target will significantly cut energy costs for businesses and, to that end, has also launched a £315 million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to support high energy consumption businesses with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Elsewhere, the UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) came into effect in April 2018, imposing new rules on both domestic and commercial properties within the private rental sector. The rules prohibit landlords from granting a tenancy to new or existing tenants if the property has a sub-standard Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. (Source: BEIS, edie Newsroom, 25 April, 2019) Contact: BEIS, Ben Golding, Director of Energy Efficiency and Local Department, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Department for Business,  Energy and Industrial Strategy ,  

BC Bioenergy Network
Date: 2019-03-29
The government of British Columbia, through the CleanBC Plan, is committed to growing renewable fuels production to 650 million lpy and increasing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard to 20 pct by 2030.

To that end, the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is considering what actions to take to meet these targets, including support for the commercial production of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the province, reducing B.C.'s reliance on imported feedstocks and expanding B.C.'s existing renewable fuel production industry. In order to meet the CleanBC renewable fuels targets, significantly more renewable feedstocks will need to be sourced from within B.C. and more renewable fuels will need to be produced here.

To achieve this renewable fuel production commitment and help B.C. transition to a low-carbon economy, BC Bioenergy Network (BCBN) and the ministry are seeking a contractor to undertake a biorefinery market analysis outlining specific conditions required to attract major fuel producers to invest in building biorefineries in the province.

The contractor will provide a comprehensive report on the economic, technical, social and environmental factors that will be necessary to accomplishing the aforementioned objectives, and will include a biorefinery market analysis of all relevant products for the North American and global market -- identification of the opportunities and potential barriers to their development. Analysis should include discussions on how the availability of feedstocks required in biorefinery production affect the economics of establishing the facilities.

BC Biorefinery Investment RfP information and details HERE (Source: BCBN, 28 Mar., 2019) Contact: BCBN, Dr. Scott Stanners, Executive Director (604) 889-4549, Scott.Stanners@bcbioenergy.ca, www.bcbioenergy.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News BC Bioenergy Network ,  

SUNY,Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-02-18
In the Empire State, 21 public and private universities including the State University of New York (SUNY) system's 16 campuses, Cornell University in Ithaca and other private universities report they are partnering to form the New York Campuses' Aggregate Renewable Energy Solutions Consortium (NYCARES).

The new group aims to lower the costs of renewable energy procurement through combined purchasing power, solicit new renewable energy opportunities and projects, promote the development of a "green" low-carbon economy, and support the state's commitments to source 50 pct of New York's energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. The consortium will also focus its efforts on projects that will be ready for operation no later than 2020. (Source: NYCARES, CleanTechnica, Feb., 2019) Contact: SUNY, Kristina Johnson, Chancellor, www.suny.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News SUNY,  Renewable Energy,  

Citigroup
Date: 2019-01-30
US banking giant Citigroup Inc is touting its initial €1 billion ($1.14 billion) "green" bond offering aimed at financing renewable energy and other environmental projects including energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable transportation, water quality and conservation.

The projects will be supported as part of Citi's 2015, $100-billion (€87.6 billion) environmental finance goal which aims to lend and facilitate $100 billion over 10 years towards environmental activities leading to a low-carbon economy.

Citigroup owns or leases over 57 million square feet of real estate in over 7,900 properties including its new NYC global headquarters currently under construction to LEED Platinum energy efficiency certification standards. (Source: Citigroup, Renewables, 29 Jan., 2019) Contact: Citigroup Inc., www.citigroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Citigroup,  Energy Efficiency,  Renewable Energy,  Green Bond,  

World Resources Institute,
Date: 2018-11-26
In Washington, the World Resources Institute (WRI) has issued the following comments on the U.S. government's Global Change Research Program's just released Fourth National Climate Assessment report:

"The message is loud, clear and undeniable: climate impacts are here and growing. The tragic Camp Fire in California serves as a stark illustration of how climate change is loading the dice for more extreme events that devastate people, homes and the economy. We should trust what we're seeing with our own eyes: more intense wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and heat waves. This is what climate change looks like and it will become far worse unless we rapidly shift to a low-carbon economy.

"Climate change is already taking a toll on U.S. agriculture, health, tourism, fisheries, energy, transportation, infrastructure, businesses and more. For example, $1 trillion dollars of public infrastructure and private property along the U.S. coastline are at risk due to rising seas, increasing storm surges, and tidal flooding. No region of the country and no sector of the economy is immune. We must use all tools and pursue all policy levers to turn the tide. The NCA report makes it clear that we need a rapid and decisive shift to a low-carbon economy to achieve inclusive, long-term economic prosperity across the United States." WRI concluded. (Source: World Resources Institute, PR, 23 Nov., 2018) Contact: World Resources Institute, Dan Lashof, U.S. Director, World Resources Institute, www.wri.org

Download the National Climate Assessment 4 report HERE

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Resources Institute,  Climate Change,  

Green Party Ireland,Bord na Mona
Date: 2018-11-09
In the Irish capital city of Dublin, the Green Party has launched its "Just Transition Bill" calling for a swift move away from a fossil fuel economy to a climate-friendly in the fairest way possible for those who have previously depended on the fossil fuel industries for their livelihood.

The bill aims to bring about a social, business and government dialogue to formulate and drive the concrete plans, policies, and investments needed for a fast and fair transformation to a low-carbon economy.

The Green Party initiative follows Bord na Mona's announcement of job cuts in its peat harvesting business by 2025. The Bill proposes that funding currently used to sustain peat-fired power plants be diverted to support job transition, peatland restoration and social protection for those who may lose their jobs in fossil fuel related industries. "The Bill is about moving from a fossil-fuel economy to a sustainable, climate-friendly economy as quickly and as fairly as possible," according to Green Part Leader Eamon Ryan. (Source: Green News ie, 8 Nov., 2018) Contact: Green Party Ireland, Eamon Ryam, Leader, www.greenparty.ie; Bord na Mona Plc, Mike Quinn, CEO, Patrick Madigan, Bioenergy Division, +353 45 439000, www.bordnamona.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bord na Mona,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Peat,  Bord na Mona,  

Inter-American Development Bank
Date: 2018-07-30
In San Salvador, the El Salvadoran government reports it will expand the availability of financing for energy efficiency projects to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a $20 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Funds for the loan come from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and will be executed by Banco de Desarrollo de El Salvador (BANDESAL).

The program, which is reportedly the first line of credit exclusively dedicated to promoting energy efficiency investments, could support 494 SMEs. El Salvador is promoting energy efficiency and supporting renewable energy as a way of implementing a low-carbon economy, reducing the country's dependence on oil derivatives and lowering its greenhouse gas emissions. The IDB financing is for a 20-year term, with a 5.5-year grace period and a 0.75 fixed interest rate. (Source: IDB, PR, 26 July, 2018) Contact: IDB, Juan Pablo Bonilla, Climate Change and Sustainability Sector Manager, Therese Turner-Jones, GM Caribbean Country Department, www.iadb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Inter-American Development Bank ,  Energy Efficiency,  

Xarbon Sustainability, nited Nations Office for Project Services
Date: 2018-07-18
In Hong Kong, Xarbon Sustainability Limited, a sustainability technology company using blockchain to improve carbon credit trading market transparency, is reporting a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to support low-carbon economy development and has participated in co-investment of $18 million on a Korean-based OLED lighting project to offset carbon emission.

The Company has a partnership and received endorsement from the UNOPS, the operational arm of the United Nations dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System, to support low-carbon economy development by establishing digitalized carbon, aiming to improve education, awareness-raising and social impact on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning among different governments and organizations.

Xarbon launched the first Digital Carbon Credit "OCO", on top of the New Economy Movement Blockchain, which aims to future proof the carbon economy. The team believes that by applying blockchain technology to the carbon credit market, that OCO can improve transparency of carbon credit transfer, simplify user verification process, and incentivize individuals to uphold behavioral change. (Source: Xarbon Sustainability Limited, PR, Across Asia Communications, 18 July, 2018) Contact: Xarbon, http://xarbon.com/en; nited Nations Office for Project Services, www.unops.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xarbon Sustainability ,  Low Carbon Economy,  Carbon Credit,  Carbon Credit Trading,  

Renewable Energy Institute
Date: 2018-07-13
In Japan, the Tokyo-headquartered public interest Renewable Energy Institute is reporting the release of its Restructuring of Japan's Bio-energy Strategy. The report examines the bioenergy industry in Japan and its potential contribution to a low-carbon economy -- decarbonized society.

The report recommends: establishing a bioenergy heating Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme; new coal-fired power plants be co-combusted with biomass; biomass fuels be sourced from domestic forest resources and preventing wood resources from deteriorating, and utilizing waste such as rice husk/paddy straw and unused wood products, such as bamboo in the agricultural sector. (Source: Japan Renewable Energy Institute, 12 July, 2018) Contact: Japan Renewable Energy Institue, www.renewable-ei.org/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy news,  Biomass news,  

Global Witness,EC
Date: 2018-05-28
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) announced last week an action plan on sustainable finance aimed at encouraging the EU financial sector to invest in a greener and cleaner low-carbon economy. The proposals are initially focused on environmental investments but social factors are expected to be included as the proposals progress.

The NGO Global Witness, known for its campaign against "blood diamonds", is calling for robust regulations to curb the excesses of financial deregulation which have driven global deforestation and other abuses that contribute to climate change.

The EC says it aims at becoming a global leader in fighting climate change and achieving the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions agreed at the COP21 Paris Climate accord meeting in December 2015. The impact of climate change already threatens financial stability and leads to major economic losses through floods, land erosion or droughts, the EC acknowledged. To achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets, approximately €180 billion per year of additional investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy would be needed. Mobilizing private capital to fund sustainable investment is essential, the EC added. (Source: EC, Brussels Times, 27 May, 2018) Contact: Global Witness, www.globalwitness.org; European Commission, Miguel Arias Canete, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, https://ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission,  Climate Change,  Deforestation,  ,  

EC.European Investment Bank
Date: 2018-05-09
In Brussels, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are launching a new Practitioner's Guide on the Statistical Treatment of Energy Performance Contracts.

The new Guide follows the Eurostat Guidance note on the revised treatment of Energy Performance Contracts in government accounts, issued in September 2017, and explains its practical application, making use of technical assistance resources from the European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH).

The Guide explains in detail how Energy Performance Contracts work and gives a clear overview of the potential impact on government finances. This will help Member States and other stakeholders to better understand the impact that the different features of these contracts have on the classification of the investment undertaken, on or off government balance sheet.

A major priority is energy efficiency as a part of a low-carbon economy. Here, so-called Energy Performance Contracts, or EPCs for short, can help mobilise private investment and expertise in energy efficiency in public sector buildings. Energy Performance in buildings is part of the legislative package "Clean Energy for all Europeans" -- a key element for achieving a resilient Energy Union and a forward-looking climate change policy.

The Practitioner's Guide on the Statistical Treatment of Energy Performance Contracts is available HERE. (Source: EuroStat, European Commission, PR 8 May, 2018) Contact: European Commission, Sara Soumillion, sara.soumillion@ec.europa.eu; EIB, Tim Smit , t.smit@eib.org, www.eib.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Performance,  Energy Management,  European Investment Bank,  

Climate Change
Date: 2018-04-30
"By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions, and destroying our biodiversity -- we are killing our planet. Let us face it. There is no planet B."

"We must find a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Because what is the meaning of our life, really, if we work and live destroying the planet, one sacrifices things for the future of our children. What is the meaning of our life if our decision, our conscious decision, is to reduce the opportunities for our children and grandchildren."

The French President also said he hoped the US would "one day re-join the landmark Paris climate agreement." -- French President Emmanuel Macron addressing a joint session of the USA Congress last week in Washington. (Source: Various Media, UN Environment, 26 April, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Paris Climate Agreement,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2018-02-26
In Dublin, the Irish Government reports it will spend €22 billion over the next four years under its new National Development Plan to supports Ireland's burgeoning transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient economy. The new plan includes support for energy efficiency, agriculture, transport, climate adaptation and renewable energy.

Ireland has some of the strongest wind speeds in Europe, and the government is looking to continue to harness this natural resource within its renewable energy plans. By 2030, the plan states that coal and peat-fired plants will "no longer have a role in electricity generation in Ireland" with wind power continuing to dominate the energy mix in the future. The also sees a role for a mix of wave, solar, bioenergy and hydrogen. In a related move to secure energy supplies in the country, a new subsea electricity connector is being proposed with France. This €1 billion project will help provide 700MW of low-carbon electricity to the country from the mid-2020s onwards. (Source: Gov. of Ireland, UN Climate Action, 23 Feb., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ireland,  Renewable Energy,  Low-Carbon Economy,  

EDF
Date: 2018-02-21
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2017 World Energy Outlook evaluating the role of natural gas in a low-carbon economy, globally, the oil and gas industry could reduce up to 75 pct of its current methane emissions. Methane, the main constituent in natural gas, is also a powerful climate pollutant that has increasingly alarmed scientists. IEA says the environmental credentials of natural gas are at risk absent action by the industry to radically reduce oil and gas methane emissions. Methane emissions from human activities account for about 25 pct of the warming our planet is experiencing today, according to the IEA.

The IEA says that while some oil and gas companies are beginning to tackle methane in earnest, others downplay or deny the problem while others question the oil and gas industry's role in a low-carbon future.(Source: Environmental Defense Fund) ) Contact: Environmental Defense Fund, Fred Krupp, Pres. www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Methane news,  EDF news,  Climate Change news,  

European Commission
Date: 2018-02-16
Meeting in Brussels, the European Commission (EC) reports it will invest €98.2 million to support Europe's transition to a low-carbon, circular economy under the new LIFE funding programme for the Environment and Climate Action.

The investment, which covers 10 projects in Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Spain and Sweden, will mobilize investments leading to an additional €2 billion, as Member States can make use of other EU funding sources.

The 10 projects have a total budget of €182.2 million, of which €29.4 million is earmarked for 2 projects specific to climate change adaptation. (Source: European Commission, 8 Feb., 2018) Contact: European Commission, Miguel Arias Canete, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy https://ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Commission,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Climate Change Adaptation,  

European Parliament
Date: 2018-02-12
In Brussels, the European Parliament (EP) reports iy has passed legislation to strengthen European Union's curbs on industrial CO2 emissions so as to begin delivering on Paris climate accord pledges. The new law, already informally agreed with EU ministers, will accelerate the withdrawal of emission allowances available on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Carbon Market which covers around 40 pct of EU greenhouse gas emissions. The new law provides for:

an increase in the yearly reduction of emission allowances to be placed on the market by 2.2 pct from 2021, up from the 1.74 pct planned at present -- this factor will also be kept under review with a view to increasing it further by 2024 at the earliest;

a doubling of the EU ETS Market Stability Reserve's capacity to mop up excess emission allowances on the market -- when triggered, it would absorb up to 24 pct of excess allowances in each auctioning year, for the first four years, thus increasing their price and adding to the incentive to reduce emissions.

The EP also approved two funds to help foster innovation and spur the transition to a low-carbon economy. A modernization fund will help to upgrade energy systems in lower-income EU member states. MEPs tightened up the financing rules so that the fund is not used for coal-fired projects, except for district heating in the poorest member states. An innovation fund will provide financial support for renewable energy, carbon capture and storage and low-carbon innovation projects.

The law also aims to prevent "carbon leakage" , i.e. the risk that companies might relocate their production outside Europe due to emission reduction policies. The sectors at the highest risk will receive their EU ETS allowances for free. Less exposed sectors will receive 30 pct for free. (Source: European Parliament, PR, Feb., 2018) Contact: European Parliament, Baptiste Chatain. +32 228 40992, baptiste.chatain@europarl.europa.eu, eurooparl.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News European Parliament,  Carbon Emissions,  EU ETS,  

Waste Management,CDP
Date: 2017-11-03
Houston-headquartered Waste Management has been recognized as a leader among companies from around the world by environmental not-for-profit CDP for the depth and quality of climate change data it discloses to investors and the global marketplace.

Waste Management's leadership status was announced on CDP's 2017 Climate A List of companies recognized for their efforts to combat climate change, cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy. (Source: Waste Management, PR, 31 Oct., 2017) Contact: Waste Management, Jim Fish, Pres, Analysts Ed Egl, (713) 265-1656, eegl@wm.com, www.wm.com, www.thinkgreen.com; CDP,(212) 378 2086, info.northamerica@cdp.net, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Waste Management,  CDP,  

Environmental Defense Fund,International Energy Agency
Date: 2017-10-30
According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2017 World Energy Outlook evaluating the role of natural gas in a low-carbon economy, globally, the oil and gas industry could reduce up to 75 pct of its current methane emissions. Methane, the main constituent in natural gas, is also a powerful climate pollutant that has increasingly alarmed scientists. IEA says the environmental credentials of natural gas are at risk absent action by the industry to radically reduce oil and gas methane emissions. Methane emissions from human activities account for about 25 pct of the warming our planet is experiencing today, according to the IEA.

The IEA says that while some oil and gas companies are beginning to tackle methane in earnest, others downplay or deny the problem while others question the oil and gas industry's role in a low-carbon future.(Source: Environmental Defense Fund, PR, Facebook, Oct. 26, 2017) Contact: Environmental Defense Fund, Fred Krupp, Pres. www.edf.org; IEA, Fatih Birol, Exec. Dir., +33 1 40 57 65 00, www.iea.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Environmental Defense Fund,  International Energy Agency,  Methane,  Methane Emissions,  ,  

Electrolux ,Dow Jones Sustainability World Index,CDP
Date: 2017-10-27
Stockholm-headquartered appliance manufacturer Electrolux reports it has been added to the CDP 2017 Climate A List in recognition of its efforts to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy.

As part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50 pct by 2020, is working to reduce its environmental footprint by shifting to renewables and optimizing the use of energy and other resources throughout its operations, as well as improving the energy efficiency of appliances.

Previously this year, Electrolux was for the eleventh consecutive year, named an Industry Leader of the Household Durables category in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. (Source: Electrolux, PR, Cision, 24 Oct., 2017) Contact: Electrolux, Henrik Sundstrom, Head of Sustainability Affairs , +46-8-657-65-07, www.electroluxappliances.ca; Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, www.sustainability-indices.com; CDP, www.cdp.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dow Jones Sustainability World Index ,  CDP,  Electrolux ,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

REMEHA,Energy Institute
Date: 2017-09-01
In the UK, following the results of a recent Energy Institute (EI) survey, REMEHA, a leading supplier of heating solutions and a pioneer in condensing boiler technology and low carbon boiler systems, is calling for a strengthening of government's energy efficiency policy and a more robust follow through on policy enforcement and delivery.

Of the respondents to the EI survey, 64 pct said that energy efficiency should be prioritized since it is considered he least expensive and lowest risk measure to reduce emissions and support the UK in seizing the economic advantages of moving to a low-carbon economy. Despite the importance of energy efficiency, only around half of those surveyed felt that government policy had been effective in this area during 2016. Without better policy instruments, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe the UK will fall short of meeting the fifth carbon budget, which requires emissions to be 57 pct lower than 1990 levels by 2030. (Source: REMEHA, Heating & Ventilating Review, Aug., 2017) Contact: RENEHA, Paul Wilson, Nat. Sales Mgr., www.remeha.co.uk; Energy Institute, Louise Kingham, CEO, +44 20 7467 7100, www.energyinst.org

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New Zealand Super Fund
Date: 2017-08-21
Reporting from Aukland, the NZ$35 billion ($25.6 billion) New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super Fund) has announced that its NZ$14 billion global passive equity portfolio has been moved into low-carbon investments and thus cut the Fund's overall carbon footprint.

The move is part of the Fund management's strategy to address climate change investment risk. As of June 30, the Fund's total carbon emissions intensity is 19.6 pct lower, and its exposure to carbon reserves is 21.5 pct lower, than if the changes had not been made.

The low-carbon portfolio is based on a carbon measurement methodology for listed equities developed by the fund's trustees in concert with MSCI ESG Research which provided independent carbon data and company ratings. The fund is also advancing other climate change strategies including incorporating climate change risk into its investment analysis, engaging with portfolio companies to promote better risk management, and identifying new investment opportunities from the global transition to a low-carbon economy. (Source: NZ Super Fund, NZ Chief Investment Officer, 18 Aug., 2017) Contact: NZ Super Fund, Adrian Orr, CEO, enquiries@nzsuperfund.co.nz, www.nzsuperfund.co.nz

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Committee on Climate Change
Date: 2017-06-30
In the UK, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) reports that lack of government action on climate change is making it difficult for businesses and the public to grasp the opportunities of the transition to a low-carbon economy. According to the CCC's 2017 report to parliament, progress has been made but continued advancements depend on "significant new measures."

Greenhouse gas emissions are about 42 pct lower than in 1990, about halfway to the 2050 commitment to reduce emissions by at least 80 pct below 1990 levels. However, progress is stalling with emissions mainly falling in the power sector since 2012 and rising in the transport and buildings sectors.

CCC calls for the government to continue reducing emissions across the economy and to address the gap between agreed upon emissions reduction targets and the impact of existing policies. The government should also find ways to bring forward additional low-carbon electricity generation through the 2020s and set out a strategy for deploying carbon capture and storage technology, CCC said.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008. The CCC's role is to advise the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on emissions targets and report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change. (Source: Committee on Climate Change, BBC, 29 June, 2017) Contact: Committee on Climate Change, +44 (0) 207 591 6080, www.theccc.org.uk

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Paris Agreement
Date: 2017-05-31
"The world's transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy is the story of growth for this century. We're already seeing the potential that this transformation represents in terms of more innovation, greater resilience, more livable cities, improved air quality and better health. Our report builds on the growing understanding of the opportunities for carbon pricing, together with other policies, to drive the sustainable growth and poverty reduction which can deliver on the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals." -- Joseph Stiglitz

Joseph Eugene Stiglitz is an American economist and a professor at Columbia University. He is a recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and the John Bates Clark Medal.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Low-Carbon Economy,  Low-Carbon Energy,  

ARENA
Date: 2017-05-05
In the Land Down Under, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is reporting the launch of its investment priorities almost $800 million of funding over the coming years as the country shifts from fossil fuel generation to a low-carbon economy and more renewables.

The plan, titled Innovating Energy, establishes four new priorities: delivering a secure and reliable electricity system; accelerating solar PV innovation; improving energy productivity; and exporting renewable energy.

Additionally, ARENA has launched A-Lab, a series of innovation and collaboration laboratories bringing together and objectives. ARENA will also focus on reducing the cost of solar energy which is expected to produce one-third of Australia's electricity within 20 years. (Source: ARENA, May 1, 2017) Contact: ARENA, Ian Kay, Acting CEO, +61 2 6243 7773, arena@arena.gov.au, http://arena.gov.au

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Date: 2017-03-24
Ontario, Canada's largest province's cap-and-trade system held its first quarterly auction on Wednesday, 22nd, the proceeds of which are earmarked for investment in programs that reduce emissions and help businesses and consumers adapt to a low-carbon economy. The provincial Liberal government expects the auction -- held every three months -- to bring in $1.9 billion a year for a total of $8 billion by the end of 2020.

Ontario plans to link its cap-and-trade system with a joint Quebec-California market which, in its most recent auction sold only 18 pct 18 per cent of allowances offered. Previous auction results ranged from a high of 88 pct to only 11 pct on the low end. Since 2014, the linked market has sold 74 per cent of its credits at auction.

Ontario is capping emission allowances at roughly 142 megatonnes this year, declining about four per cent each year to 2020, when the Liberals hope to have achieved a 15-per-cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels. As the emissions cap declines, the government hopes companies have more incentive to invest in technologies that cut their emissions. Ontario's results will be made public on April 3. (Source: Ontario Environment Ministry, Various Media, 23 Mar., 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Cap-and-Trade,  Ontario Carbon Market,  Carbon Credit Auction,  Carbon Credits,