07.12201807/12/2018
The Italian Energy Audits model: A “cocktail” of best practices that lead to success

The Italian Energy Audits model: A “cocktail” of best practices that lead to success

By In Analysis, Energy Efficiency, energy policy, energy standards, UncategorizedTags , , ,

In March this year, I wrote about the how the Italian model could unlock the great energy efficiency potential in the country’s SMEs. While energy audits are mandatory for large companies, Italy requires them for certain SMEs as well.
New data presented in the Energy Efficiency Annual Report 2017 published by ENEA, the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development, confirms how the energy audits model continues to be successful in Italy. 2016 data reveals that 20% of the total energy audits received were performed by SMEs, and shows that potential savings between 0,8 Mtoe and 1,1 Mtoe could be achieved with a payback period equal or less then three to five years respectively.  
What is the secret to this success? We already know that one of the keys is that the Italian model requires SMEs to undergo energy audits in case it is an energy consuming company, and mandatory implementations of the identified measures.

06.27201806/27/2018
From planning to partnerships: What’s driving smart city initiatives around the world

From planning to partnerships: What’s driving smart city initiatives around the world

By In Energy Efficiency, green infrastructure, Innovation, smart cities, Smart Grid, Sustainable SolutionsTags , , ,

While there is growing global interest in smart city applications, there are also significant challenges in scaling implementation and impact.
Building on the success of its annual Energy Efficiency Indicator study, Johnson Controls recently conducted its first Smart City Indicator survey to track key drivers, organizational barriers, technology trends and the status of smart city initiatives around the world. The global survey queried more than 150 leaders involved in smart city initiatives in 12 countries.
The survey findings show that the key drivers for global smart city initiatives are economic development, environmental protection and sustainability. In North America, communications infrastructure and public safety are the leading drivers. Public safety was also the greatest driver for the smallest cities in the survey. While 90 percent of survey participants claim to have smart city initiatives underway, only 7 percent are implementing a published, strategic program of initiatives. This is despite the fact that 49 percent of participants have a dedicated program office to lead their smart city initiatives.

06.21201806/21/2018
How to design an energy efficient bedroom

How to design an energy efficient bedroom

By In Energy Efficiency, sustainability, sustainable buildings, Sustainable SolutionsTags , , ,

Saving energy is always a good idea. In some ways, it’s part of being a good neighbor. Reducing your household’s energy consumption reduces the strain on your city’s electrical grid.
But here’s the best part: making your bedroom energy-efficient nets you significant savings on your monthly utility bills. Talk about sleeping easy.
Follow these tips to save energy in your bedroom.

03.04201806/26/2018
A great time to be part of clean energy project finance

A great time to be part of clean energy project finance

By In energy, Energy Efficiency, Green financing, Monthly Events, Networking, sustainability

On January 19, 2018, over 100 people attended the 4th Annual green finance event under the theme of clean energy project financing: where the rubber meets the road. This forum was timely, as the topic of clean energy has become more important than ever, stated Janine Finnell, Executive Director of Leaders in Energy.

With U.S. pulling out of the Paris Climate agreement, Finnell highlighted that there has been lot of concern about where clean energy and climate investing is headed. Despite this, a growing number of American companies are still planning to invest in renewable energy, according to surveys by GreenBiz and others. This news is encouraging, and there are also a lot of innovations in clean energy financing at the state and local level.

09.24201712/12/2017
Resilience in small packages

Resilience in small packages

By In Cybersecurity, Energy Efficiency, microgrid technology, Renewable Energy, Resilience, Smart Grid, sustainability, UtilitiesTags , , , , , , , , ,

Cyberattacks, natural disasters, including flooding, snow and ice storms, droughts, in addition to aging infrastructure, and other factors all lead to vulnerability in a system faced with increasing demand. When one part of this complex system fails, as can happen when a storm knocks down a wire or pole, other parts are affected. Enter the microgrid—a local energy distribution system that offers backup generation if the central grid fails.