| eg-e website |
| eg-e is a database of information with a powerful word search facility.
Approx 50 entries are added every two weeks- a few of which, shown below, are FREE access. To view all content you require a user name and passsword.
For a free month's trial: anne.finnane@globaltolocal.com
or to take out an annual subscription (£50 + VAT), click here.
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| Local government and climate change |
The Local Governments Climate Change Leadership Summit, held in Copenhagen on 4 June 2009, involved over 700 representatives from local governments from more than 60 countries. The meeting was part of the preparations ahead of the United Nations Summit to be held in December 2009 to decide on a Post-Kyoto agreement on tackling climate change. The final declaration, adopted at the summit, called for direct access to the carbon credit exchange funds, adaptation funds and technology funds in order to tackle climate change. Local governments also want to be empowered with the political and technological capacities required to face climate change. They emphasise the importance of their role and experience, as well as the respect of subsidiarity. Moreover, they demand coordination mechanisms to be put in place, including all levels of government.
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| EU emissions trading scheme: consultation |
| Public consultation on rules to govern the future auctioning of emission allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been launched by consultants working for the European Commission. From 2013 at least half of the allowances under the EU ETS will be auctioned instead of being allocated to businesses free of charge. The consultation seeks views on the timing, size and frequency of auctions, auction design and regulatory aspects relating to issues such as pre-registration of participants, collateral, payment and delivery, information disclosure and monitoring. Responses are requested by 3 August 2009.
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| Carbon offsetting: a dangerous distraction? |
A new report from Friends of the Earth argues that there is a growing and credible body of evidence and opinion that offsetting is not working; that it is undermining efforts to prevent dangerous climate change and supporting sustainable development; that it is profoundly unjust; and that it cannot successfully be reformed. The theory was that offsetting would allow developed countries to meet part of their targets for greenhouse gas emissions by paying developing countries to deliver greenhouse gas reduction projects. This report draws together some of the key evidence to ensure the view that offsetting is not working is fully reflected in public debate and international talks. It focuses on the UK as an example, but the lessons are applicable to all developed countries.
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| The case for climate change adaptation |
The European Green and Blue Space Adaptation for Urban Areas and Eco Towns (GRaBS) project, led by the Town & Country Planning Association, has launched its first Expert Paper. This sets out the case for climate change adaptation and, in particular, argues that people or places facing poverty and disadvantage must not be disproportionately affected by climate change, or by policy or practice responses to it. View PDF |
| EU renewable energy directive |
The new Directive, which became law on 5 June 2009, requires 20 per cent of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, and sets a specific target for each European country. Under the Directive, the UK will have to increase its current level of 1.5 per cent to 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources within 11 years. The Directive also sets specific targets for transport energy, requiring 10 per cent renewable fuels or renewable electricity power by 2020. Other measures include a directive strengthening the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, a directive on carbon capture and storage and a regulation on vehicle emissions. View PDF |
| Carbon Reduction Commitment: guide for landlords & tenants |
Members of the Green Property Alliance, including the British Property Federation, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the UK Green Building Council, have launched a guide on the carbon reduction commitment (CRC), a mandatory cap and trade scheme that could have significant costs for firms or public sector who fail to control their carbon emissions. The guide explains what the CRC is and what firms must do to comply with the regulations and reduce emissions. It sets out: key steps for landlords and tenants to consider; advice on how costs should be apportioned between landlords and tenants; what should happen when a building is bought or sold from/to a party outside the scheme; and how landlords can use the CRC recycling payments to make their whole portfolios more energy efficient, for everyone's benefit.
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| Energy solutions for better buildings |
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The European Commission has launched a web portal as a tool for sharing information on reducing energy use of buildings. Content will be regularly updated and enhanced by users themselves to cover a wide range of good practice in energy reduction and of information on legislation. The web portal will enable anyone from home owners to builders to look up and share best practice and information. At the same time, it will inform and update the market about the legislative framework. Buildings are responsible for about 40 per cent of total energy consumption in Europe and therefore improvements in building performance are crucial to achieving EU energy-savings targets and combating climate change, whilst contributing to energy security.
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| England's first large-scale zero carbon housing development |
| Barratt Developments and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have received planning permission to build 195 homes as part of the Hanham Hall eco-village in South Gloucestershire. This development is part of the Carbon Challenge programme run by the HCA and will be built to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This includes a requirement to be "zero carbon" and to limit water usage to 80 litres per person per day. Work on site is due to start by the end of this year and the first homes are planned to be completed by 2010.
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