Europe: Lawmakers ban fossil gas from EU energy infrastructure funding

Europe energy – a shift in focus! The TEN-E regulation creates a framework for the European Union to finance cross-border energy infrastructure. It decides which projects qualify for Europe’s list of projects of common interest, which opens the door to faster permitting and a €5.8bn...

USA: Columbia County to Benefit From Major Energy Efficiency Project

WOBO congratulates Columbia County on their achievement.  Columbia County in New York State has announced completion of an energy efficiency project at the county Public Safety Building that carries significant environmental benefits and cost-savings for taxpayers. The $2.7 million project, completed on-time and on-budget, will...

UK Government eyeing 100% clean energy grid by 2035

WOBO thanks edie newsroom for the notice that the UK Government intends to develop plans for shifting all electricity generation to clean sources by 2035. Speaking during a visit to a Network Rail site in Manchester as part of the Conservative Party Conference, Boris Johnson...

Australia: Explainer video on the NCC 2022 public comment draft (stage 2)

Australia energy rating system – comments welcome!! An explainer video presented by the ABCB Office and the team behind the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is available to support you in reviewing the NCC 2022 public comment draft (stage 2). You can access the video...

ICC: New electric vehicle, building codes resource unveiled

WOBO acknowledges ICC’s publication ” A Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions” The International Code Council released a new educational resource on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and building codes: Electric Vehicles and Building Codes: A Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions. This is the first in a...

Chartwell Marine and Zelim develop world’s first unmanned rescue vessel

WOBO thanks Robin Whitlock and Renewable Energy Magazine for the link to offshore developments. Zelim, a start-up developing a complete lifesaving system for offshore energy, has partnered with pioneering naval architect Chartwell Marine to deliver a first in class remotely operated rescue vessel, which will be the...

Nature-based climate solutions in Europe

WOBO welcomes the emphasis on nature based projects. E-commerce giant Amazon has pledged to spend €20m (£17.2m) on nature-based projects across Europe, in a bid to improve carbon sequestration, boost climate resilience and improve biodiversity and wellbeing. The funding will come from the firm’s €100m...

Kew Gardens promises increased focus on nature-based climate solutions and biodiversity restoration

Kew Gardens Manifesto for change!! The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has outlined plans for expanding research and outreach regarding nature-based climate solutions and efforts to prevent Earth’s sixth mass extinction. Earlier this year, the organisation published a manifesto for change through to 2030, including commitments to...

UK: First prosecution under HSE COVID-19 spot inspections

WOBO thanks Workplace DNA for the HSE link. A construction contractor has been fined after multiple health and safety issues were identified during a proactive COVID-19 spot check at a site in Manchester. On 9 July 2020, an HSE inspector performed a proactive COVID-19 spot...

UK: HSE Construction Health Inspection Initiative – October 2021

WOBO supports the focus on health and safety. Monday 4 October sees the start of a month-long HSE health initiative targeted at the construction sector.  The focus is on respiratory risks associated with exposure to dust with HSE inspectors visiting construction sites across Great Britain...

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