Federal government has agreed to continue to prepare short-term policy recommendations and awareness-building under ongoing new ADB financing project "Sustainable Energy Efficiency Development Programme". Under this programme, new government will further develop recommendations for removing the institutional bottlenecks to government-sponsored energy efficiency and conservation programmes and support mechanisms playing a more effective role in nurturing a nascent energy efficiency industry and consumer culture.

By 2012, all of Japan should be using energy-saving fluorescent bulbs rather than incandescent bulbs as part of the effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari said Saturday. "I think this is a prime example of a campaign that is accessible and can be participated in by everyone," Amari told a news conference after attending a public meeting on environmental issues in Toyako, Hokkaido, where the annual Group of Eight summit will be held in July.

The Indian automobile industry is on its way towards a cleaner and more energy-efficient future, so what if it is being driven by the government to do so. With the stringent Bharat Stage IV emission norms expected to kick in by the first half of 2010, the ministry of power has now decided to accord energy (read fuel) efficiency ratings to all automobiles manufactured in India.

Titas asks 250 industries to reduce gas consumption BKMEA terms the move illogical Staff Correspondent The Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company on Thursday requested 250 industries asking them to reduce gas consumption by 30 per cent to 40 per cent during evening peak hours to allow more gas supply to power plants. Business leaders, however, termed the government move to reduce gas supply to industries

People urged to limit use of light, ACs to save on electricity Staff Correspondent The government on Thursday made an appeal to the people to keep at least one light switched off and to limit the use of air conditioners at their residences, offices and shops to get some respite from nagging power outages. The country's power generation dropped further in the last two days to around 3490MW from the March average of 3770MW as four old units of Ghorashal, Shikalbaha, Shahjibazar and Khulna power plants were shut down because of technical problems.

Installing a green roof can dramatically reduce energy use and costs - as well as supporting biodiversity, reducing flooding and combating climate change. Roofs offer an opportunity for more green spaces in the heart of the city That was the message for delegates at an afternoon seminar organised by CIRIA, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association. Firms that have installed green roofs have reported a 25% reduction in energy use in the floor directly under the roofs, and reduced usage at a lower percentage in other floors.