Global Real Estate & Environmental News from Propertyshowrooms.com

Spain named a top destination for quality of life

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Spain has been singled out as one of the best places in Europe in terms of life quality, with only France ranking higher.

The uSwitch Quality of Life Index looks at a range of factors, including average earnings, spending on healthcare, utility prices and the number of hours of sunshine per year.

Some of the indicators where Spain stood out include the amount of sun residents see, the number of days of holiday workers are granted annually and life expectancy.

Meanwhile, uSwitch also revealed that the nation is the most popular choice among Brits when deciding to move abroad.

Over one in ten (13 per cent) of respondents stated they would prefer to move to a property in Spain than anywhere else in Europe.

These results are also supported by a recent study carried out by Post Office International Payments, which found that Spain was the fourth most popular place among those considering emigrating, and the highest placed country where English is not the first language.

Only Australia, the US and Canada ranked above the European destination.

Drought leads to more Spanish property insurance claims

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Severe dry spells across Europe have resulted in a rise in the number of insurance claims as a result of subsidence damage to properties, it has been revealed.

A report published by Swiss Re and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology found that subsidence-related claims could rise by as much as 50 per cent in some areas between 2021 and 2040.

Matt Weber, head of property and speciality underwriting at Swiss Re, commented: "As our climate continues to change, the risk of property damage from subsidence is not only increasing, but also spreading to new regions in Europe."

According to the Economic Times of India, parts of Northern Spain are among those affected by these issues.

People thinking about purchasing a property in this part of Spain may therefore want to consider such risks when looking for the ideal home.

The authors of the report have stressed that soil subsidence needs to be tackled as part of wider climate change efforts.

Spain's Blue Flag beaches celebrated

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for property in Spain could be set to rise following news that the country has been awarded 511 Blue Flags in recognition of the country's beaches.

Spanish property developer Taylor Wimpey de Espana believes that the Blue Flags will be welcome news for home owners with properties located close to the various beaches.

The firm noted that this could help retain a higher value over time and see greater rental appeal.

Ignacio Osle, sales and marketing director of Taylor Wimpey de Espana, says: "It is hard to find a better more beautiful beach haven than in Spain.

"Beaches across Spain have been vastly improving year on year and along with the relatively short flight times from anywhere in Europe combined with declining holiday costs, visitors will with no doubt continue to flock to Spain to sample its glorious beaches."

The Blue Flag is a recognised international standard that celebrates the high quality of beaches and coastal waters.

Deadline set for landlords to improve energy ratings

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords must improve the energy efficiency rating of their property by 2018, following the establishment of the deadline.

From April 2018, it will be unlawful to rent out a house or a business premises with less than an 'E' energy efficiency rating.

As such, around 682,000 properties will have to be improved or taken off the market.

While the big changes come in 2018, from 2016, landlords will not be able to refuse reasonable requests from tenants or local authorities regarding improvements to the property.

Ian Potter, operations manager of the Association of Residential Letting Agents, commented: "We remain concerned about the lack of detail on greening rental stock.

"So far, there is no clarity on how energy improvements will be assessed or enforced or, importantly, how this assessment will be funded."

Meanwhile, Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, said that the decision "seems reasonable for the private rented sector".

"But if the capacity does not come on stream or the Green Deal fails there will be significant consequences in terms of reducing housing supply and potentially poor works if there is a last minute rush."

Natal is popular location for investment in Brazil

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Investors looking for investment opportunities in South America have been told that Natal is one of the most popular locations to buy property in Brazil.

BuyAssociation claims that the best potential lies in the north-east of the country, with a range of high-quality developments and inward investment resulting in huge capital growth.

However, the company added that buying property in this region has other benefits.

"A purchase here isn't all about money - some of the purest water and cleanest air in the continent has been found here," the company told IFAonline.co.uk.

It added that the Natal can also claim to offer the highest quality of life and the lowest crime rate in the country.

The firm noted that Brazil has come to prominence on the overseas property market in recent years due to its rapid economic and social development.

It now leads the way in the BRIC group of emerging markets and is pushing to becoming one of the largest economies in the world.

Turkey Looks to Increase R and D into Renewable Energy

Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Turkey's dependency on fossil fuel imports is no secret but a big problem, one which the government is keen on helping to solve. In recent years Turkey has become known as one of the fore thinkers in the creation of renewable energy, and investment in the sector is growing massively as it becomes recognized as a sector with massive growth potential -- the government's support adds a layer of safety to investments.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) feels that interdisciplinary R&D and innovation studies will help Turkey to realise its renewable energy potential, and will also help with Turkey's vision of becoming an energy corridor.

At the moment Turkey imports 75% of its energy which is equivalent to 99,000,000 tonnes of oil. It is expected to need 218,000,000 tonnes of oil by 2020.

Data released by the Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) found that, while the Turkish population makes up 6% of the OECD total, the country contributes just 2% of its energy. The average OECD energy used per capita is equivalent to 0.18 tonnes of oil whereas in Turkey it is equivalent to 0.28 tonnes of oil. The average energy self-sufficiency rate is only 27.5% in Turkey compared to an average of 70% in OECD countries.

All the above data points towards the urgent need for speeding up research and development into energy in Turkey, which has a lot of catching up to do with more developed countries. To do so Turkey must focus on developing the necessary sources to create technological advancements, skills and support institutions.

Turkey has to lower its levels of greenhouse gas emissions by next year in order to meet conditions set by the Kyoto protocol. TUBITAK is hoping to encourage the private sector in Turkey to develop green technologies and still aims to keep its 2023 goal of having Turkey produce 30% of its energy through renewable sources.

It's likely that this will involve a variety of energy types in order to produce power from solar, wind and hydroelectric sources. Another important energy source is likely to come from hydrogen burning technologies while energy storage and power system capacities are also likely to benefit from R & D. TUBITAK still sees nuclear energy as being important in reducing greenhouse emissions.

The need for renewable energy will only become more important when Turkey enters the EU as it is currently considering an energy tax based on carbon emissions. The new tax is aiming to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and promote renewable energy sources that emit less CO2. However, it is only a proposal at this stage, and Germany has already voiced its opposition to the new rules, because it fears it would affects its automobile industry.

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Online property searches climb in December

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Against the usual seasonal decline, online searches for real estate overseas climbed by 4.8 per cent in December, the latest figures from Rightmove have suggested.

The news could be of interest to individuals looking to purchase property in Spain, with the country boasting a large distressed property market, with homes available at below market value.

Rightmove's head of overseas Robin Wilson said: "Typically we'd see a seasonal decline in search activity from November to December of around five per cent, so a positive upswing of 4.8 per cent was welcome at year end."

And speaking to Overseas Property Professional, Mr Wilson added that he believes that the increase in activity was a result of the "horrific" weather conditions experienced in the UK.

"There was more web traffic generally, and people were bored at home and so were feeding the dream of a property in the sun," he explained.

The best performing countries were the US, which recorded an increase of 16.5 per cent on the previous month, and Germany, which posted a 15.5 per cent increase.

Turkey to introduce new energy efficient property laws

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals interested in buying property in Turkey in the coming year may be affected by a change to the country's energy efficiency laws.

A new system which comes into force in 2011 is set to measure the energy efficiency of every property in Turkey, with inefficient homes being forced to pay higher taxes.

Buildings will be rated according to how much energy they save before being given a grade between A and G - a grade A for the most energy efficient buildings and G for the least energy efficient.

Public works and housing minister Mustafa Demir told the Today's Zaman newspaper: "We expect to finish labelling all buildings by 2017."

The grades will also give people an idea about the amount of greenhouse gases those buildings release and the identifications are expected to help people take into account how energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings are before they decide to buy or rent.

Mr Demir believes that housing contractors will eventually start attaching more importance to building maximum energy-efficient and minimum greenhouse gas-producing buildings once the new practice comes into force.

Paris property prices to rise even further?

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking to buy property in France could see prices in Paris rise even higher than their current level, it has been claimed.

Despite having already reached an all-time high in the third quarter of 2010, new legislation could see prices in the French capital saw even higher, aplaceinthesun.com reports.

This is because new laws due to be introduced next month will require all people selling property in France to produce an energy report.

The added cost and burden is expected to see a reduction in the number of homes coming onto the market, meaning a further lack of supply and higher prices.

It follows a recent report from the Paris Chamber of Notaires which revealed that prices for real estate in Paris have risen sharply in the past year.

Indeed, the average property price has for the first time broken the EUR 7,000 per square meter barrier, the organisation said.

UK winter could lead to more Spanish property buyers

Mon, 8 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Shorter days, a lack of sunshine and the distance until the return of summer are all driving factors behind individuals looking for property overseas.

A spokesperson for Joslin Rowe, a UK-based recruitment firm, told Shelter Offshore that the want to relocate abroad was often sparked at this time of year.

The news could lead to an increase in the number of individuals looking to Spain to fulfil their property desires, with the country boasting a better climate than the UK.

"Skilled workers are being drawn to extremely competitive overseas packages, many of which offer tax-free salaries, relocation costs and first-rate health care. These can prove very tempting to British workers, and even more so if the job is based in a country with a temperate climate," added Stephen Riley, director of IntaPeople.

Another reason which could tempt buyers to invest in the country could be the surplus of bargain distressed property which is currently available with big discounts on market values.

Spanish population decline to hit property market

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A decline in population growth in Spain is likely to have long-term consequences on the country's property market.

Demand for real estate in Spain could fall in the coming decades in line with a reduction in population growth.

According to data from the country's national office of statistics, the population is expected to expand by just 2.7 per cent compared to the 14.8 per cent seen over the last decade.

The Instituto Nacional de Estadistica figures show a projected annual growth rate of less than 0.35 per cent, due to a drop in immigration from abroad and an ageing population.

Falls are expected to be seen in a number of regions by 2020, including Principado de Asturias, Pais Vasco, Castilla y Leon, Galicia and La Rioja.

Meanwhile, individuals looking to buy real estate in Spain could be about to benefit from a new wave of distressed property coming onto the market.

Banks in the country have revealed that they are looking to address the large amount of foreclosed assets which currently sit on their books.

Property investors should consider community-focussed properties

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors should consider investing in property that has a community spirit.

According to leading overseas property expert Giles Gale, people are less taken by properties in isolated complexes and those investing in property in Spain or Italy should consider houses and flats that are more integrated into the local way of life.

Mr Gale told the Daily Telegraph that the more people than ever before who live or holiday abroad have a grasp of the local language and expect properties that are not housed in "English ghettos".

He cites the example of a major, integrated golf-resort housing tract in Portugal, which has performed well during the recent economic turmoil.

"Prices on the resort have barely fallen as a consequence, with villas costing from £750,000, unlike the secondary golf resorts in the Algarve. Prices have fallen there by 30 per cent," he told the news provider.

According to Shelter Offshore, demand for holiday homes in France is consistently strong, but investors have to hunt for bargains.

Eco-development to be built in Turkey

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors interested in eco-developments will be pleased by news that one British developer has decided to go green in the emerging market of Turkey.

UK-based property developer Galliard Homes and Turkish-based Signature International have decided to implement a joint venture which will see them build an eco-friendly project in the popular destination of Bodrum.

The Horizon Sky resort is set to feature a number of apartments, penthouses and villas based in a small community with local amenities.

Daniel Dias, from Horizon Sky, said that new developments in Turkey were required to adhere to certain standards.

"Environmentally, Turkey has its eye on the bigger picture, addressing waste management and air pollution in its big cities, as part of its goal to joining the EU," he explained.

"Yet we've opted to exceed Turkish standards and instead emulate British standards. It's both the responsible and ethical thing to do."

Earlier this year, it was revealed that eco-friendly developments in the US sold faster and at higher prices than other sectors of the market.

The research, carried out by Green Works Realty, showed that the environmentally-friendly properties commanded prices approximately 25 per cent higher than their counterparts.

Silver coast attractions hailed

Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Portugal's Silver Coast has many property investment opportunities to go with its golfing and other attractions, it has been stated.

In a feature on the region, the Manchester Evening News said that it is now a "serious rival" to the Algarve.

The paper noted that the property possibilities include developments such as the 1,000 townhouses and apartments around the Bom Successo golf course, which include some with grassed roofs.

Other local attractions listed include the watersports, the many historic buildings and the proximity of Lisbon, which can be reached in a day trip.

The roofs on the buildings may be just one green element of homes in which people can invest in Portugal.

Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly prominent way for the country to generate electricity, with this including the world's first multi-unit wave farm, the Pelamis project at Agucadoura.

Californian green property scheme pencilled in for July

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

July will see the start of a new scheme to encourage greener home ownership in San Diego. US property investors buying in the city will be able to access loans from the local authority to pay the cost of fitting solar panels so their home can enjoy renewable energy.

This will then be recouped through a premium on property tax over a period of 20 years.

Legislation to authorise cities to operate such schemes was passed in the California Senate last year and will enable those without more spare funds available after buying a residence to add green energy features without having to pay the cost upfront.

California is not alone in legislating for new incentives to help property owners in the US make their bricks and mortar more eco-friendly.

A referendum in Florida last November backed a move to exempt householders from any increases in property taxes due to the raised value of their homes resulting from the installation of items such as solar panels or hurricane proofing.

Florida unveils green city plan

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plans for a green city in Florida with a net solar energy output have been unveiled.

The proposed 19,500-home city of Babcock Ranch will have a solar generator that produces 75mw of electricity per day - more than the populace will use.

As a result, even though other sources of energy will be required after dark the net contribution to the grid means it will be a solar city.

Commenting on the plans, developer Syd Kitson told the Miami Herald: ''We're out to prove that it works economically and it's the right thing to do for the long-term solutions in this country.''

Those keen on investing in eco-friendly property in Florida were given a boost in November last year.

At that time a referendum passed an amendment to the state constitution to ensure those fitting green energy devices to a home did not see their property taxes raised due to the consequent increase in its value.

Japanese energy companies want to construct wind farms in Bulgaria

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Several big Japanese energy companies declared their interest in building wind farms in Bulgaria during a Tokyo-held Bulgarian-Japanese business forum inaugurated by Bulgaria`s President Georgi Parvanov yesterday. " Our current strategy involves investin...

EU to pressure US, emerging countries on climate change

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Eager to take the lead on climate change, the European Union aims to pile pressure on the United States and big emerging countries to sign up to an ambitious strategy to reduce greenhouse gases...

International Renewable Energy Body Launches in Germany

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the recent gas crisis between Ukraine and Russia has shown, the world needs to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. A new eco-energy agency has been created in Germany to help nations do just that...

Birds in Paradise: Tourist trail designed to protect rain forest in Costa Rica

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've just plopped my luggage down at the lodge in the Costa Rican rain forest when the first yell of "macaws" goes out...

Plans for Abu Dhabis carbonneutral city revealed

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The largest solar power plant in the Middle East will be built as part of Abu Dhabi's new carbon-neutral city, it has emerged.

Masdar, the government agency set up to develop sustainable energy projects in Abu Dhabi, is planning to construct a green desert city that will house 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses.

The city will generate energy using 10 megawatt photovoltaic solar panels, half of which will be supplied by US company First Solar, according to Reuters.

Completion of Masdar City, which has been billed as the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city powered entirely by renewable energy sources, is scheduled for 2016.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's minister of higher education and scientific research, recently said that the emirate will proceed with several major investment projects this year.

He commented: "Abu Dhabi is going ahead with big projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, real estate, education, health and petrochemicals

"All our projects are going on according to their previously-determined schedules and they will be complete on time."

Visit our off-plan property United Arab Emirates page.

Days Inn China to open eco-friendly hotel in Shandong

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Days Inn plans to set up an eco-friendly hotel in Yantai, Shandong province. The new hotel is reputed to be the first hotel in China to have its own on-site solar power facility capable of generating up to 28.6KW per hour. Located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, Days Inn Hua’an Yantai features a wide array...

Shougang headquarters starts construction in Caofeidian zone

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Construction has started in Caofeidian zone, Heibei, for a plant for Shougang which will cost some RMB67.73 billion(US$9.89 billion.) This plant as part of Shougang’s efforts to shift its production facilities away from Beijing in a bid to reduce pollution in the capital and also cut costs. The new mills are close to an iron...

Nuclear energy 'key to cutting greenhouse emissions'

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Government has been warned it must spend $6 billion to build working examples of alternative power generation by 2020...

What Brazil Can Expect from Obama on Environment, Economy, Energy

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The new president of the United States, Barack Obama, campaigned on a promise of "change." His election as the first African-American to America's highest office already achieved one big change...

China’s largest grid-connected solar power station to be located in Qaidam

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The construction of China’s largest grid-connected solar power plant will begin in Qinghai’s Qaidam Basin later this year. There will be an initial investment of around RMB1 billion. The solar power station will have a total installed capacity of 1 gigawatt, or 1,000 megawatts, of power. It will be the first plant in China to use...

Sandanski: Solar energy park near Sandanski entered the national grid

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The first quantities of power from the solar PV park Zornitsa near Sandanski entered the national grid on January 7 following a contract between the investor, Venture Equity Bulgaria, and the power distributor. The facility, located near the southweste...

Residents determined to block a huge wind power park on Hiiumaa

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Residents of the Hiiumaa island are collecting signatures against plans to build one of Europe’s largest wind power parks on the island...

Middle East property investors put environment as top priority

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors in the Middle East are becoming more concerned about the environmental impact of developments, according to a survey...

Philippine Renewable Energy Law Grants Tax Holiday For Developers

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It has been announced that the Philippine government has passed into law the Renewable Energy Act 2008, which will award large tax concessions to energy companies in a bid to commercialize renewable energy sources...

Brazil and EU leaders hold summit

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders from the EU and Brazil are expected to focus on the financial crisis and climate change at a Rio de Janeiro summit...

EDF allowed to buy British Energy

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

French Energy company EDF wins permission from the European Union competition authorities to buy British Energy, subject to certain conditions...

Federal boost for Tas windfarms

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The potential for Tasmania's wind farm industry to grow has been given a major boost...

EU must meet climate goals to be credible, says top UN official

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

EU leaders begin two days of talks in Brussels on the so-called "20-20-20" deal...

SA man wins R1m eco award

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The award recognises exceptional enterprise in various fields, from conservation to science or medicine...

NSW to encourage more nature tourism

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The New South Wales Government says it has accepted a tourism taskforce report that recommends a range of measures to promote the state's national parks...

Ten dead, thousands hit as rains lash Panama, Costa Rica

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Over 36,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and severe floods in Panama and Costa Rica since late November, the International Red Cross said Tuesday as it launched an appeal for aid funds...

Brazil bids to boost rainforest

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Brazilian government is targeting a 70% reduction of deforestation rates over the next ten years.

In a major bid to prevent the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and boost climate change initiatives, Brazil has established clear targets for combating the work of illegal loggers and ranchers.

The plan was unveiled by environment minister Carlos Minc in Brasilia on Monday (December 1st) and will be presented to the UN climate change conference in Poznan, Poland later this week.

Last year, Brazil established the Amazon fund, encouraging foreign nations to contribute money to the fight against deforestation.

Increased protection for one of Brazil's most famous natural features is good news for property owners in the country, as well as the many holidaymakers who visit the South American nation.

The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) recently revealed a new scheme to promote tourism in the Amazon Basin region.

Visit our off-plan property Brazil page.

Deforestation targets unveiled in Brazil

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brazilian property investors with an environmentally-friendly conscience could be interested to learn that Brazil this week announced a plan to cut destruction of the Amazon rain forest by more than half over the next decade, it has been reported.

The nation's forestry service has set a target of reducing deforestation by ..........

Yucatan Peninsula ‘could attract eco-tourists’

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property buyers looking for potential buy-to-let investment may wish to consider a home on the Yucatan Peninsula.According to the Los Angeles Green Life Examiner, the Mexican tourism hotspot may be an attractive destination for leisure travellers interested in ecology and the environment.One of the area’s offerings is a 1.3 million-acre biosphere reserve, which boasts a...

Southern floods damage over Bt200 mln

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(BangkokPost.com) - Flooding in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has so far damaged more than 200 million baht and claimed seven lives, according to Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation...

Portugal goes green with electric car deal

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Portuguese authorities have again emphasised their commitment to eco-friendly policies by revealing plans to set up a network of zero-emission cars in the country.

Portugal will become the first European nation to be supplied with electric cars after signing a deal with French automaker Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan, it emerged last week.

The country has also stated that one-fifth of its public fleet will be zero-emission vehicles, starting in 2011.

By the end of that year, 1,300 charging stations for electric cars are expected to have been built in Portugal, with prime minister Jose Socrates pledging that motorists will be offered tax incentives to encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles.

Portugal is hoping to use its status as "a world leader in environmental action" to attract more environmentally-conscious visitors, the national tourism board stated recently.

Visit our off-plan property Portugal page.

Cautious backing for £900m housing plan

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A £900m package to insulate people’s lofts, give sub-standard homes new bathrooms and kitchens and repair crumbling council homes was announced by the Chancellor yesterday...

Climate Protection Good for the Economy, Say Researchers

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A sustainable energy supply can be achieved, even under conditions of world-wide economic downturn and without lights going out -- this is the outcome of a recent global energy report...

Manufacturing wind power machines in Urumqi

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone is the home of XJ Gold Wind Science & Technology which is making a 2.5 megawatt wind power generator which is already in the prototype trial-manufacture phase. That is a serious amount of power and could make a major difference if machines of this capacity are deployed nation-wide. The company...

Downturn hits £30bn efficiency savings plan

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Falling property prices and the credit crunch will hit parts of the government's plan to save more than £30bn through efficiency savings over the next few years,...

Experts Wary of Money Problems for Renewable Energy Market

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The current financial crisis has some German experts worried about a cut in renewable energy funds. But industry professionals say that no matter which way the wind turns, the turbine blades will keep churning...

Lake development based on biased impact study: NGOs

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rights groups are uncertain controversial Boeung Kak project will meet the standards of its own environmental report...

State-level Energy Efficiency Convention

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

State-level Energy Efficiency Convention Kota Kinabalu: A State-level Energy Efficiency Convention will be held at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort here this Monday (Nov 24), in conjunction with th...

Environment chief expects Dominicans to support his actions

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Santo Domingo. – Environment minister Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal said he hopes Dominican society will support his actions to defend the natural resources and will support that agency’s employees who work to conserve the country’s protected areas. “I’m repeat offender of hope. I have hope for Dominican society and we have reason for optimism. This is a collective answer to preserve, to strengthen and to rationality take advantage the natural resources we have in the country.”...