Users of EKOenergy-labelled energy help speed up the energy transition in many ways. One way is by contributing to clean energy projects in developing countries.

These projects improve the living standards of local communities, many of which are located in rural, off-grid areas.

Here are some recent updates from a few of these projects:
 

Follow us on social media for regular updates about these projects and others that have been realised thanks to the users and sellers of EKOenergy-labelled energy.

 

- Origo Renouvelable, in their newsletter, 29 July

One of EKOenergy's objectives is to make communication about renewable energy easier. Engaging, clear and correct communication about the use of renewable energy is one of the ways to inspire others to take action.

Many companies feel that energy is a difficult topic to write and talk about. Concepts easily get mixed up, there is confusion about the concrete impact of using renewable energy (for example the carbon impact), or the message gets lost amidst abbreviations or terminology.

Based on our experiences of the past years, we have now updated EKOenergy's brand book. The basics remain the same as before: users of EKOenergy-labelled energy can demonstrate the extra step they've taken by putting our logo on their products or communication materials, but they should be clear about what part of the production process is powered by EKOenergy, and they always need to inform EKOenergy's Secretariat beforehand. To make it easier for EKOenergy users to start communicating or improving their already existing communication materials, we have now added more concrete examples, distinguishing different situations of EKOenergy consumption.

Check out the updated version of our brand book (English). The existing translations (including French, Spanish, German and others) will be updated in the coming months.

10 years ago, we welcomed the first European Solidarity Corps (then known as European Voluntary Service) volunteers to our Secretariat. We were about to launch our international ecolabel and needed extra hands to get things rolling. The European Solidarity Corps programme (ESC) was the perfect solution. Since then, we have hosted more than 70 ESC volunteers.

ESC is similar to the Erasmus student exchange programme but unlike Erasmus, ESC focuses on non-formal learning by supporting young people's engagement in solidarity activities. Our volunteers engage in a variety of activities related to raising awareness about the dangers of fossil fuels and the promotion of sustainable renewable energy.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of our participation in the ESC programme, we are now sharing photos from the past 10 years on our social media channels so we can look back on our past activities and achievements. See our posts showing the group of 2013 on LinkedIn, the group of 2014 on Facebook and the one of 2015 on Instagram.

 

One of EKOenergy's authorised sellers, Porvoon Energia, on Facebook

EKOenergy is a proud partner association of the upcoming RE-Source conference and the IREC Standard Conference (ISC). We're looking forward to meeting many of you there.

RE-Source 2022 takes place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 6-7 October. The conference focuses on the latest developments in sourcing renewable energy, with particular emphasis on PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements). It's one of the biggest gatherings of corporate buyers and clean energy suppliers, offering plenty of opportunities for learning, discussions and meetings. Check out the RE-Source website for more information and to register.

The I-REC Standard Conference (ISC) 2022 will be held from 1-2 November in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will particularly address those who are active in the fast-growing markets of energy attribute certificates in Latin-America, Africa and Asia. ISC provides a good opportunity for energy companies, consumers, facilitators and governmental agencies to meet with their peers from around the world and get up-to-date information on existing governance structure, upcoming Product Codes, and market developments. For more information and for registration, see the ISC registration page.

 

The world's average temperature is now 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, and the impacts of this "small change" are becoming more apparent each day. Extreme droughts, rampant wildfires, widespread crop failure, record-level floods, the list goes on...

Unfortunately, despite the ongoing climate crisis, many companies and individuals are falling back on old, climate-wrecking practices due to energy prices skyrocketing in many parts of the world. The increase of renewable energy uptake is still far too slow, and many are still outsiders to the ongoing energy transition. This is one of the reasons why initiatives like EKOenergy are important.

Thanks to the users of EKOenergy-labelled renewables, EKOenergy promotes the use of renewable energy worldwide. Our ongoing EKOpixel campaign for the video gaming industry is one example of our multilingual outreach activities.

Together we can do more. If you are an energy company, we hope we can co-operate to encourage more of your clients to switch to renewable energy.

If you are a corporate buyer, you can switch to EKOenergy and communicate your choice to employees and clients. We'll be happy to make suggestions on how to support your supply chain to use sustainable, EKOenergy-labelled renewables too.

 

- The century of climate migration: why we need to plan for the great upheaval, The Guardian, 18 August

Follow EKOenergy on social media to get relevant updates about the climate crisis, renewable energy and EKOenergy's activities worldwide.

Here are some recent posts:
 

Scorching heatwaves have been recorded all around the northern hemisphere and are causing severe problems. As the worst drought in 500 years hits Europe, there are simultaneous droughts in the Horn of Africa and across much of the US and Mexico.

Just like other parts of the world, China is also experiencing what an average of 1.2 degrees of global warming means in practice.

Large areas of the country have been experiencing extreme heat for the last 2 months. Temperatures of more than 40°C (104°F) have been reported across hundreds of locations, and many records have been broken. Numerous media  outlets have reported that the intensity, scope and duration of the heatwave could make it one of the most severe recorded in global history.

10 days ago, the temperature in Chongqing in Sichuan province reached 45°C (113°F), the highest temperature ever recorded in China outside the desert-dominated region of Xinjiang. To cool down, people had to take shelter in underground facilities such as metro stations. In Sichuan alone, 47,000 hectares of crops have been lost and another 433,000 hectares damaged. In many parts of the countries, factories had to diminish production or close down to save energy.

Text partially copied from and partially based on the article Heatwave in China is the most severe ever recorded in the world in NewScientist, 23 August