Search

In accordance with the EU Energy Policy, developed in 2007, energy is an essential element for the development of the Union, but equally is a challenge regarding the impact of the energy sector on climate change, increasing dependence on energy imports and increasing the energy price. The paper focuses on the latest European Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council from October 25, 2012 on energy efficiency. The Directive establishes a common framework for promoting energy efficiency measures in the Member States of the Union, in order to achieve, by 2020, the main objective of 20% energy efficiency and to open up the way for further energy efficiency increase. In the paper is written a synthesis of the European Directives issued by the European Parliament on energy efficiency, specifying some of the energy-saving targets set by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green or sustainable design approach in all industries and sectors has become a demand of the global world. The negative impacts of the industries such climate change; global warming, ozone depletion and inefficient resource consumption have received a great concern and awareness among the public, politicians and academicians. Thus, a lot of efforts have been implemented either in terms of theories or practices in order to reduce the negative impacts of the industries. In the building sector, the sustainable building rating systems (SBRS) and certification systems has been designed and adopted in the building sector which intended to foster more sustainable building design, construction and operations by promoting and making possible a better integration of environmental concerns with cost and other traditional decision criteria. However, most of the internationally devised rating systems and certification system have been tailored to suit the building sector of the country where they were developed. Despite the different rating system adopted for the building sector in different country, these rating systems shared the common elements. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the elements used in SBRS and the classification of certification system. This paper will start with the historic of sustainable development and green design, subsequently followed with the discussion on the SBRS adopted which focused only for Asian region and lastly, discussion on the unique elements of SBRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of energy sector on the climate change and creating the conditions for energy independence are serious challenges for society. His Holiness Pope Francis proclaims: "I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it!" Every step is top priority and welcomed for society that aims to encourage the security of energy-supply and to form a viable social model in sustainable way. That is why the energy is a key element for development in the European Union, so it is needed to research cost-effective producing ways of potential energy sources taking into consideration the energy and environmental aspects, as well as the sustainable requirements. This paper attempts to overview and emphasize the common role of adaptive agriculture and research leading to technological developments in an innovation-driven economy through the microwave assisted biodiesel production. In biodiesel producing technology during the transesterification process the application of the microwave energy transfer and its effects increase the efficiency. So we can contribute to realize the objectives of "Societal Challenges" topic area (such as making the local resources and the energy consumption models more sustainable, widespread utilization of energy-efficient technological developments etc.) of Horizon 2020 the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]