Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been in place in the UK since 2008. But have we made maximum use of them in promoting energy efficiency? In the Netherlands they’re taking a radical new approach – by sending every home in the country a document with their A to G home energy rating.

Google plans to increase its energy efficiency by converting the infrastructure of Alabama's Widows Creek Power Plant into a new data center, the company announced in June.

In Germany and South Africa, researchers and industry are cooperating in a 'solar melting of aluminium in a directly radiated rotary kiln' (SOLAM ) project to develop a method by which aluminium foundries could use solar energy to melt the metal, states the German Aerospace Centre.

The owner of London business district Canary Wharf has announced plans to introduce solar-powered benches which will allow passers-by to charge their phone and digitally discover the local area.

A second tidal energy scheme could be coming to the Severn estuary as plans have been unveiled for a 30MW tidal energy fence to be constructed in the Bristol Channel.

Seoul has launched a campaign to paint its city roofs with thermal-barrier paint to boost energy efficiency.

Asia accounted 60% of the global progress on energy access and renewables during 210-212.

It is quicker and sportier but it holds half as many people, virtually no cargo and returns 34 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.

The Clashindarroch wind farm, located in Aberdeenshire, has 18 turbines with a total capacity of 36.9MW – enough energy to power more than 27,000 houses.

Race Bank, which will be located off the Norfolk coast, will have a capacity of 580MW – enough electricity to power 400,000 UK homes.

The newly-formed Association for Decentralised Energy aims to create “a strong singular voice for the UK’s decentralised energy sector.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA, with its 350+ stores and 150,000 employees around the world, has been taking steps to be a better citizen of the Earth, including selling solar panels in some stores and making a big wind power investment near Chicago.

One of the world's largest soft-drink bottlers, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), has set ambitious new targets for waste and emissions today, claiming that climate change is one of the most significant risks to its business.

A Singaporean designer has invented an eco-friendly alternative to plastic coffee pods.

Jersey City officials are aiming to make city buildings more energy-efficient by implementing energy audits every three years, the city announced yesterday.

From using renewable energy to cutting back on emissions, five cities across the globe are leading the way when it comes to implementing sustainable initiatives.

Asia accounted 60% of the global progress on energy access and renewables during 210-212.

The installation of a solar system over water canals has been completed in India.

A London-based bank has launched a manual to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy in Belarus.

Powered by solar energy, Dokk1 is a modern structure designed by schmidt hammer lassen and built as part of the Urban Mediaspace project in Aarhus, Denmark.

The BBC's new primetime police drama The Interceptor has achieved top ratings for sustainability standards in TV production thanks to a raft of green initiatives.

Spanish manufacturer Gamesa’s new 2.5MW turbine prototype has started generating power.

New standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles have been proposed to improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon pollution in the US.

The US is investing $55 million (£34.65m) in combined heat and power (CHP) and biomass projects.

£5 million of funding will be invested in energy efficient LED lighting throughout the UK.

A new biomass terminal is to be built at the Port of Liverpool.