Public Policy, Policy Instruments, and Incentives

  • AGORES: A Global Overview of Renewable Energy Sources

    Source: European Commission. Directorate-General for Energy and Transport.

    European information centre and knowledge gateway for renewable energy. Examines EC and national strategies for the increased implementation of renewable energy systems, provides information on all areas of renewable energy activity and on various sources of renewable energy. Contains a directory of key energy players from around the world.

  • American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

    Source: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

    American nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. Topics covered include: national, regional, and state energy policy; buildings, appliances and equipment; utilities; industry; transportation.

  • Caught in the Headlights of Electricity Market Reform

    Source: School of Resource and Environmental Management. Energy and Materials Research Group (EMRG) . Simon Fraser University

    Uses the example of California to look at restructuring the electricity sector in North America.


  • Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy

    Source: Columbia University. School of International and Public Affairs.Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy

    Studies the economic, environmental, political, technological and other factors that affect the global production, transportation and consumption of energy.

  • Community Energy Planning Missions

    Source: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Every Year, the FCM has community energy missions to learn from international action on community energy planning.

  • Energy Conservation under the Sun: A Resource for Local Gov't

    Source: Local Government Commission

    Designed to provide local elected officials and staff in California with an overview of the state's solar energy laws, a summary of local solar energy ordinances and programs, actions that local governments can undertake to promote solar energy as a tool for energy use and conservation, case studies, a list of additional resources and appendices. Link requires PDF reader.

  • GVRD GHG Reduction Strategy

    The GVRD is developing a comprehensive bottom-up plan for GHG reduction.  This plan is extremely useful since it is built up from specific detailed measures and impacts.

  • Municipal Governments and Sustainable Communities

    Source: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

    Best practices in sustainable communities with a strong focus on energy.

  • Municipal Powers Report (2007)

    Source: Sierra Club

    The report explores municipal authority across Canada to enact policies and bylaws for sustainability.


  • Smart Communities Network

    Source: United States. Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development.

    Presents information and resources to help your community get started with a municipal energy plan that will achieve the benefits of managing energy costs, reducing the production of carbon dioxide emissions, strengthening your local economy, creating jobs, and conserving energy, money, and resources.

  • UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

    The UNFCCC is the global body dealing with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.