As the year draws to a close here’s a look back at our top 10 most-read posts of the past 12 months. If you missed them first time round, now’s your chance to have a peek…
1. The Green Deal explained
This little animated film from explanimation.net about the government’s Green Deal snatches the top spot. If you don’t know what the ‘golden rule’ is, or what happens to the Green Deal energy efficiency loans when people move house, it’s worth a watch.
2. What does it take to get green policies implemented in government?
Shortly after his “rather abrupt” departure from DECC, Chris Huhne’s former special adviser Duncan Brack reflected on his time in office. According to Brack, good environmental policies depend on individual ministers prepared to fight for them, a good green scrutiny body, commitment from the PM, and strong pledges in election manifestos. Unfortunately, the latter is not necessarily enough; he recently followed up with another post urging the government to stick to its coalition programme.
3, 4 & 5 Behaviour change theory (series)
This series looked at different theories of human behaviour and how they shed light on why we do – and don’t – live sustainably. There’s an introduction to some of the different schools of thought, a look at the psychological factors that influence our decisions, a post the effects of social norms, and one on the structural factors that shape our lives.
6. Three trends that will shape environmental politics in 2012
In January Green Alliance’s director Matthew Spencer made three predictions about the big trends in environmental politics in 2012. Was he right? Read it to find out…
7. Twitter list: Top green politics tweeters
In the top 10 because it did well on, er, Twitter, this is a resource for anyone who wants to increase the quotient of environmental politics on their Twitter feed.
8. How selling comfort and warmth can encourage more homeowners to insulate
Contrary to popular belief, saving money is not necessarily the main reason people insulate their homes – at least according to research done by Newcastle City Council and the National Social Marketing Council. Think snug, warm and cosy instead.
9. Green growth: Germany vs the UK
How do the UK and Germany compare when it comes to clean energy investment, carbon cutting targets and low carbon exports? This infographic measures them up.
10. Can services replace products? The myths and truths
Renting stuff instead of buying it could lead to a much more efficient use of resources, according to some. Here InterfaceFLOR’s Ramon Arratia looks at why leasing carpet hasn’t worked – it’s like trying to rent out a wheel rather than a car, he says – and how product service systems could be the future.
