biomimicry
What if, instead of manufacturing new technologies — which often means high energy and materials costs — we could grow some of the parts that go into them? That’s what scientists at the University of Stuttgart are looking at as part of a cross-faculty research project to produce materials for devices
electric cars
Students at the University of Hertfordshire won a competition this month with what they say is the world’s first completely electric Formula Student car. Their vehicle won the Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology Award for Lowest Carbon Production Car in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Formula Student competition.
On water efficiency, Jurdy’s not quite dry behind the ears yet …
solar energy
Researchers in Luxembourg have created a new and highly efficient solar cell that could lead to much cheaper next-generation solar energy. Made from compound semiconductors, the thin-film photovoltaics developed at the University of Luxembourg convert sunlight into electricity at an efficient rate of 12 per cent. Thin-film solar cells promise
carbon capture and storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) are possible, but the cost of doing so — both early on and even as the technology matures — is likely to be staggering, according to a study from Harvard University’s Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs. The researchers who prepared the study — “Realistic costs
Greenbang
Greenbang’s Dan Ilett speaks about the Carbon Reduction Commitment with Tracey Rawling Church of Kyocera, then learns more from the Reading Borough Council and Carbon Voyage. The Carbon Reduction Commitment from Greenbang on Vimeo.
water industry
Son Le, technology development manager for United Utilities, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the water industry. Le, who came to England at the age of 13 as a Vietnam war orphan, is the world’s leading expert on acid phase anaerobic
water
Businessses across England and Wales could increase their profits by £3.5 billion simply by adopting improved water-saving measures, according to the Environment Agency. The news comes as companies were recognised this week for their efforts to reduce water use. The overall winner, Lafarge Cement UK, has reduced its water
Greenbang
Hello there dearest Greenbang readers Many thanks for those who came down to the Grape Street Wine Bar last night for Greenbang’s second birthday party. My head is still hurting (2:30pm now), but that should be an indication that the night went off pretty well. Around 150 media
wind energy
Wales might fail to become “a Green Celtic Tiger Economy” because it’s not moving quickly enough to develop wind farms, according to the Welsch renewable business body BWEA Cymru. A report from BWEA Cymru — “Wind energy in Wales: State of the Industry” expressed concern over the lack of progress
wind energy
While the UK is staking its renewable energy future in large measure upon wind power, British bats might not have much of a future if we don’t find a way to prevent turbines from killing them … either outright through collisions or via sudden depressurisation that causes their blood vessels
concrete
Industry should set an ultimate goal of “zero landfill” of concrete, according to a new report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The study from the WBCSD’s Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) says recycling concrete is a better strategy that reduces natural resource exploitation and waste going
