Locally grown food, growing algae for carbon capture and “pay-as-you-save” measures are among 19 “breakthrough ideas” that could transform the UK into a sustainable society, according to a new project launched today by the Sustainable Development Commission. “Progress on sustainable development, at the national level, has been slow,” said Jonathon
sustainable travel
How can Government make its travel practices more sustainable? A range of suggestions — from “quick wins” to longer-term strategies — are offered in a new report, “A review of Government travel — Sustainable travel engaging the public sector” (PDF). The report was commissioned jointly by the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) and the
solar energy
England-based QuantaSol Ltd. says it’s developed what it likely the most efficient single-junction solar cell ever manufactured. QuantaSol, established in June 2007 as a spin-out of Imperial College London, is an independent designer and manufacturer of strain-balanced quantum-well solar cells. Developed in just two years, QuantaSol’s new single-junction
green technology
The Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new report title, “Innovation for a Green Economy — Environment and Technology: A win-win story.” “The Environmental Protection Agency is laying the foundations for a greener economy through active support for environmental research and innovation,” said EPA Director General Mary Kelly. The
Jurdy notes big things are happening across the pond …
While British consumers overwhelmingly prefer green products, only 12 per cent think companies are doing enough to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change, according to new research from the Carbon Trust. The survey of more than 1,000 consumers across the UK found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent)
Officials today proposed a new energy bill for the forthcoming session of Parliament aimed at helping the UK lead the world in breakthrough clean-coal technology. The bill would enable the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to introduce a financial mechanism to fund up to four commercial-scale carbon
green building
Two Government programmes will see extra investments that bring funding for energy efficiency and “whole-house” green makeovers to British homes up to £3.5 billion by 2012. The increases will go toward the Government’s Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme and the new Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). CERT
solar energy
Artificial leaves and nano-forests that can efficiently harvest the sun’s light energy might sound like a pipe dream, but an international team of researchers say they’ve achieved the first step toward that goal. The team modified chlorophyll from an alga to resemble the extremely efficient light antennae of
sustainable urban development
Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education has joined forces with the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment to create a new Master’s course in sustainable urban development. The MSc aims to provide an analytical and integrated study of urban sustainability, urban design and the management of urban
carbon dioxide
More than 100 scientists gathered in London today to demonstrate their support for a campaign seeking a 10 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions in the city by 2010. Pano Kroko, chairman of the Environmental Parliament, announced the 10×10 campaign after a summit meeting at the London School of
electric cars
The Scottish Government has published a new consultation on the use of low-carbon vehicles that calls for a widened use of electric vehicles. The consultation proposes twin targets: * 100 per cent use of low-carbon vehicles by public sector vehicles by 2020; * 95 per cent of all new vehicles to be
