Eco Innovation
Biodegradable packaging alternative containing graphene
UK biotech company Toraphene is preparing to unveil the world's first truly biodegradable, compostable and commercially viable alternative to plastic packaging. The company has developed a new material, also called Toraphene, that uses biopolymers that compost naturally and biodegrade without human intervention, even in the ocean.
Tripling renewables investment to reach climate goal
Global renewables investment increased between 2013 and 2018, reaching its peak at $351bn in 2017, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI). The 2020 edition of ‘Global Landscape of Renewable Energy Finance’ highlights however, that while a cumulative $1.8tn were invested during the five-year period, the amount falls short to achieve the global climate comm...
The use of organic photovoltaic cells in skyscrapers
The skylines of big cities like New York, London and so many others in the world have been shaped by skyscrapers. These high-rise buildings typically draw their power from the traditional carbon fuel grid. Here, Matthew Stone, Chairman at NextGen Nano, has explained how the integration of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells to commercial buildings can assist in the production of green energy for cleaner cities.
Composites and renewable energy: powering the future
Goal seven of the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable goals encourages progress towards integrating renewable energy into buildings, transport and industry. However, connecting renewable energy sources to the grid faces challenges, including the limited current capacity of overhead lines. How can we make the grid more suitable for renewable energy integration? Here, Robert Glass, Head of Marketing at Exel Composites, explains how composit...
Empowering sustainable energy with decentralisation
The energy system is undergoing unprecedented transformation, fuelled by factors such as technological developments, geopolitical shifts and environmental concerns. According to the World Economic Forum, decentralisation is one of the key trends that will accelerate the transition to sustainable energy supply.
Is the green belt choking green economic growth?
The Oxford to Cambridge Arc has been identified as the location for exciting new infrastructure, real estate development and regeneration, but how can this large-scale development be ‘green’? With that in mind, Rob Hopwood, Planning Partner at Property Consultants Bidwells, has discussed whether the Green Belt is choking economic growth and what highlights the key priorities.
Agrivoltaics becoming multi-billion dollar industry
One day solar ‘power stations’ as we know them will be banned and agrivoltaics will grow. On land and lake, no more blinding of large areas with black solar panels, throttling life. Substituting vast industrial desolation for a natural paradise or prime agriculture ruins tourism and the planet. It will become illegal or at least bad business because the new vertical photovoltaics boosts farming, obscures little and acts as a useful wi...
Ricardo welcomes UK plan for ‘Green Industrial Revolution’
Proposed actions on transportation, renewable energy, hydrogen, vehicle electrification and carbon capture align with Ricardo strategy and established strengths, which enable the company to help industry towards Net Zero carbon emissions - and commercial success, sustainably achieved.
Engineers Without Borders unite to avert climate disaster
With just ten years to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals and avert climate disaster, national branches of Engineers Without Borders are uniting to demand a complete shift in engineering education and professional values.
Over half of UK councils target net-zero by 2030
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that countries need to dramatically accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. By its own estimates, we have until 2030 – less than ten years – to prevent 1.5°C warming. According to Prof Mark Maslin at UCL, “The [UK’s] net-zero-carbon target is essential, but the date of 2050 is too far in the future. The UK must adopt a 2030 zero-carbon target.&...