This week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories — 15 February
What carbon-cutting technology might replace delivery trucks? What could the sidewalks of the future be paved with? And, what’s the world’s toughest energy standard?
This, and more, in the week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories.
1.
Express delivery: Use drones not trucks to cut carbon emissions, experts say
Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport of goods could be cut if drones replace trucks in some instances, researchers have found, providing an environmental edge to the push by companies such as Amazon and Google to expand drone deliveries.
Express delivery: use drones not trucks to cut carbon emissions, experts say https://t.co/eYRUOxlRzQ
— Guardian Environment (@guardianeco) February 13, 2018
2.
EU bank approves financing for ‘Europe’s largest battery factory’
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved €52.5 million in financing for Swedish battery cell manufacturer Northvolt, a bank executive said on Monday, part of a European Union push to compete with Asian and US manufacturers.
Great news! With @EIB's €52.5m loan to @northvolt to support their mission to build the world's greenest battery, the EU is stepping up in the global race for the creation of renewable energy technologies. #InnovFin #EUBatteryAlliance #InvestEU
⇢ https://t.co/qk9m2q8mbg pic.twitter.com/sEPc5vgdOH
— Carlos Moedas (@Moedas) February 13, 2018
3.
We need more durable and reparable products to build a circular economy
Part of the EU legislation on product design known as Ecodesign and Energy Labelling has already set out durability requirements for certain products such as vacuum cleaner motors and light bulbs. But it has so far mainly focused on making fridges, TVs, and other appliances more energy efficient. Why not include more requirements to make products that last longer and are easily reparable and recyclable?
https://twitter.com/EURACTIVUK/status/961589319193579522
4.
Little wood boat is actually a model of modern technology
Josh Tulburg’s tiny boat is electric, and small enough to be pushed by an inexpensive trolling motor. People may buy a hull-kit, or buy the plans and build it themselves.
Tiny homes are one thing. Tiny boats are even better. Little wood boat is actually a model of modern technology https://t.co/E8f8F9fsFl pic.twitter.com/4ORC5nGQlq
— Treehugger.com (@Treehugger) February 15, 2018
5.
Platio unveils next-gen solar sidewalk that can charge electric vehicles
The sidewalks of the future could be paved with solar panels—and the clean energy they generate could power electric cars. Hungarian startup Platio recently installed a 50-square-foot solar sidewalk made of recycled plastic at an EV charging station in Budapest.
#inhabitat Platio unveils next-gen solar sidewalk that can charge electric vehicles pic.twitter.com/uNuGTHlCly
— Sustainable Web (@sustainable_web) February 14, 2018
6.
Svart, a gorgeous hotel by Snøhetta, will meet the world’s toughest energy standard
The Norwegian Powerhouse energy standard is, far and away, the toughest in the world: The building must not only net zero energy, balancing energy production and energy purchases over the course of the year, it is ‘plus energy’. Yet, Snøhetta keeps doing it; Svart is their third Powerhouse building.
Snøhetta has designed “Svart”, the world’s first Powerhouse hotel above the Arctic Circle. Not only does the hotel reduce its yearly energy consumption by approximately 85%, but it also produces its own energy! More info at https://t.co/cKhG5IrzJi. pic.twitter.com/TMB50PFci6
— Snøhetta (@snohetta) February 12, 2018
7.
Everyday people can invest in organizations that protect the environment
Average consumers of all incomes have the ability to meaningfully invest in organizations doing good work, and can make a real difference by providing capital to NGOs, non-profits and sustainable brands.
Everyday people can invest in organizations that protect the environment https://t.co/ZZK1CAFLBo pic.twitter.com/BkBkGXnZ5Z
— Treehugger.com (@Treehugger) February 12, 2018
8.
Five ways artificial intelligence can help save the planet
From smarter electric grids to automated monitoring of at-risk environments, there are many areas where technology could have exponential effects on sustainability.
5 ways artificial intelligence can help save the planet https://t.co/jOCULuqK3c pic.twitter.com/gsGL9XXfNK
— Fast Company (@FastCompany) February 12, 2018
9.
Fish-friendly whirlpool turbine makes hydropower green again
A company from Belgium wants to make hydropower green again. Turbulent’s whirlpool turbine can be installed in most canals or rivers, harnessing flowing water to generate power for as many as 60 homes. The clean, fish-friendly energy source can operate at night and during the day.
.@TurbulentHydro is a small #hydropower plant which produces #energy not reliable on #climate conditions, without #flood risk and is safe for #fish and the #environment.https://t.co/PFnaYyb3NR
— WaterNetwork (@WaterNetwork1) February 14, 2018
10.
Off-grid Ecocapsule microhomes finally make their international debut
The solar- and wind-powered Ecocapsule microhome’s Bratislava-based designers are making their international debut with an exclusive release of 50 off-grid dwellings.
Off-grid Ecocapsule microhomes finally make their international debut:https://t.co/7doTsMoc9p@EcocapsuleSk pic.twitter.com/7UPrQP6SVs
— Inhabitat (@inhabitat) February 8, 2018