Sustainable Futures Blog
Urban sustainability
Cities and climate change – opportunity or threat?
Over half of the world’s population now live in urban settlements, and the convergence of urbanisation and climate change threatens to have an unprecedented impact on economies, quality of life, and social stability. Alongside these threats, however, is an equally compelling set of opportunities. The concentration of people, industries and infrastructure, as well as social … Continue reading
Clever: Chicago Willis Tower to generate solar power
Ever wondered about all the space provided by glass facades of modern skyscrapers or how to harvest solar energy in the middle of congested city centers? Welcome to the club. Here comes a prime example for sustainable business opportunities: good for business, good for the environment, good for people. “In 1974 it was once the … Continue reading
NZ: Meridian makes wind energy sexy
Is wind energy sexy? Absolutely – at least in the eyes of Meridian, one of New Zealand’s main power suppliers. It’s latest marketing campaign is all about wind energy and how well it serves consumer households in Wellington, the capital. Lauded by the NZ Marketing magazine as “a very good ad at the right time”, … Continue reading
Germany: Searching for the holy grail of the zero emission engine
As The Guardian reports, Germany’s world-class cadre of car designers are searching for the holy grail – a zero-emission car that wins over the world’s petrolheads. “There are so many concepts,” said one Audi executive. “We’re not sure what the customer is willing to pay for.” At the moment, even with oil prices soaring, the … Continue reading
Reusable shopping bags – what else?
Murdoch University research has revealed that a new type of sturdy woven paper bag, which is reusable for up to two years, may provide the solution to environmental problems caused by plastic and polypropylene green shopping bags. The study, conducted by Dr Jaya Nair from the University’s Department of Environmental Engineering, tested the breakdown rates … Continue reading
Green is a way of life in Europe’s eco capital
With its winding canals and large public parks sitting alongside a busy port and bustling business district, Hamburg is a city that contradicts itself, CNN reports. But by combining its industrial strength with a commitment to reduce its impact on the environment, Germany’s second-largest city is becoming a model for major metropolises around the world. … Continue reading
Barcelona: Sustainable urban planning marks strategic vision
Technology systems giant Cisco is collaborating with the Catalan city of Barcelona to initiate a strategic pilot program aimed at advancing the city’s vision for sustainable urban development. John Chambers, Cisco chairman and CEO, and Jordi Hereu, the mayor of Barcelona, announced an initiative that will use technology as an enabler to help transform Barcelona … Continue reading
Efficiency could cut 70 percent of world energy use
Simple changes like installing better building insulation could cut the world’s energy demands by three-quarters, according to a new study, reports the New Scientist. Discussions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions usually concentrate on cleaner ways of generating energy: that’s because they promise that we can lower emissions without having to change our energy-hungry ways. But … Continue reading
Jumpstarting the Real Electric Car Revolution
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is getting serious about the electric car, calling for one million electric cars on German streets by 2020, as public TV broadcaster ARD reports. In Merkel’s view, the future car is – surprise surprise – electric. Less nuclear, more electrocars? Exciting and challenging times ahead. (14 May 2011)
Taste the Waste
Amazing but true: More than half of our groceries land on the dump – 15 million tons a year in Germany alone. Why is it that we throw away perfectly fine food and goods? What impact does this have on the declared UN Millenium Goal to erase famine by 2020? How does this throwaway attitude … Continue reading
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