Posts for life
Axe coal to halt global warming
Via stuff.co.nz, 14-05-2011 Stopping the use of coal for electricity generation is the answer to halting global warming. This is the view of an internationally acclaimed scientist, known as the ‘father of climate change’, who spoke at Massey University yesterday. Dr James Hansen is one…
The ugly side of solar panels
Via Low-tech Magazine, 03-03-2008 New research shows, albeit unintentional, that generating electricity with solar panels can also be a very bad idea. In some cases, producing electricity by solar panels releases more greenhouse gases than producing electricity by gas or even coal. Producing electricity from…
The Phoenix: A Biodegradable Car Made From Bamboo
Via goodcleantech, 14-04-2011 Designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner have come up with a novel use for bamboo: building a car. The two have come up with a concept called the Phoenix Roadster, the world’s first biodegradable car. It was built in just 10 days,…
Eco Ultra Fuel Is Made from Re-Refined Used Motor Oil
Via inhabitat, by Lori Zimmer, 27-04-2011 With the possibility of fossil fuels running out in our lifetime, Universal Lubricant is looking ahead. Through the re-refining of used motor oil, they’ve created Eco Ultra. With production increasing to 1.5 million gallons, the recycled oil is gaining…
New Light Emitting Transistors Mean Bigger, More Efficient OLED Displays
Via OLED Display, 29-04-2011 Researchers at the University of Florida have developed new light emitting transistors that will allow OLED screens to grow in size. OLEDs, or organic light emitting diodes, are used in computer screens, light bulbs and telephone screens, but they generally emit…
Carbon Footprint of beef
Via Ecofriendly Company, 27-04-2010 According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, animal husbandry contributes more to global warming than the whole of the transport sector. This news is also significant to many canteens and restaurants. The employees favourite: steak as a…
The Role of LCA in Decision Making in the Context of Sustainable Development
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a standardised methodology for the quantification of the potential environmental impacts of processes and systems. The data provided can be used effectively to assist in decision making situations. This paper gives examples on how the results from LCA studies and…
Too much building waste
From EcoBob, 24/11/2009 Construction, maintenance and renovation of buildings account for around 40 per cent of the world’s material flows, so it’s always sad to see an old building reduced to a pile of rubble.
Comparison of European LCA-based Building Assessment and Design Tools
Eight LCA-based building-related environmental assessment and design tools were compared in order to present recommendations to improve existing or to develop future tools. The study was a contribution to the work of members of a European Network (PRESCO: Practical Recommendations for Sustainable Construction) who aim…