This week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories – 18 May
Norway’s autonomous electric ships, France’s green economy boost, and the latest efforts to make the stuff we eat and wear more sustainable.
This, and more, in the week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories.
1.
Southern Europe backs stricter EU waste rules, unlike Nordic countries
Nordic countries oppose higher recycling targets and waste prevention because it would bring about a reduction in residual waste. Nordic countries need waste to feed the expensive incinerators they built, according to the EEB.
Southerners back stricter EU waste rules, unlike Nordic countries https://t.co/DGwjfkwWat pic.twitter.com/j8QzgJsVBU
— Euractiv Agri & Food (@eaAgriFood) May 16, 2017
2.
EU’s low-carbon plan Energy Union pledges security and solidarity
The European Union will continue to assist and support the transition to a low-carbon economy, especially for countries with economies that are energy and carbon intensive, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said in Katowice.
NE 1211 — EU’s low-carbon plan @New_Europe @MarosSefcovic @tzavelaniki @Eurocentrique https://t.co/mCDFj97yAm
— Kostis Geropoulos (@energyinsider) May 15, 2017
3.
Back to front: the struggle to renovate EU building stock persists
The EU’s building stock renovation is critical to achieving climate change targets. With revision of the EU legislation approaching, Euractiv discusses how Central Europe has been slow to embrace finance for renovation and how demand, not funding, is the biggest obstacle.
EU renovation rate is 1% annually; it would take a century to decarbonise the building stock #energyefficiency #CO2 https://t.co/KTg4yjH9v0
— ICONS Innovation Strategies (@ICONSinnovation) May 11, 2017
4.
Got plants? Bio-based shoes, lingerie, auto parts and more
Whether it’s Reebok’s corn shoes, or lingerie made with a cellulosic yarn, there is a plethora of bio-based, compostable packaging and electronics reaching the market.
Some great examples of innovative cos like @adidas @DuPont_News @BASF responding to market demand https://t.co/N5qGP2C3mT
— Tom Murray (@tpmurray) May 11, 2017
5.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation launches Circular Fibres initiative
The circular economy organisation backed by H&M and Nike, has launched an initiative to promote circular economy models in the global textiles and clothing industry. Read more on Business Green.
In parallel, Guardian asks: do clothes companies do the right thing to reduce microfiber pollution?
Ellen MacArthur launches new partnership with H&M, Nike, C&A to promote #circulareconomy for textiles https://t.co/YO6kWdkDPf
— Mike Barry (@planamikebarry) May 11, 2017
6.
RenewableUK lays out renewable energy future for “powering Britain”
The UK has returned to the top ten most attractive locations for renewable energy investment. The UK trade body for renewable energy has published a general election manifesto, outlining the role renewable energy can play in building a strong energy future for the country. Green businesses have also stepped up calls for post-election climate action.
Powering Britain: RenewableUK sets our manifesto for strong enenrgy future, including recommendations for Government https://t.co/HIhiWdmuSe pic.twitter.com/McS8BmWp0D
— RenewableUK (@RenewableUK) May 9, 2017
7.
Light-powered device can purify air and generate clean energy
Researchers from the Netherlands have designed a handheld air purifying device that only needs light to work. The device has two small chambers divided by a membrane. In one chamber air is purified, and in the other hydrogen gas is generated. Nanomaterials act as catalysts to break down pollution and produce the gas.
Light-powered device can purify air and generate clean energy https://t.co/iYM5b0YhHe pic.twitter.com/kxYdHLmap4
— Inhabitat (@inhabitat) May 14, 2017
8.
France preps 17GW renewables surge
The European Commission has approved French state support of three renewable energy projects, including small-scale onshore wind, solar and sewage gas, which total more than 17 gigawatts.
Macron obviously dominating headlines, but this could be huge news for French green economy https://t.co/bSftSQPYoy
— James Murray (@James_BG) May 10, 2017
9.
Norway looks to autonomous electric ships to replace trucks
One Norwegian company is planning to replace lorry journeys with an electric ship next year.
Norway Is Looking To Autonomous Electric Ships To Replace Trucks https://t.co/oayjjHM30U pic.twitter.com/4XtNrzFw6c
— CleanTechnica (@cleantechnica) May 10, 2017
10.
Coffee flour and beer pizza on the menu as innovators fight food waste
Barack Obama has said that innovation is key to reducing emissions from agriculture, speaking at a conference in Milan. The conference showcased Italian food waste start-up Demetra which treats food post-harvest to extend its shelf life.
https://twitter.com/WinnowSolutions/status/864135475031941120