Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

Researchers from Germany's Hof University of Applied Sciences have developed a new insulation material made from mushroom mycelium that captures CO2 and is compostable. The project, called Mycobuild, aims to produce these eco-friendly insulation boards at an industrial scale by 2026, using locally sourced plant residues. The material is tested for flexibility, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity, showing promise in reducing mold risk through the integration of a mineral top layer. The team focuses on optimizing production while addressing consumer concerns about potential mold issues.

US company NANO Nuclear Energy is selling its ODIN microreactor technology to Cambridge AtomWorks in the UK for $6.2 million. The ODIN microreactor uses High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium with an enrichment level of up to 20% and features a unique low-pressure coolant system. This sale allows NANO Nuclear to focus on its gas-cooled reactor portfolio, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR, and ZEUS reactors. Collaboration with MIT is ongoing to explore the use of solar salts in advanced nuclear reactors.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese government-related investment body, is focusing on impact-driven infrastructure funds. They are seeking managers who share their commitment and capability to maximize the impactful nature of these investments. This initiative highlights their strategy to support infrastructure projects that deliver tangible societal benefits.

Greenbuild 2025 is an annual event for green building professionals, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, aiming to improve resilience and sustainability in buildings and communities. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable development, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions. The event offers numerous learning opportunities, including CE credits, and will emphasize social equity and diverse participation.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a fast and eco-friendly method to extract aluminum and remove toxic metals from red mud, a by-product of aluminum production. This new technique involves flash Joule heating with a chlorine gas dose, extracting 96% of metals in about a minute, leaving an aluminum-rich residue for reuse. The method could be transformative for industries beyond aluminum, reducing waste, emissions, and the need for new bauxite mining, while converting waste into strong building materials. The project is being scaled globally with industry collaboration.

Siemens Gamesa has agreed to supply 35 14-megawatt wind turbines to the Formosa 4 offshore wind farm in Taiwan, providing clean energy to approximately 500,000 homes. This marks the third collaboration between Siemens Gamesa and Synera Renewable Energy, a leading developer in Asia-Pacific's offshore wind sector. The turbines will be produced at Siemens' facility in Taichung, Taiwan, and are part of a broader push to localize production and strengthen regional supply chains. Construction for the wind farm is slated to complete before 2030, with the installation of inter-array cables beginning in 2028.

Construction has commenced on a $152 million project to upgrade the bulkheads at Port Everglades. The existing seawalls, which date back to the 1950s, will be reinforced to better handle rising sea levels and reverse storm surges. This is part of an effort to improve the port's resilience during Florida’s hurricane season.

The Canadian government has launched Build Canada Homes, a federal agency focused on rapidly increasing the supply of affordable housing across the nation. The initiative aims to address homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing, leveraging public lands, and using modern construction methods like factory-built homes and mass timber. With an initial $13 billion investment, the agency will collaborate with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to build at scale, utilizing Canadian materials to support domestic industries. Key projects are set to launch in multiple cities, prioritizing innovative, sustainable construction and the preservation of existing affordable rental housing.

The article discusses the launch of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency in Canada focused on building affordable housing across the country. Headed by Ana Bailão, the agency aims to increase the housing supply by partnering with private developers, leveraging public lands, and offering financial incentives to build more homes sustainably and at scale. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an initial $13 billion capitalization for the agency, which aims to double housing construction and reduce homelessness. Emphasis will be placed on using modern, eco-friendly construction methods and materials.

California lawmakers have passed a bill that aims to expand manufacturing decarbonization projects. The legislation will allow thermal energy storage and industrial heat pumps to qualify for financial incentives under state programs. This move is part of a broader effort to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector.

Volvo CE and Volvo Trucks have completed the world's first fully electric deconstruction project in Erlangen, Germany, using a fleet of all-electric machines. The project demonstrates the potential for sustainable urban transformation, achieving a 96% recycling rate of construction waste. This initiative underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainable practices in the industry, reducing emissions, and addressing noise and pollution concerns in urban areas.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the U.S. has developed the ULIS power module, a compact silicon carbide device that can deliver five times greater energy density than existing models. It features ultrafast, ultraefficient electrical current switching and is suited for applications in power grids, aviation, and military vehicles due to its lightweight and reliability. The module's innovative design includes wireless capabilities and a unique shape that minimizes size and weight, broadening its applicability to various technologies. A patent is pending for its low-latency wireless communication protocol.