Environment ⯀  

One of the biggest expenses that many businesses do not properly consider is its energy costs. While the costs of heat and electricity can be very high, there are five things that a business could easily do to be more efficient and lower its energy bills.

Environment ⯀  

Solar panels quickly became a popular way to ‘go green’ — homeowners can install the panels on their homes to reduce their reliance on local power grids and also reduce their carbon footprint.

The other impacts that solar power has often get overlooked. In some locations in the United States, solar power actually saves lives. How can solar panels save lives?

Related articles

• Solar Power To Provide Abundant Energy Soon 
• The Impact of Solar Energy Today and How It Could Change the World Tomorrow 
• 3D Arrangement of Solar Cells Get Staggering Results 

Fossil Fuels Kill People

It’s no secret that burning fossil fuels in power plants creates pollutants. It’s been repeatedly shown to dump millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter into the air every year. These pollutants contribute to more frequent cases of asthma and respiratory disease — it can even cause lung scarring and lifelong damage for people who inhale this waste every single day. Children face the most risk for these respiratory side effects.

Even if not directly affected by the waste created by fossil fuel burning power plants, you may have already noticed plenty of far-reaching side effect. Climate change has started to cause dangerous heat waves that can, in some cases, prove deadly. 

This temperature increase has also begun changing weather patterns and encouraging disease growth. In at least once case, melting permafrost has exposed a 75-year-old strain of anthrax in Siberian deer. Researchers predict this won’t remain an isolated case — instead, long dormant strains of bacteria and viruses we haven’t seen in decades or centuries will start to make a comeback.

All this, just from a few decades of burning fossil fuels as a power source. This is a small sample of the ways fossil fuels kill people and solar saves lives.

Benefits of Solar Power

Other than reducing our dependence on finite fossil fuel resources, what other benefits do solar panels provide?

• Reduced power industry emissions — the Department of Energy predicts solar could reduce the waste produced by the power industry by 10 percent or more between 2015 and 2050. That number could also potentially climb if solar becomes more affordable and mainstream.

• Reduced water use — Power companies use billions of gallons of water every year. Solar power could reduce those usage numbers by more than 290 billion gallons, which is a boon for dry or drought stricken states. 

• Competition — Project Sunshot, a solar power initiative started in 2011, was designed to make solar power competitively priced. Recently, they’ve managed to reduce the cost of solar power to $0.06/kWh.

• Longevity — Solar panels are designed as an investment, and typically created with that in mind, crafted to last 20-25 years or more. A well-installed set of solar panels can last a lifetime, though it is important to make sure the solar panels are weather-proofed and that the weatherproofing isn’t damaged by environmental factors. 

If interested in finding out whether your home would be a good option for solar panels, Google has thoughtfully provided a mapping tool — simply find your home and Project Sunroof will do the rest, including breaking down your potential savings and whether it’s a better idea to lease or purchase your solar panels. It is important to note that in some states — Florida included — it is against the law to lease solar panels so that might limit your options.

Solar Jobs On The Rise

It isn’t just the environment the solar industry is benefiting — it’s been good for the economy as well. Solar related jobs are growing faster than any other field — in some cases up to 12 times as fast as the rest of the country. The solar industry boasted around 3.4 million jobs in 2011. That number has climbed to over 4 million as of the beginning of 2017 and is projected to continue to grow in the future.

The current administration may focus on oil and coal jobs, but the future is quite obviously in solar and wind power.

Don’t let the high initial investment of solar panels scare you away. These panels become more and more affordable as the years go by — Tesla is even offering solar shingles to re-roof your entire home with power generating technology. The initial cost is daunting, but when you consider the dramatic impact of solar on the environment and on the life of the individual, the investment seems worth it.

By  Kayla Matthews	Embed
Kayla Matthews writes about marketing innovation and business solutions for Inc.com, Convince & Convert and WeWork. You can read more posts by Kayla on her blog, Productivity Theory.

Environment –  

An average of 4.6 pounds of trash are thrown away by each American on a daily basis. In 2006, that created about 251 millions tons of waste. As the mounds of trash continue to pile up in each household and city dump, available space in landfills across the country dwindles away.

While we search for more space, bigger landfills, and better solutions, we continue to expel harmful air pollutants, compromise our waterways, and leave ourselves at risk for disease. As our environment suffers, we suffer.

The facts surrounding waste and pollution are staggering, but just knowing the dangers is half the battle. We should begin to apply what we know by modifying our behaviors for the benefit of the environment. So what can you do to make a difference on a daily basis? From our cleaning supplies to daily home habits, everyone has the ability to make a positive impact on the world. For all of the questions that surround the topic of environmental awareness, equip yourself with these answers for living a more eco-friendly life in a truly “green” home.

Q: Are my household cleaning supplies harmful to the environment?

A: According to U.S Poison Control Centers, cleaning products accounted for 10% of all exposures to hazardous chemicals. Roughly 62 chemicals can easily be found in a typical household. These products are flushed down the toilet to remove bacteria, poured into the shower drain to remove clogs, and the bottles of the occasional leftovers are thrown into the trash. In a variety of manners, these chemicals are released into the air or waterways. Although many of the water treatment facilities typically remove these from water sources, there is still the chance of harmful side effects.

Q: What household cleaning products can I purchase that will be less harmful for the environment?

A: When purchasing household cleaners, look for keywords on the labels like, “Biodegradable,” or “100% All-Natural.” Some other terms including the word “organic,” may not actually be good for the environment, because they are not regulated in the same manner. Also, look for a certification label on the product’s packaging.

Q: What items can be recycled so that I can help prevent unnecessary waste?

A: Products like glassic, plastic, metal, paper, cardboard, and electronics can be recycled at a local facility. Along with collecting and transporting these items to be be melted at a recycling center, try doing a little upcycling within your own home. You can turn old clothing into cleaning rags, use old coffee grounds in the garden, and turn empty tissue boxes into craft time with the kids.

Related articles

• Plastic Recycling: The Process, Advantages and Disadvantages 
• How Does Technology Improve Our World? 
• How New Sustainable Technologies Could Create a Green Future 

Q: What everyday habits can I change in order to promote greener living?

A: There are a few daily tasks that we can alter for the sake of living a greener lifestyle. For example, using your own refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic water bottles is just one small step that makes a long-term impact. Turn off the water between rinses when you wash the dishes, or use washcloths instead of paper towels. You can choose walking or riding a bicycle as your prefered method of transportation to replace local driving as well.

Q: How does an eco-friendly home affect my pocketbook and the value of my home?

A: Over time, you will end up saving yourself money by adding elements like high-efficiency appliances, water heater, and windows. Also, according to a recent study completed in California, selling a certifiably green home can add up to 9% to the value of the home. Plus, eco-friendly qualities in the home are an impressive selling point to prospective buyers. There is also a federal tax credit for any taxpayer who owns a home with solar power systems. (It’s definitely worth looking into the details.)

Taking care of the earth is a global effort. Each person is responsible for their own choices that could physically change the world. Start the conversation with those you know, so that they can also live a greener lifestyle from the comfort of their home. The greener our houses are, the greener our world can become.

By  Neil Stawski	Embed
Mr. Stawski believes we aren’t doing enough to protect our planet. He created ClimateWise.co to educate the public and encourage people to take action.

Environment  

In order to achieve sustainable living on earth, issues such as global warming, exhaustion of vital resources like water, wastage of energy, and deforestation have to be addressed accordingly.

A recent report from the United Nations indicates that the energy needs of the world will go up by sixty percent by 2030 due to an upsurge of the population by 2.9 billion people. Here are some of the newer tech innovations that will make the future brighter for humans.

Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

A study from the Energy Information Administration shows that by the year 2030, the globe will be emitting about 8, 000 million metric-tons of Carbon Dioxide, which is the greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. One of the methods of reducing the emissions of this prominent global warming gas into the atmosphere is injecting it into the ground. CO2 can be buried in oil wells, saline reservoirs, and rocks that have been abandoned. Although the technology has not been fully operationalized, scientists are still trying to figure out more viable innovations of separating the gas from other emission gasses before burying it permanently.

Furthermore, combustion of fossil fuels and liquefied petroleum products contributes to global warming. An invention like Inventive Power, specially designed solar panels, has brought about a thermal energy collector that can create high-temperature steam for producing electrical power. The system can be installed on the rooftops of industries and in the process reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

Growth in world electricity demand and related CO2 emissions since 1990 (left) and related CO2 emissions by region (right). Source - International Energy Agency 

Related articles

• Economic Report Points To Cost Competitive Renewable Energy 
• Synaptic Transistors Point To Computer Hardware That Learns 
• How Does Technology Improve Our World? 

Oil production

A process called thermal-depolymerization is being used to produce oil from almost anything by adding heat and pressure to carbon-based products. Although this is a natural process of making oil that nature uses in giving planet earth this valuable product, the innovation enables an expedited production of oil from used tires, turkey guts, among other products to get the byproduct.

Desalination

Water shortage is projected to affect the world immensely in years to come. The introduction of desalination processes has enabled communities that experience limited supplies of water to remove salt and other minerals from salty seawater to make it useful to humans. The biggest hiccup with this particular tech innovation is that it utilizes a lot of energy, making it an expensive ordeal for marginalized communities that lack enough water sources, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Scientists are still trying to figure out better ways of using inexpensive fuels for heating and evaporating the water before they run it through membranes that have microscopic pores, as a cheaper option.

Disaster management

International organizations and smaller communities have embraced EBS analytic tools like Kafka on AWS, social media platforms, and satellite enabled sensory monitoring solutions so as to process data in real-time. Processing Big Data in a real-time manner in situations of disaster can streamline the rescue processes because it aids faster responses. Leaders of various organizations and communities can make informed decisions in a timely way and thus help in solving various crises quickly and efficiently than when basing their decisions on mere instinct.

Sunny New Ideas

The photons of the sun energy that reach planet earth can be transformed into clean energy to be used in various industries. Homeowners and companies can now utilize this energy in cutting down on electric energy utility bills and still maintain their sustainability. Solar cells and solar thermal collectors are two of the most common types.

Innovators are still on the verge of coming up with the best conversion limits that utilize parabolic dishes and mirrors in optimally converting the solar power through a concentration process. Governments across the world are also giving out incentives to homeowners and commercial building owners who invest in solar installations and other renewable/clean sources of energy on their properties. All these efforts and innovation ideas are channeled towards encouraging people to embrace environment-friendly sources of energy.

By  Kevin Faber	Embed
Kevin Faber is the CEO of Silver Summit Capital. He graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. in Business/Managerial Economics. In his free time, Kevin is usually watching basketball or kicking back and reading a good book.

Environment  

With global temperatures rising each year, it’s hard to imagine that just one person could make a difference where the Earth is concerned, yet there are many things we can do to reduce our carbon footprints and make our daily lives more eco-friendly.

With global temperatures rising each year, it’s hard to imagine that just one person could make a difference where the Earth is concerned, yet there are many things we can do to reduce our carbon footprints and make our daily lives more eco-friendly.

Real change starts at home, so ensuring that your house is energy efficient, changing the way you use transportation, and teaching your family and friends about climate change and how to affect it are all important ways to help. Educating yourself is the first step, but it’s imperative that you make an effort to pull apart the facts from all the opinions and misinformation that can be found online regarding climate change.

Read on to find out some of the most frequently asked questions and how you can help your community give back.

If the Earth is getting warmer, why are there still such cold winters?

Climate and weather are two different things. Although the Earth’s atmosphere is getting warmer gradually due to greenhouse gases that are trapping heat, there will still be changing weather patterns that cause snow and even ice storms. If global warming continues at the same pace, however, cold winters will become more and more rare.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are made up of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, among others, and come from many different sources. Deforestation, or the removal of many trees at the same time, causes carbon dioxide trapped inside trees to be released into the atmosphere, where it lingers for up to a hundred years and traps heat, creating a “greenhouse effect” and explaining the nickname. Cars also provide emissions that become trapped in the atmosphere, which means anything that requires transportation could be bad for the environment. Driving a car back and forth to work every day, ordering items online that have to be shipped and delivered by a truck, and flying frequently are all ways many pe ople contribute unknowingly to global warming. Some of the ways you can cut back include shopping locally, carpooling, or investing in a hybrid car.

How can I help?

One of the first--and easiest--things you can do is make changes around your home. Making eco-friendly choices such as replacing your light bulbs with energy efficient ones, installing a smart thermostat, reducing your hot water use, and making sure your home is well insulated can all have a huge impact on the amount of carbon dioxide your home emits every year. Not only that, but making those changes will cut your utility bills, as well.

Related articles

• Plastic Recycling: The Process, Advantages and Disadvantages 
• Concerned About Our World? 5 Changes You Can Make to Help Now 
• Why Technogaianism? 

You can also talk to the people in your community about climate change and put together a special interest group to focus on real impacts you can make in your community - and beyond. Consider hosting a fundraiser of some kind, with a clear message and mission. The fundraiser could be as simple as selling t-shirts that encourage positive change in your community to a more extensive effort, such as organizing an evening gala to raise money to donate to a non-profit.

What are the possible effects of global warming?

Global warming can have many different types of effects all around the world, but they are already being seen in places like the Arctic, where glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. This means that many forms of plant and animal life are in grave danger, and sea levels are rising as these massive ice boulders dissolve, which can cause flooding in many areas around the globe.

Having constant warm, moist air in the atmosphere means that the possibility for disastrous weather events is even greater, and coastal areas could see an increase in tsunamis and hurricanes.

Global warming is a scary thing to consider, especially once you begin to do the research behind it. It’s important to remember that something this big will take time, and that it’s a topic rife with controversy in many circles. Becoming more knowledgeable about the causes and effects will help you educate others, which will in turn bring about change.

By  Neil Stawski	Embed
Mr. Stawski believes we aren’t doing enough to protect our planet. He created ClimateWise.co to educate the public and encourage people to take action.

Technology  

The aerosol industry has grown from the insect repellant that was used during the Second World War up to what it is today. Insect repellants may still be one of the top products driving the aerosol industry, but there is a wide range of aerosols that are in use today, especially in the cosmetics, drug, personal care, and cleaning industries.

Despite this success, the aerosol industry has, and is still, facing challenges regarding its economic and environmental sustainability. Before the 1970’s aerosol sprays were known to contain ozone-depleting chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC).

Related articles

• The Future of Heavy Equipment 
• How Blockchain Technology Will Change Everyday Life 
• The Road to Artificial Intelligence 

Today, they use propellants such as hydrocarbons and compressed gases which may not be ozone depleting, but still, they increase carbon emissions and emit volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Typically, an aerosol product consists of a container that is a metal, plastic, or glass that is attached permanently to a metering or continuous valve meant to dispense gases, sprays, foam, streams, lotions, and creams.

Environmental sustainability

Being minute particles that are suspended in the atmosphere, aerosols are paramount because they interact directly and indirectly with the earth radiation and climate. They absorb or scatter light back into space, modify the size of cloud particles and are sites where chemical reactions take place. All these have a long-term effect on the environment especially when the levels of aerosol emissions are very high.

Inhaling highly concentrated amounts of aerosols is highly harmful to your health as they can cause damage to your kidneys, liver, brain, and cause suffocation. This is why it is important that you only use the recommended amounts of aerosol product, avoid direct spraying, or use non-spray options. The environment is still highly polluted by aerosol cans that contain hazardous products which should otherwise be disposed of as hazardous waste.

To achieve environmental sustainability, recycling tech is now being used in conjunction with proper management and disposal of waste. Apart from this, most manufacturers are formulating products that are VOC responsible like floating roof tanks that reduce VOC emissions and nitrogen blankets.

According to the experts from Signature Filling Company, “The bag-on-valve aerosol system technology ensures that zero harmful substances are being released into the environment. This is a packaging tech that uses a compartmentalized aerosol dispenser and a composite metal or plastic bag attached to the valve body.”

Economic sustainability

A recent tech innovation in the aerosol industry has seen the production of compressed aerosols that use half-size cans for the same amount of aerosol as before. This translates to a smaller carbon footprint per can, less propellant gas and transport emissions, and a smaller amount of material used in making the cans.

Counterfeiting in the aerosol industry is also a great concern, but new technologies like patterned varnish, embossing/debossing, and the use of indentation tech has given the aerosols distinctive looks, unique effects, and visual appeal to aerosol cans that had not been seen before.

Recycling of aluminium for aerosol packaging is another metal tech breakthrough that results in a new metal alloy that is stronger and can be made lightweight without compromising the integrity of the aerosol can.

Tech innovations are slowly changing the face of the aerosol industry by making it more sustainable regarding the economy and environment. While the basic principle of aerosol remains the same, other improvements are taking place that make aerosols less harmful to the consumer and the environment in general. This is by reducing g emissions in the air, water, and soil; reliable labeling that provides the correct information to consumers; and balancing the social and economic aspects of product performance. 

By  33rd Square	Embed

Sustainability  

The construction industry is becoming greener and more sustainable, and that is good news for the planet. If you are thinking about buying a home or hiring a builder, it is important to look at their sustainability ratings and make your choice accordingly.

You might not think of the construction industry as a particularly green one, but things are changing. Today, more and more construction companies and individual contractors are looking for ways to make their building processes more sustainable, and that is good news for home buyers, the environment, and for society as a whole.

Local Environment

One of ways the building industry has become more sustainable is through looking at the local environment. Taking the lay of the land into account can help with everything from sustainable forms of energy production, to lower construction costs. A lot set up on a hill, for instance, might be a prime candidate for a home windmill and wind power. A home with a sloping lot and a south-facing roof would be perfect for solar power. By taking the entire area into account, construction companies can build a greener and more sustainable future. They can also build in a way the benefits the homeowner more and makes buildings last longer.

Related articles

• 5 Innovations that will Change Construction Forever 
• Building Tech: How Technology is Changing Construction 
• Dutch Company Wants to Create Roads from Recycled Plastic Bottles 

Incorporating Sustainable Forms of Energy

Sustainable energy is the future, and the construction industry is embracing energy in a big way. Experienced contractors understand that incorporating wind, solar, geothermal, and other sustainable forms of energy into the homes they build will be good for the people who buy those homes and for the environment as a whole. They also understand that developing a reputation for sustainability and low energy costs will be good for their businesses and their brands, thus creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

This focus on sustainable forms of energy is likely to accelerate in the future, but the gains have already been quite impressive. From solar panels, to water conservation in plumbing, there are many new ways this is being done. Far from being a drain on the environment, the construction industry is becoming one of the greenest industries around. These can also make living in a home cheaper. By saving on energy costs, home buyers can get more for their construction loans and have a house that costs less over time.

Proper Disposal

From building contractors to the asphalt contractors who lay down roads and driveways, responsible operators throughout the construction industry care a great deal about where their excess materials end up. Proper disposal has always been an important part of the construction industry, but it has taken on a new significance in recent years.

Individual contractors and construction companies have found a number of unique solutions to the disposal of excess construction materials, and many of those solutions are changing the way people live. Some construction professionals have donated their unused materials to charity, giving community organizations the ability to build homes for the homeless. Others have donated their excess materials to charity-run stores, allowing those organizations to raise the funds they need. No matter how they are used, these innovations keep excess construction materials out of local landfills, and that is good news for everyone.

By  Eileen O'Shanassy	Embed

Infographics  

This infographic demonstrates how every digital transaction we make—sending emails, Tweeting, texting and even searching the web all produce carbon dioxide, which adds to global warming.

When we think of things that are affecting our environment, we tend to think of car fumes or factories etc. But did you know that sending a Tweet or an email is also causing damage to the planet?

In this infographic Fuel Fighter show just how much damage is being done by the digital world by breaking down the amount of CO2 that is produced every time we tweet, email, watch TV, download music and even when we purchase something online. For example, the amount of C02 released by people watching football’s European Championships is the equivalent of 13 trucks of gasoline and searches for the term “Star Wars” equate to the same amount of C02 as burning 50 barrels of oil.

Related articles

• Plastic Recycling: The Process, Advantages and Disadvantages 
• Concerned About Our World? 5 Changes You Can Make to Help Now 
• Why Technogaianism? 

On a more positive note, it is clear that many of the big tech companies behind this are doing their best to make sure they are carbon neutral. Google has been carbon neutral since 2007 and its data centres use 50% less energy than typical data centres. Not to be outdone, Facebook continues to focus on sustainable operations and invests in the Open Compute Project, which has brought together more than 150 organisation to develop more efficient data centre technologies. This infographic also shows how much better for the environment shopping online is than shopping in-store and how much better it is to stream media over buying physical copies.

The infographic will also show you what huge companies like Google and Amazon are doing to counteract the amount of CO2 that they produce.

So take a look, it might make you think twice about retweeting that funny cat video!

Carbon Footprint of the Digital Age by Fuel Fighter.

By 33rd Square

Embed

Environment  

Sustainable technologies are continuing to develop, bringing us closer to a green future. From advances in building materials, to architecture, to green, nanotechnology, here are a few interesting examples.

There is no doubt that much of the new sustainable technology has the potential to help build a new and better place to live. In addition, there are green-oriented sustainability strategies today being implemented, such as:

• Sustainability: A non-compromised means to meet future needs on the planet by keeping damage or depletion of the earth's natural resources to a minimum. 
• "Cradle-to-Cradle" Design: Promoting the innovated design of re-used or recycled items. 
• Source Reduction: Re-designing production models in order to eliminate or reduce waste and pollution.
• Innovation: Developing options to existing technologies that pose a danger to health and the environment.
• Viability: Developing cutting-edge innovations in ideas and technologies that are practical, cost-effective and create new careers as well.

Taking the proverbial bull by the horns, many facets of society have already begun sustainable programs to deal with the increasing problems for planet earth.

Related articles

• 5 Changes You Can Make to Help Now 
• Why Technogaianism 
• Five Inventions That Can Green Up Our World 

The Roofing Industry

In the construction industry, developing more heat-resistant materials for specially formulated paints such as the color green, is now being more widely accepted and used. This particular color made with latest paint material is already known to reduce heat on a roof to help save energy costs.

Green Architecture

The Passivhaus Standard, or designing buildings for minimal demand on energy costs and natural resources, was first developed globally during the 1990s. As such, it is already implemented in many circles as it becomes the industry standard for eco-friendly building.

Along with this effective mindset, everything from choosing the right building materials to where and how a building is located, comes into play. In this way, professionals with a master’s in civil engineering can influence the green movement by incorporating new technologies and a green mindset into private and commercial building construction. If you have an interest in green architecture, visit here for more information.

Governmental/Institutional Purchasing Initiatives

Making it part of a viable strategy to research products, services and means of production that have a minimal impact on the environment sets in motion an expanded program at many levels of the economy. This necessarily dictates the creation of more departments to handle this large chore.

Green Nanotechnology

Using nanotechnology, or the manipulation of certain materials in nanometers, is a growing trend in today's sectors of energy, medical science and industries as well.

Today, green oriented technologies such as artificial photosynthesis, solar windows technology, waste and sewer treatment technology to ensure filtration of sewer systems and eco-concrete, are all geared towards lessening the impact of man-made damage to this planet. Sustainability today is not a question of a futuristic "if." It now has become a "how", "where" and "how much."

By Anica Oaks

Embed

Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. Anica writes on behalf of the University of Florida, with degree programs such as a bachelor of science in biology that advance the development of biofuels and other conservation directives.

Architecture  

These buildings have designs that are both cutting-edge technology and make the world a greener place.

Related articles

• BRAIN Project Infographic Released 
• Development May Do Away With the Need For Fertilizers As Plants Made To Fix Own Nitrogen 
• Breakthrough Allows For Cheap Hydrogen Production From Any Plant Source 

To celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th Eurooffice decided to put together an infographic to celebrate some of the most environmentally friendly office buildings in use today. These buildings are some of the smartest, most innovative and in many cases the most beautiful office buildings built in recent years. While they all look very different, all have taken interesting approaches to reducing their own carbon footprint drastically.

For instance,  Amsterdam’s ‘The Edge’ building, which is currently occupied by Deloitte. This building has been called the smartest building in the world as it not only manages the office environment, it also manages desk allocation for all the employees on a day to day basis.

In the infographic below, buildings around the world showcase features such self-sufficient water systems, their own internal power plants, rainwater harvesting and a host of other cutting-edge environmentally friendly innovations.

What is most striking when seeing these buildings is how they have combine cutting edge design principles, and aesthetics, with almost futuristic levels of technology to create office buildings that are helping make the world a greener place.

SOURCE

Green Office Buildings – That are Saving the Planet by Euroffice.

By 33rd Square

Embed

Related articles

Environment  

The practice of sustainability is a challenging task for science and engineering. Here are some practical examples of this environmentally aware practice.

Sustainability, the long-term health of ecosystems and societies, is a matter of huge interest to scientists, engineers, and activists. This article offers some examples of the science of sustainability being put to practical use.

Preserving Wildlife

Scientists and environmentalists try to preserve the diversity of ecosystems around the world. On land and on the sea, scientists and engineers are helping communities preserve a variety of plants and animals. Scientists contribute to our knowledge of how to manage fisheries off the coast of North America, as Pacific halibut and Atlantic cod fishing kills huge numbers of other species,collectively called by-catch.

Protecting and Restoring the Soil

Crops suffer when the topsoil is too thin or lacks nutrients. That lack of nutrients has become a major subject of scientific study. Environmentalists have taken that research and used it in nonprofits like Remineralize the Earth. They teach farmers how to restore the mineral content of their soil and educate the public. For consumers, restoring the soil is important because foods grown in nutrient-poor soil end up being lower in nutrients and have a smaller yield.

Related articles

• Mini Human Brain Grown In Petri Dish 
• Synaptic Transistors Point To Computer Hardware That Learns 
• Researchers Develop Neuromorphic Chip With Cognitive Abilities 

Water

Access to clean water is one of the world's top global concerns. Scientists, engineers, and politicians focus on protecting clean water sources, recycling water, and conserving water. In the Middle East, the main issue is getting enough freshwater to support people and agriculture. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency compiles information on how utilities can save water and cut costs, as part of a broader program to conserve the nation's water resources.

Cleaning the Air

Everyone knows about greenhouse gases, horrible air quality in Chinese cities and similar high-profile topics. The science of sustainability looks for ways to reduce emissions that create smog and contribute to global warming. The United States government gave away $14 billion in wind power subsidies in 2014, in part to prevent smog and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Planning and Management

Engineering contributes to sustainability, the applied science part of sustainability. Those with a master in civil engineering, for example, learn to manage groundwater flows, contain wasters, and contribute to environmental and water resource management. Preserving access to water is as important as managing stormwater, so engineers in cities like London and Los Angeles work hard to manage rainfall, in Los Angeles, and flooding from the Thames in London.

The science of sustainability produces the information that activists, engineers, and policy makers use to carry out projects that relate to ecological sustainability. Protecting fisheries, using resources wisely, and protecting the air and water all begin with detailed knowledge of how ecosystems work.

By Anica Oaks

Embed

Author Bio - A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

Ideas  

Guest writer Connor Heflin introduces technogaianism—a word combining "techno-" for technology and "gaian" for Gaia philosophy.  Technogaians argue that developing safe, clean, alternative technology should be an important goal of environmentalists, and transhumanists.

It's easy to lose hope about things. After all, the adage of the news industry is "if it bleeds, it leads". But transhumanism, and its sister ideology singularitarianism, offer a counter-narrative, a hope for a better future. While it's arguable that there are some oversights and problems in these movements, people willing to look past the doom and gloom can find it appealing. However, much of mainstream transhumanism/singularitarianism is missing something: care for the natural environment.

Now you might be thinking that this will be some radical anti-science green screed saying that killing 99% of the population is a good thing, but it's not. The green movement is unfortunately rotten with people who view science, not as a way of saving the environment, but always as a way of destroying it. But there's a different green ideology that meshes with transhumanism, it's called technogaianism.

Technogaianism, as described by IEET, is:

"a bright green environmentalist stance of active support for the research, development and use of emerging and future technologies to help restore Earth’s environment. Technogaians argue that developing safe, clean, alternative technology should be an important goal of environmentalists. Technogaianism is a movement within Transhumanism."

But why should transhumanists embrace technogaianism? Reasons can be categorized as either selfish (solely benefiting the transhumanist movement and/or humanity) and selfless (benefiting beings outside of the selfish category).

Technogaianism embraces possible use of closed biospheres in space colonization, and also allows the study and manipulation of a biosphere without harming Earth

Related articles

• Gary Marcus Urges People To Think About The Threat of Artificial Intelligence 
• The Transhumanist Wager 
• Kim Stanley Robinson Discusses Utopia, The Singularity and Transhumanism 

Selfishly, transhumanists should embrace technogaianism because it could reduce the existential riskiness of artificial intelligences. An artificial intelligence designed to learn from its surroundings and the actions of others will tend to mimic them to one degree or another. Now if we're driving other species to extinction and destroying our habitat, wouldn't the artificial intelligence do the same to us once it becomes a superintelligence? While we can't know the answer for certain, it's probably better to be safe rather than sorry.

Things become more debatable when it comes to the selfless reason. Why should we embrace technogainism selflessly? Simply put, do we have the right to pollute the environment and cause other species to go extinct? While this might not be ironclad and likely has some shades of grey to it, it's worth thinking about. If you were a dodo or a thylacine would you have asked to be exterminated? One trait humanity in general has is empathy, the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Why limit it to humans though? In applying protection to the environment and ecology, we practice what is commonly known as the golden rule (which incidentally was part of the new religion that was outlined in passing in Ray Kurzweil's The Singularity Is Near).

With that said, now is the perfect time to take action. Since technogaianism is science based, it will be in conflict with the position of anti-science greens (such as the responsible use of GMOs, or the usage of nuclear reactors where necessary). It's going to be difficult, but I'm confident that if we try we can succeed.

By Connor Heflin

Embed

Energy  

Biofuels are one path we could use to meet our ever-expanding energy needs in the future. Read on for more information about this important development.

We rely on transportation to drive to work, take vacations, move food and products to stores, and enjoy the conveniences of modern life. Many of us use gas without thinking about its effects on the environment. However, scientists have been researching the negative aspects of traditional fuel and inventing new fuel alternatives as a result. These fuels, called biofuels, may help reverse pollution in the future. Let’s explore what biofuels are and discuss their sustainability.

What Are Biofuels?

Biofuels are fuels made from living things like plants, wood chips, or algae. They are considered a natural alternative to fossil fuels, which are the remnants of prehistoric biological matter. Petroleum and coal are geologically derived, while ethanol or biodiesel are biologically created.

Related articles Researchers Find Rust Can Power Up Artificial Photosynthesis  Development May Do Away With the Need For Fertilizers As Plants Made To Fix Own Nitrogen  James Miller Discusses Aspects of the Singularity

Types of Biofuels

After earning a bachelor of science in biology or pursuing graduate degrees, professionals and researchers have come up with a variety of biofuel options. They’re divided up into four generations, since ongoing research provides ever-increasing sources for biofuel. The first generation creates fuel from sugars, oils, animal fats and starches. The second generation of biofuels are derived from agricultural waste like willow or wood chips. Third generation of biofuels come from algae, which is a sustainable and quick-growing resource. Fourth generation fuels include plants specifically engineered to create biofuel.

The Sustainability of Biofuels

Scientists started looking for greener alternatives to traditional fuel once they realized the negative impact on our environment. Today, over half of the earth’s pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. These emissions contain harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, carcinogens, and nitrogen and sulfur dioxides. Smog can cause health problems for all who breathe it, or trickle down into water sources and pollute our food. Not to mention, traditional gasoline tears away at our ozone layer, which protects life on earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

In contrast, biofuels don’t put off any greenhouse gas emissions at all. In fact, switching to biofuels can actually reduce the carbon dioxide in the air. How? Growing crops to create biofuel (like sugar for ethanol) provides more plants that suck up and neutralize carbon dioxide. In this respect, biofuels can partially reverse the damage we’ve done to our planet.

The Risk Factor

The world hasn’t seen a full shift to biofuels yet. This is because of the ongoing debate about risk factors and potential problems associated with the switch. Some opponents of biofuel debate the impact on global food systems, our natural environment, oil prices, sustainability, and loss of biodiversity, to say the least. Biofuels have a huge potential promise, but there are also serious hurdles researchers and developers must overcome in order to not create more problems than they solve.

While we can all agree that fossil fuels harm our environment, biofuels may not fully be the savior we’re looking for. Yes, they reduce emissions, but bring with them a host of new potential problems. Researchers still have a long way to go before biofuels replace fossil fuels at your local gas station.


Image Source: Depositphotos

By Anica Oaks

Embed

Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. Anica writes on behalf of the University of Florida, with degree programs such as a bachelor of science in biology that advance the development of biofuels and other conservation directives.

Related articles