Day: 6 September 2006

Multinationals join quest for zero-carbon buildings

A corporate-led project aimed at making zero-energy buildings a reality worldwide swelled its ranks with nine more multinationals joining in the effort this week.

Rural idyll wrecked by spill

Officials in Spain's Galicia say they have managed to contain a major toxic spill which polluted a river following a fire at a German-owned chemical plant on Friday.

Construction industry ‘doesn’t care about waste’

Rubble, discarded plasterboard, unused timber and other unwanted building materials make a massive contribution to the UK's total waste - and, according to recycling promoters London Remade, things are unlikely to change in a hurry as the industry that produces the waste simply isn't bothered.

Babies exposed to toxic chemicals whilst in the womb

The latest study showing developing foetuses are being exposed to alarming levels of chemicals via the mothers' blood has found all pregnant women in a sample of over 300 had at least one gender-bending pesticide in their placenta.

Thames withdraws drought order request after summer rain

This summer's near-average rainfall has eased the drought in the London area and eliminated the need for further water restrictions, Thames Water has said.

Greenpeace grades electronics companies

Environmental NGO Greenpeace has given rankings to top PC and mobile phone manufacturers based on their performance and attitudes to pollution and waste.

Investment boost for Scottish renewables firms

Public and private finance is to be poured into the development of the Scottish renewables sector to help the northern nation stay ahead of the game.

Trade unions go green

The TUC is asking union members to do their bit for the environment and has published a ten-step guide as a starting place for reducing waste and energy consumption in the workplace.

ITT Flygt pumps up the durability

The new force in de-watering pumps is expected to exceed current market standards in terms of durability. ITT Flygt's new hydraulic design, the 2600 Series, is launched this month and the company says it will provide longer periods of maintenance-free operation, even in the most demanding conditions.

Tank cleaning – the undercover operation

Millions of homes and businesses never see the infrastructure, including subterranean water storage tanks, which supply them with safe and clean water. Water engineering company Panton Mcleod has been tasked recently with cleaning these massive storage tanks as part of the Katrine Water Project.

The question of chlorine

The bulk storage of sodium hypochlorite in polyethylene is banned in Germany. Lee Forbes looks at the medium- to long-term problems that are concerning German material suppliers.

Yorkshire Water gets good vibes from microgenerator

Perpetuum has developed the first effective vibration energy harvesting microgenerator that makes wireless, battery-free sensors a reality. Yorkshire Water, along with the US Navy and a major international oil company, has been trialling the PMG7 high-performance microgenerator. We take an in-depth look at the technology and how it has been benefiting the water utility.

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