Day: 10 September 2004

Eco-robot does the jobs we hate and runs on our waste

An eco-friendly robot that runs entirely on energy produced from flies and rotting vegetable matter has been unveiled this week by scientists.

THE ANSWER IS BLOWING IN THE WIND

News Release:Performing scientific experiments in the sort of winds and weather conditions that blow off the North Sea and across the Northumbrian hills, calls for robust equipment and reliable researchers.

Energy Saving Trust’s top tips for driving

News Release:The Energy Saving Trust's TransportEnergy division has announced its top ten tips on how to improve driving style in time for the summer rush. The advice is designed to encourage safer, greener and stress-free driving including advice on how to reduce fuel consumption.

Wave and tidal group formed and new boost for renewables announced

Several moves were announced this week to boost the development and finance of renewable energy, including the creation of a new marine energy unit and proposals to extend the level of the renewables obligation beyond 2010/11.

New rules make planning system work for local areas and protect biodiversity, says minister

Three new planning guidelines were launched this week, all with the intention of ensuring sustainability, involving local communities and preserving biodiversity.

Biochrom introduce their new electrochemistry range

Cambridge, UK
April, 2004
News Release: Biochrom Ltd have spruced up their Electrochemistry range and are pleased to announce a whole new range of WPA pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity Meters.

International business briefs: Soviet oil spill, US fuel waiver, Chinese recycling office, New EPA facilities, NASA weather forecast

A tropical typhoon has grounded a ship just off the coast of Sakhalin, spilling over 200 metric tonnes of fuel oil. The oil and diesel contaminated approximately 5km of coastline, including the waters of two seaports in the city of Kholmsk, city beaches, and the coastal Primorsky Boulevard just 300 metres from local residences. The air is filled with oil fumes. Sakhalin Energy's entire oil spill response fleet - one charter vessel - is currently located on the northeast coast of the island, more than 600km from the site of the tragedy. A survey by local environmental officials to the south and north of the city showed no further oil contamination. Seabirds have left the Kholmsk region, and the entire city is blanketed with smothering oil fumes. It is hard to breathe along Primorsky Boulevard. Health and safety officials from Sakhalin Energy recommend that residents keep their distance from the shoreline in order to avoid being overcome by the fumes.

UN FAO warns of toxic time bomb in developing world

The developing world is facing the threat of a toxic time bomb of chemical waste from the huge stockpiles of unused or obsolete pesticides, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO) warned this week.

WBCSD warns energy use could triple by 2050

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has warned that energy demand could triple by 2050 as a result of population growth and the expansion of developing countries economies.

Landfill aftercare proposals published

Proposals to change the way landfill operators fund the management and maintenance of landfill sites after they have closed were announced this week by the Environment Agency.

Saving water also saves energy report finds

As electricity demand and oil prices reaches record highs, and floods and droughts ravage many parts of the world, a new report has shown the hidden connections between the two resources of energy and water. The report concludes that saving water is also a very good way to save energy.

Pollution could be cause of child leukaemia rise

Environmental pollution such as pesticides could be a causal factor in the rise in incidences of childhood leukaemia by affecting developing foetuses, scientists have said this week.

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