Day: 30 August 2002

UK Business Briefs: Green turbine, remote monitoring, lower emission diesel, and alternative construction materials

In this week’s UK Business Briefs, Africa’s largest green turbine is switched on in Zimbabwe; a UK car racing team is to use lower emission diesel; new remote telecommunications capabilities for environmental monitoring equipment; and opinions are being sought on a new set of protocols for the use of alternative materials in construction.

Government needs to boost environmental export trade

Four fifths of the environmental industry believes government support is inadequate for the environmental export trade. A new survey by an environment industry body warns that the UK must improve its track record in the global environmental technology market to avoid missing out on huge opportunities.

Government advisor criticises Blair’s environment record, but says this is the best government we’ve had

Jonathon Porritt, head of the Government’s Sustainable Development Commission, has joined Environment Minister Michael Meacher in criticising the Government’s record on the environment. However, he also notes that with regard to sustainable development, this is probably the best government we’ve ever had.

International Business Briefs: aluminium plant, oil waste, biosolids compost and water management software

In this week’s International Business Briefs, a Brazilian aluminium plant is being profiled at the Johannesburg Summit for its steps towards sustainable development; oil refinery waste management; purchase of a biosolids compost company; and a new software package for controlling ‘what-if’ situations in water management.

Corporate responsibility – should it be mandatory or voluntary?

In order for the Johannesburg Summit to be deemed little more than a talking shop, green groups await a decision on corporate accountability, claiming it will be crucial to judging the Convention’s success. However the discrepancy over the advantages of the voluntary versus the compulsory approach between environmental groups and corporations means any final decision is unlikely satisfy all.

Zero waste at Johannesburg Summit

Although there has been much negative media coverage of lavish lobster dinners and five-star hotels, the Johannesburg Summit is making strides towards being a ‘zero waste’ event. It is hoped that the scheme will become more widely adopted after the delegates have returned home.

Danish can ban becomes tins in recycling bins

A Danish ban on cans for soft and alcoholic drinks is finally being lifted, with 2,000 new machines preparing to receive cans and plastic bottles in an integrated supermarket recycling scheme. From the 23 of September the Danes will be able to buy cans of beer and soft drinks, paying an additional deposit (incorporated into the price) returnable when the cans are disposed of in any of the recycling machines set up in supermarkets throughout the country.

Ants act as bioindicators in Australian land project

Busy ants make the best bioindicators, says a young Australian scientist who has won an award for his research into ants and land management. “The Aussie mining industry has been using ants for the last 25 years, now we are extending that work to other land-use activities,” Ben Hoffmann told edie.

Efficient ventilation could generate 20% energy savings across Europe

Europe could save €2.6 billion a year in energy costs, if offices and industry made more efficient use of their ventilation systems, says a new German study. The energy saved would offset CO2 emissions by 19 million tons annually.

Johannesburg: agreements and disagreements

At its half-way point, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) has resulted in some agreements, but there is still a clash of cultures over whether or not to introduce new targets.

World’s top judges agree to promote the enforcement of environmental laws

Over 100 senior judges from around the world have agreed to promote understanding of environmental law among those in the legal system, and to improve access to justice for environmental disputes, following two days of talks in Johannesburg.

News Release: UKAS award accreditation to CryoService

In recognition of the standards, processes and capabilities of the CryoService laboratory and its technicians, UKAS have awarded accreditation status for a range of instrument analyser control gases. This accolade positions CryoService as one of the elite in calibration gas supply and certainly one of the most reliable in terms of mixture accuracy and deliverability.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe

empowering sustainable business