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Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary

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About the Cyberlibrary

The Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary was developed by Mick Kelly and Sarah Granich on behalf of the Stockholm Environment Institute and the International Institute for Environment and Development, with sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

While every effort is made to ensure that information on this site, and on other sites that are referenced here, is accurate, no liability for loss or damage resulting from use of this information can be accepted.

Innovation in responding to the climate problem

Interface Cool Carpet

Through its Cool Carpet initiative, Interface balances the carbon footprint of its products as part of a wide-ranging sustainability programme

Mobius Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

The life cycle carbon footprint of a bottle of Mobius Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc changes according to its destination

City of Malmö

By 2020, the City of Malmö in Sweden will be climate neutral and by 2030 the whole municipality will run on 100 per cent renewable energy

Vietnam biofuel

A prize-winning nation-wide biogas programme takes Vietnam's human and animal waste and turns it into clean, renewable energy, improving smallholders' quality of life

Hangers4Life

HANGER 4 LIFE produces a stylish range of ecofriendly, carbon-neutral adjustable garment hangers

EcoARK

The Far Eastern Group has built the EcoARK, a three-story exhibition hall, using 1.5 million plastic bottles (video)

Zipcar

Zipcar provides flexible car sharing, by the hour or by the day and in many cities

Esprimo P7000

The Esprimo P7000 Series of desktop computers from Fujitsu supports 0-Watt technology

WaveRoller

WaveRoller captures kinetic energy from ocean waves as they approach the shore using a bottom-mounted moving wing and converts that energy to electricity

Rainwater harvesting

New businesses in Tucson, Arizona, must use rainwater harvesting to meet at least half of their landscaping needs

Sky Vegetables

Sky Vegetables builds sustainable, commercial-scale hydroponic farms on urban rooftops, providing new jobs and nutritious, chemical-free, locally-grown produce while reducing environmental damage

Microbial fuel cell

Researchers from China and the United States are working on a process that cleans wastewater, generates electricity and can remove 90 per cent of salt from brackish water or seawater

Moonlight

The solar-powered MoonLight, from Kamworks, aims to replace millions of kerosene lights, costly in use and a major fire risk in straw and wooden Cambodian houses

Genuine Progress Indicator

The Genuine Progress Indicator measures how well citizens are doing economically, environmentally and socially

AIRPod

The AIRPod, carrying three adults and a child, runs on compressed air at one euro per 200km

E3 electric tricycle

The E3 electric tricycle is an eco-friendly, sustainable mini-taxi, zero emissions and zero noise

Crompton Greaves

Mumbai-based company Crompton Greaves has partnered with Lemnis Lighting to promote LED lighting products in India

Kelowna solar LED lighting

The Canadian city of Kelowna is equipping parks, paths and other public spaces with solar-powered LED lights

Auriga Leader

The Auriga Leader of the NYK shipping line is a solar power-assisted car freighter, carrying 328 solar panels

EnOcean

EnOcean motive energy converters generate electricity from the press of a button

Westmill Wind Farm

Westmill Wind Farm Co-op in southeast England produces enough green electricity to power more than 2500 homes

Lake Kivu

Rwanda is generating electricity from methane gas extracted from Lake Kivu

Asics Commitment

The fabric in Asics Commitment range of sportswear is woven from bamboo yarn

Energy Merry-go-round

During play, the Energy Merry-go-round generates electricity that is transferred to a battery and 220V invertor for use in the classroom

PlayPump

The PlayPump water system doubles as a water pump and a merry-go-round for children

BioCity Program

Curitiba's BioCity Program (0.3Mb download) aims to halt the rapid rate at which cities develop and reduce biodiversity loss

Petrotec

Petrotec produces biodiesel from multiple feedstocks, including waste frying oils, animal fats and virgin vegetable fats and oils

Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan

The Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan presents a community-based strategy for coming down from the oil peak

Ooms Avenhorn Holding BV

Energy collected from an asphalt road and parking lot heats an apartment building in Avenhorn, The Netherlands (further information from Ooms Avenhorn Holding BV, 0.3Mb download)

Katsuhiko Hibino

Two thousand morning glory seedlings planted around the outer wall of the contemporary art museum in Kanazawa City, Japan, significantly reduced electricity consumption

Save Happy Valley

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is offering carbon credits based on a reduction in production from the opencast coal mine it is opposing

CamMobSens

Cambridge Mobile Sensing is exploring the use of vehicles and people as platforms for environmental pollution sensors

Save Your World

Purchasing Save Your World products secures Guyanan rainforest through a leasing arrangement

Sustainable Energy Finance Directory

The Sustainable Energy Finance Directory is a free-of-charge online database of lenders and investors who actively provide finance to the sustainable energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) sector worldwide

Hybrid train

Bombardier has developed the first hybrid train to enter into commercial operation

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has launched a US$5 billion initiative to establish the world's first totally green city in Abu Dhabi

Massey University

Massey University is developing solar cells that use a range of dyes that can be impregnated in roofs, window glass and clothing to generate power

Jatropha

People in Mali can generate energy and strengthen the local economy by making use of the Jatropha plant

Wind Clear Choice

When consumers in Texas and Maryland select 100% Wind Clear Choice, Commerce Energy buys wind-generated power to cover their needs, supporting clean-energy industries

Plant a Tree, Dell

Dell Computers offers anyone in the United States the opportunity to offset IT-related carbon emissions when they purchase a computer or at any other time

Café Solar

Café Solar is produced using an energy-efficient and low-cost means of drying coffee beans

Hopewell Project

The Solar-Hydrogen Residence is a zero-emission, signature project of the Hopewell Project

Up-floating biogas system

The Global Environment Institute trains farmers in China to use up-floating biogas systems to provide year-round heating and cooking fuel

Mazda hydrogen rotary engine

Mazda is leasing a vehicle powered by a dual-fuel hydrogen-gasoline rotary engine to local government and corporate customers in Japan

Sagar Island solar mini-grid

A solar mini-grid system, run by village cooperatives, has been set up on Sagar Island in the Sundarbans. The mini-grid system delivers better quality power than stand-alone household installations and are more efficient

Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign

The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign encourages people, communities, business and industry, civil society organizations and governments to commit tree planting pledges with the aim of planting at least one billion trees worldwide during 2007

Cargo Trike

The Cargo Trike bridges the gap between the humble bicycle and fossil fuel-powered delivery vehicles. As well as reducing emissions, it has easy access, a high payload and a flexible weather-proof covering

Indigenous communities in rural Vietnam are using pico-hydro systems to generate electrical power. The technology is often acquired by rural communities on a cash and carry basis

Students on Ice offers students from around the world unique learning expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic to help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet

An entire Greek Theatre concert season proved carbon neutral as renewable energy credits were purchased to help build wind turbines

Play Turtle Song

The Turtle Bag Campaign aims to protect Pacific sea turtles from plastic bags and other debris. You can buy a Turtle Bag worldwide

The London Oasis is designed to relax visitors with sounds, images and cool, clean air and as a demonstration of sustainable technologies (you can view a video)

Through its quality assurance programme, the Nature & More Foundation communicates the commitment and effort that individual organic growers make towards the planet and its people

The prototype Solar Tower, developed in Germany, consistently generated 50kW of electricity during its lifetime. Based on this technology, EnviroMission plans to build the world's first large-scale solar thermal power station in Australia

Dry fermentation has a number of advantages over traditional biogas processing based on liquid fermentation, including a distributed system, less manual work, no smell and reduced water use

The City of Chicago is promoting roof-top gardens to improve air quality, conserve energy, reduce stormwater runoff and help reduce the urban heat island effect (an audio report is available)

The Velotaxi is an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional taxis, which is being adopted in many major cities

The bus rapid transit system in Bogotá, Colombia, has improved the quality of life for all its citizens by decreasing overall travel time, increasing efficiencies of the public transit system and increasing security

Johannesburg's EcoCity Initiative aims to promote sustainable economic growth while respecting environmental principles and developing people's capacity. A key principle is the self-sustaining economy

On Vanuatu, pure coconut oil is being used as an alternative to petroleum in automotive diesel engines. The result is both environmentally friendly and good for the local economy

The Gross International Happiness Project is based on the insight that conventional development concepts such as GNP do not properly reflect the general well being of the inhabitants of a nation

By 2005, the inhabitants of Jühnde plan to produce all the electricity and heat they require from renewable raw materials without releasing any additional carbon dioxide. There is a more detailed account in German

The Coastal Ark is a 30 foot mobile classroom using state-of-the-art technology to bring ecological information and outreach efforts to coastal residents of the State of Georgia in the United States

Play jingle

Giving a voice to people
on small islands
using the technology of the information age

Marking a new trend in building green, the majority of residential buildings in the South Waterfront development in Portland, Oregon, in the United States, will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification

Norfolk Island

The world's first personal carbon trading programme is being conducted on Norfolk Island

SunnyMoney

SunnyMoney uses a pioneering technique called microsolar to bring light to the poor, end reliance on kerosene and provide a sustainable way out of poverty for entrepreneurs

Godisa

The SolarAid battery charger from Godisa supports the reliable and affordable supply of hearing aid batteries in developing countries

Recycled Island

The Recycled Island project explores the possibility of creating a habitable floating island in the Pacific made from plastic waste floating around the ocean

Tokyo Electric Taxi Project

The Tokyo Electric Taxi Project is trialling battery-switch technology that could provide the optimum solution for electric vehicle fleets

Hydrogen-powered buses

Hydrogen-powered buses are carrying passengers on the streets of Reykjavik, Iceland (video)

Elevated bamboo houses

The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan is developing elevated bamboo houses that will lift communities above flood zones

Beta LED

As well as saving energy and reducing waste, The Edge LED lighting fixtures from BetaLED contain no mercury or lead and comply with Dark Sky regulations

Fuel Cell Boat

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell canal boat will tour Amsterdam's waterways

Green Foodservice Alliance

The Green Foodservice Alliance is encouraging eco-friendly practices, such as use of spent grease for biofuel production and donation of non-sellable but edible food to a food bank or charity

PETEC

The role of the Panasonic Eco Technology Center is to recover high-quality recyclable materials from home appliances that have reached the end of the life

Xanterra

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, a WWF Climate Savers partner, aims to decrease carbon emissions by 30 per cent below 2000 levels by 2015

Motorola wind and solar

Motorola is trialling a wind and solar power system to operate a GSM cell site in Namibia, increasing rural voice and data coverage ( video)

Amsterdam Smart City

Amsterdam's Climate Street is using innovative technology, such as solar-power lighting and electric vehicles to collect waste, alongside behavioural change to create a sustainable environment

South Waterfront

South Waterfront, Oregon’s first green neighbourhood, uses innovative energy saving and water conservation techniques to minimize impacts on the environment

La Mesa Ecopark

The Save La Mesa Watershed Project has created a 33 hectare public park, a venue for healthful recreation and a true forest experience, a living classroom

Princess Elisabeth Station

Princess Elisabeth Station, Antarctica, is the world's first zero-emission polar research station

BioEnergy Solutions

BioEnergy Solutions provides the infrastructure necessary to create renewable natural gas from animal waste, then shares revenues and carbon credits with the farmer

In Salah

The Sonatrach- BP- Statoil carbon dioxide capture and storage project at the Algerian In Salah gas field should inject close to one million tonnes of compressed gas underground each year

Vatican solar

The Vatican aims to be the world's first carbon neutral state and has installed 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the Paul VI Centre audience hall

Dow Building Solutions

Dow Building Solutions has prepared a short information sheet covering the construction of green roofs

WATT

WATT, a nightclub in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, has a dancefloor that generates electricity and toilets that flush with rainwater

Canal Street

Norwegian music festivals, Canal Street and Hove, have joined the Climate Neutral Network

TIDE

TIDE, in southern India, markets energy-efficient stoves that reduce fuelwood use by as much as 30 per cent

Kungsbrohuset

Kungsbrohuset, a new building to be built by Jernhusen in Stockholm, will be heated partly by body heat from the people who pass through the nearby Central Station

New Belgium

New Belgium's brew kettle is up to 70 per cent more efficient than standard brew kettles because it only heats thin sheets of wort

Climate Savers

Climate Savers corporations are partnering with WWF to establish ambitious targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions voluntarily

Carbon Coalition Against Global Warming

The Carbon Coalition Against Global Warming believes that farmers can increase soil carbon by fostering plant species with significant root biomass

Ford Escape Hybrid cab

The durability of the Ford Escape Hybrid drive train is being tested on the streets of New York

SFGreasecycle

SFGreasecycle collects waste vegetable oil from San Francisco restaurants for free and recycles it into biodiesel

Save Your World

The Lighting a Million Lives Campaign aims to bring light into the lives of one million rural people in India by displacing kerosene lanterns with solar lighting devices

DuraVermeer floating houses

DuraVermeer has built floating houses in Massbommel in The Netherlands to reduce flood impacts ( watch video)

ecosend

Biblio.com is the first major book marketplace to offset the emissions on book shipment

Grove Mill

New Zealand wine producer Grove Mill has released a carbon-neutral wine. Regenerating native forests will offset emissions during production and international shipping (watch video)

Bitublocks

Bitublocks turn rubbish into building materials for new homes, using less energy to manufacture than conventional concrete blocks

Solar Home System

UNEP and the Shell Foundation replaced costly subsidies for energy access with a microcredit loan scheme across southern India to provide affordable and efficient solar lighting

Throwplace

Cut landfill by giving away your excess goods to others who can use them

LocalCooling

LocalCooling is a free software tool that allows you to control and learn about your computer's energy consumption

Energy Education Parks

Energy Education Parks generate awareness of the potential for new and renewable energy sources amongst the people of West Bengal

Border Green Energy Team

The Border Green Energy Team provides hands-on training in appropriate technology, including solar power for health clinics, and financial support to village innovators in ethnic minority areas on both sides of the Thai/Burma border

Global Cool

Harnessing the power of popular entertainers and environmental scientists, Global Cool works to stir anyone who cares about the planet to do their bit to save the planet they care about

Ashton Hayes

The village of Ashton Hayes in the United Kingdom is going carbon neutral

Urban Greenspace Project

The Urban Greenspace Project is a Tauranga Environment Centre initiative that provides funding and support for people who are really keen to clean up their local gully or reserve and bring back the native plants and animals

Eco-Fridge

The eco-Fridge is a silent refrigerated transport system that uses liquid nitrogen as the cooling accelerant to counter emissions of carbon dioxide and hydrofluorocarbons resulting from diesel-fuelled systems

Duxlite

Hybrid wind- and solar-powered lighting systems make optimal use of natural resources in off-grid locations

SPDG Technologies is developing bio-composites, based on fibres such as kenaf, as a natural successor to glass reinforced plastics for reasons of cost, performance and environmental concern. Other benefits include the regeneration of rural areas

The Solar Chill project has developed a solar-powered refrigeration system to store vaccines in areas without electricity

AeroVironment has developed a small, modular wind turbine system for installation on buildings in urban and suburban areas

Solar Nation is a national campaign, based on popular support through initiatives such as Vote Solar, that is changing state and federal policy to make solar a significant part of America's energy future

Crijn Bouman has designed a hydrogen-powered scooter - the Fhybrid - that will fight pollution in inner cities

Walk the World has one goal - to end child hunger by 2015. It is an annual worldwide demonstration across the globe when hundreds of thousands of people in every time zone take to the streets to call for an end to the needless suffering of hungry children

Kansas City residents will build 10,000 rain gardens to reduce runoff that is polluting waterways. A rain garden is a shallow basin filled with native plants that hold and filter rainwater

Bank of America is subsidizing staff purchases of the eco-friendly Toyota Prius

Gorilla electric tractors are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible and can be charged by solar, wind or hydro power systems

Solar dryers provide small-scale farmers with an appropriate method of processing cash crops

The Green Goat is a hybrid switching-yard locomotive running on battery power and diesel. Developed by Railpower Technologies, it offers lower emissions and a 15 to 45 per cent reduction in fuel costs

German cities are recycling prefabricated concrete panels used in slab construction of dwellings when redeveloping housing estates

The overall aim of the In town without my car! campaign is to encourage public awareness of the need to act against pollution caused by the increase in motorized traffic in the urban environment

The Solar Trac is a solar-powered weeding platform and light transport vehicle, providing lower running costs, less noise and pollution and a better working environment

The Thangka Painting School opens night-time with light provided by solar power. A 'thangka' is a Buddhist religious painting. Students can sell their paintings to buy a solar home system

Zero Waste encourages the elimination of waste, rather than simply its management, to ensure a sustainable society. The End of Waste (448 kb download) details practical steps towards this goal

Energy Efficient Homes is building a house that can float if the local terrain becomes flooded

Potatopak's ambition is to reduce the use of toxic, un-biodegradable Polystyrene and other plastics through products such as the potato plate made from 100% biodegradable potato starch waste

The Kompogas process makes full use of the energy potential of organic waste

Climate Solutions takes a regional approach to halting global warming, working with multiple stakeholders to inspire and disseminate practical and profitable responses

30 Ways in 30 Days

30 Ways in 30 Days, from UNEP, shows that solutions to combat climate change are available, accessible and replicable

National Solar Schools

The Australian National Solar Schools programme offers grants to schools to install solar and other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems and a range of energy efficiency measures

Schools for Intelligent Energy Use

Schools for Intelligent Energy Use builds a bridge between intermediate vocational schools and civil societies to increase involvement in the field of energy saving and renewable energy

Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is deploying green roof technology, solar hot water heating and solar and geothermal energy and plans to use dung from elephants and other large animals in a biogas plant

SmartTrips

SmartTrips visits different Portland neighborhoods every year with activities aimed at reducing drive-alone trips and increasing biking, walking and public transit use.

Progressive Lighting and Energy Solutions

Progressive Lighting and Energy Solutions makes companies green, one light bulb at a time

VeggieDag

Ghent, Belgium, has declared Thursday a Veggie Day, promoting a meat-free, climate-friendly diet for one day of the week

Gadhia Solar

The world's largest solar thermal steam cooking system, providing 50,000 meals per day, has been installed by Gadhia Solar at the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in India

The Powerbrella uses flexible, thin film solar panels from Konaka to provide power for laptops, cell phones and other portable devices ( video)

PedalPower+

PedalPower+ allows bike riders to recharge their mobile phones, GPS and other small devices from a bicycle hub or bottle dynamo ( video)

ZESPRI

Kiwi fruit exporter ZESPRI is exploring ways of reducing the carbon footprint of the industry

Genuine Progress Indicator

The Genuine Progress Indicator measures how well citizens are doing economically, environmentally and socially

Del Posto

New York's Del Posto restaurant no longer supplies bottled water to its customers, citing transportation, packaging and the absurdity of moving water all over the world

Zero S

The Zero S is a high performance electric motorcycle with half the weight of a normal bike

Geobulb

The GeoBulb LED light bulb uses 7.5 watts of power to provide as much light as a 60-watt incandescent light bulb and has a lifespan of ten years

Adopt a Coastline

Schools in Joondalup, Australia, can participate in dune rejuvenation and protection through the Adopt a Coastline programme

Oslo kommune

The City of Oslo uses waste to generate energy for a district heating system, part of a hierarchical waste management strategy

SOLVATTEN

The SOLVATTEN safe water system uses the energy of the sun to make unsafe water drinkable

Solekshaw

The Solekshaw is a solar-electric rickshaw for eco-friendly urban transport

atmosfair

Offsetting air travel with atmosfair buys solar mirrors that provide energy for the preparation of thousands of meals daily in India

SolidNav

SolidNav has developed electric propulsion units for small water craft and sailboats

Think Green From Home

Waste Management provides home recycling kits for compact fluorescent bulbs, batteries and electronics

FCX Clarity

Honda is leasing the hydrogen-powered fuel cell FCX Clarity to private individuals in southern California

CooKit

The CooKit is an inexpensive, lightweight solar cooker that can save scarce fuel in poor communities and be swiftly deployed in emergencies (video)

Del Sur Ranch House

Over 90 per cent of waste materials generated during construction of the eco-friendly Del Sur Ranch House were diverted from landfills

Efficiencity

The Efficiencity virtual world shows how decentralized energy production leads to lower emissions, more secure supply and reduced bills

Sherwood Energy Village

Sherwood Energy Village is a community-led project that has re-developed Ollerton Colliery as a sustainable industrial park

Skysails

MV Beluga SkySails is the first cargo vessel worldwide to use the innovative SkySails auxiliary propulsion system (watch video)

Project Kool

The natural cotton Lunch Sak from Project Kool replaces the millions of paper and plastic lunch bags used each day

Floating wind turbine

Blue H Technologies has invented a floating wind turbine, which can be used at greater depths than fixed turbines ( watch video)

NamPower Demand Side Management Project

NamPower's Demand Side Management Project includes replacing householder's incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescents at no cost

Sunshine Technology

Sunshine Technology aims to create profitable forestry and bio-energy businesses that also provide long-term benefits to the environment, economy and their collaborators

Modbury, Devon

Modbury, in Devon, has become the first town in Europe to stop using plastic carrier bags

Manure

Michigan State University scientists hope to turn cow manure into fibreboard for use in furniture, shelving and even building construction

Science Barge

The Science Barge is a sustainable urban farm powered by solar, wind and biofuels, and irrigated by rainwater and purified river water

Aquaflow

Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation has begun small-scale commercial production of biofuel from algae grown in sewage ( watch video)

Earthsong

The Earthsong eco-neighbourhood in New Zealand is based on the principles of co-housing and permaculture

Sunlabob

Sunlabob, in Lao PDR, offers a rental scheme for solar home systems for off-grid villagers who cannot afford to invest up-front in such systems

Grameen Surya Bijlee Foundation

The Grameen Surya Bijlee Foundation is introducing LED lighting, with its advantages in terms of luminosity, life span, power required and cost, into rural India. View video report (3Mb download, in Hindi)

EPEAT

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool allows organizations in the public and private sectors to assess the environmental impact of computer equipment

WWF China

WWF China's 20 ways to 20% campaign is a nationwide campaign that will engage Chinese society in saving energy and help meet the national goal of a 20 per cent cut in per GDP energy consumption by 2010

Waste Neutral

The Eden Project's Waste Neutral philosophy is that if more people buy products made from recyclates or create products made from junk then we are completing the circle and becoming fully sustainable

CVPS Cow Power

Blue Spruce Farm is producing electricity by burning waste methane gas from cow manure. "The girls are now officially producing two streams of income, a milk cheque and a power cheque," said farm owner Earl Audet

Biogas digester

In India, the Prakratik Society aims to protect Ranthambore's environment using biogas digesters to reduce dependence on fuel and fodder from the forest

WRAP works in partnership, helping businesses and the public to reduce waste, to use more recycled material and recycle more things more often, thereby minimizing landfills, reducing carbon emissions and improving our environment

Image: Sustainable Green Fleets (http://www.greenfleet.info)

Entire bus fleets in cities such as Stockholm, Sweden, are running on renewable fuel

Through real-world trials in key urban locations across Australia, the Solar Cities programme is supporting governments, industry, businesses and residents in working together to change the way we think about and use energy. Adelaide, Townsville, Blacktown and Alice Springs will host the first Solar Cities ( watch video)

The London Climate Change Agency will be housed in a building that integrates photovoltaic and wind power

The Tango Group is dedicated to sourcing and developing alternative solutions for products used in everyday life, such as radios, clocks and torches

Reva India manufactures electric cars for city use. A full battery charge takes less than seven hours and can give a range of 80km

Energy consumption in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, has been reduced by around 20 per cent through the use of advanced technology and management systems in lighting, heating and air quality

The Kathmandu Electric Vehicle Alliance (KEVA) brings new ideas, new partners, new technologies and new resources to support the adoption and expansion of electric vehicle use in Kathmandu, Nepal, and improve the air quality of the city

Voltaic Systems' solar bags have stitched-in solar panels that channel power to a rechargeable battery that can charge your mobile 'phone and other small devices

Bluesky International has developed an aerial thermal imaging system that allows local government departments to identify energy loss "hotspots" in residential properties and target energy saving assistance

The DriveNeutral programme helps individuals offset the climate impact of their driving activities for about the cost of a single tank of gas a year

SITA Dectra is using Diester, fuel derived in part from biomass, to power its waste collection trucks, leading to a 23 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Make a pledge to cut your emissions, record your progress and keep track of the campaign

Unilever Ice Cream has committed to using eco-friendly propane freezers, where permitted, in their facilities and is exploring the use of thermoacoustic refrigeration

First Mile Solutions develops solar-powered, wireless, internet-based systems for remote access to health care and other applications

Curitiba, Brazil, is considered one of the best examples of urban planning on the planet

The Earthship is a home made from materials indigenous to the entire planet. The major structural components are used car tyres filled with compacted earth, forming virtually indestructible rammed-earth bricks encased in steel-belted rubber

The SolArt Global Network makes visible the activities of a group of artists, architects, engineers, scientists and scholars dedicated to provoking the cultural changes necessary to move from petroleum-based energy to renewable resources

The Children's Scrapstore takes clean and safe waste products from industry, creating a resource for childrens art and play activities

Bright Ideas

GE cuts solar costs

General Electric plans to cut solar installation costs by half

Project 90 by 2030

Project 90 by 2030 supports South African school children and managers reduce their carbon footprint through its Club programme

Smart street lighting

Bath & North East Somerset Council in the United Kingdom has installed smart LED carriageway lighting that automatically adjusts to light and traffic levels

Longwood Gardens

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Public Gardens Association are mounting an educational exhibit at Longwood Gardens showing the link between temperature and planting zones

Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers

The energy-efficient Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers hotel is powered by renewable and sustainable sources, including integrated solar photovoltaics and guest-powered bicycles

El Hierro

El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, plans to generate 80 per cent of its energy from renewable sources

Remarkables Primary School green roof

The green roof on the Remarkables Primary School in New Zealand reduces stormwater runoff, provides insulation and doubles as an outdoor classroom

Weather Info for All

The Weather Info for All project aims to roll out up to five thousand automatic weather observation stations throughout Africa

SolSource

SolSource turns its own waste heat into electricity or stores it in thermal fabrics, harnessing the sun's energy for cooking and electricity for low-income families

Wave House

The Wave House uses vegetation for its architectural and environmental qualities, and especially in terms of thermal insulation

Mbale compost-processing plant

The Mbale compost-processing plant in Uganda produces cheaper fertilizer and reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Frito-Lay Casa Grande

At Casa Grande, Frito-Lay has reduced energy consumption by nearly a fifth since 2006 by, amongst other things, installing a heat recovery system to preheat cooking oil

More Bright Ideas...


Updated: May 15th 2015