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Sustainable tourism in New Zealand
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementI was in Auckland, New Zealand, recently for the 13th APacCHRIE Conference. During my stay, I had a chance to experience sustainable tourism in New Zealand. I was especially impressed with the country’s effort in minimizing waste, through the use of a "bio loo," water flow choices and a hotel offering a sustainable cleaning option.
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Automotive lightweighting drives plastic materials and processes
Don Rosato EngineeringInnovative materials together with new production methods and reinforcing structures will play an important role in reducing automotive vehicle weight. Lower vehicle weight not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the load on the brakes and suspension systems.
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F-Gas: Europe must act now or face the consequences
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI wrote last month of the concerns swirling around Europe regarding the F-Gas Regulation, particularly what the HFC phasedown might do to supply and demand and pricing. Since then, we have talked to leading policy experts, end-users and suppliers, and I can report that the consensus is this: The industry must act sooner rather than later, or face the consequences in terms of high prices and refrigerant shortages.
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More evidence of positive effects of nature in built environments
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsIncreased daylighting is now a common strategy for reducing energy consumption in buildings. It has the added benefit that it is also good for occupants. Exposure to sunlight and natural views have been shown to improve mood, increase productivity and enhance wellness.
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How biogas can help America on its path to energy independence
Piyush Bakshi Waste Management & EnvironmentalBiogas is produced when organic matter undergoes anaerobic decomposition. Its primary component is methane, a powerful greenhouse gas with 21 times the heat-trapping capacity of carbon dioxide. Biogas plants provide excellent disposal for agricultural waste, such as manure from cattle and pig farms, wastewater and organic waste from urban settings, such as food, oil, fats and yard clippings.
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Whirlpool’s Dave Szczupak: Energy efficiency benefits businesses
Ryan Clark ManufacturingDave Szczupak, executive vice president of global product organization for the Whirlpool Corporation, was awarded the Visionary Award for his innovative work, leadership and commitment to energy productivity earlier this month at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Global Forum.
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WELL buildings getting better
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsThe release of the WELL Building Standard last fall has helped raise awareness of ongoing efforts to make buildings of all kinds healthier for occupants. Promoted as "the world's first building standard to focus on enhancing people's health and well-being through the built environment," WELL is a great step forward in setting health and wellness objectives for building design and construction. Others also are making strides to bring occupant health and wellness to the forefront of the building industry.
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Soft-touch packaging: A boost for brands
Sharon Derbyshire EngineeringWhen faced with revitalizing an iconic brand, Bayer wanted to differentiate itself from the competition with a package makeover. The company ultimately chose an oversized ergonomic cap for its aspirin and Aleve over-the-counter medications. The new cap — overmolded with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) — makes it easier for arthritis suffers to grip and get to the pain reliever inside. The easily-recognized caps with raised logo are preferred by consumers and are even endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.
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Stanford’s Oil-Climate Index: Not all oils are created equal
Lucy Wallwork Natural ResourcesThis December in Paris, 196 countries will meet to try to overcome the gridlock over 2030 carbon emissions targets. Could the impasse over global climate change policy be partly the result of the stark choice we are presented between "clean" renewable sources and the "dirty" oil industry?
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Uncertainty looms for cooling industry as F‑Gas Regulation takes…
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI have written a few times before about the F-Gas Regulation and its effect on the cooling industry in Europe. I make no apologies for my obsession as it is the most radical change for European cooling since CFCs were banned and everyone was encouraged to use HFCs instead. Now, of course, they are being encouraged to ditch those HFCs over time and find something less prone to warming the planet.
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