Sustainability


Report: Cost Obstructs Path to Alagae-Based Biofuel Market Worth Billions

According to a recent report from Pike Research, despite limited production to date, the scale-up potential of algae is substantial compared to other non-food based feedstocks.

U.S., Russia Reaffirm Cooperation on Energy-Efficiency and Smart Grid

The United States Agency for International Development, working with the U.S. Department of Energy to cooperate with Russia on energy-efficiency efforts and smart grids, is supporting efforts to share experience and best practices among U.S. and Russian municipalities and utilities.

World's Most Environmentally Friendly Skyscraper to be Built in Pittsburgh (With Video)

The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. plans to construct the world’s most environmentally friendly skyscraper in Pittsburgh.

European Commission Funds Large-Scale Bioproducts-from-Algae Project

Nine partners from seven countries have joined in a project to show that ethanol, biodiesel and bioproducts can be produced from algae on a large scale.

Schools Recycle More than 2.3 Million Cans, Raise More than $34,000 in National Competition

Schools across America recycled more than 2.3 million aluminum beverage cans through a new national recycling competition sponsored by the can industry. The recycled cans, totaling more than 68,000 pounds, generated more than $34,000 for school activities and other uses.

Beyond the Barn: Keeping Dairy Cows Outside is Good for the Outdoors

Computer simulation studies by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that a dairy cow living year-round in the great outdoors may leave a markedly smaller ecological hoofprint than its more sheltered sisters.

Santa Clara University Partners with Ayllu to Create Map of Off-Grid Energy Solutions

The map provides detailed graphs and analysis of 40 social enterprises in 16 countries that are overcoming vast hurdles in their respective markets to bring electricity or alternative fuel to 500 to 500,000 people apiece.

CEO: Signs that U.S. is Using Less Water Are Everywhere

Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., said his conclusion is based on a new book, "The Big Thirst," by Charles Fishman.



World Bank to Loan Ukraine $200M for Energy-Efficiency Project

The World Bank’s board of directors has approved a $200 million loan to finance investments in energy-saving programs in industrial companies, municipalities and municipal-owned companies, as well as energy service companies in Ukraine, reports the World Bank on its website.

Landfill Gas Powers GM Plant for New Fuel-sipping Cars

Forty percent of the energy to power the General Motors Orion Assembly Plant will come from burning landfill gas created nearby.

Study Predicts Cellulosic Ethanol Won't Contribute to Renewable Fuel Targets by 2022

The study details 12 technologies and 36 projects that convert wood to fuels including ethanol, butanol, diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.

G-OIL Makes its NASCAR Debut With Kenny Wallace at Dover International Speedway

Green Earth Technologies Inc. has entered a multi-race partnership with RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, promoting G-OIL motor oil at Dover International Speedway. RAB Racing will showcase G-OIL on the No. 09 Toyota Camry driven by Kenny Wallace for four NASCAR Nationwide Series events in 2011.

“Biochar” More Effective, Cheaper at Removing Phosphate from Water

A process developed by University of Florida researchers using partially burned organic matter called biochar could provide an affordable solution to the problem of abundant phosphate in the water.

PepsiCo Rolls Out Ecofriendly Recyclable and Compostable Cups (With Video)

PepsiCo has begun offering five options of eco-friendly, recyclable and compostable cups to Foodservice customers in the United States through company-owned and independent bottler distribution systems.

New Solar Product Captures up to 95 Percent of Light Energy

A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90 percent of available light, and he plans to make prototypes available to consumers within the next five years.

First Net-Zero Energy Bank in the U.S. Opens in Florida (With Video)

TD Bank opened the first net-zero energy bank location in the United States in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

EPA and Mexico Develop 13.9 million Project to Improve Border

Partners and stakeholders of the U.S.–Mexico Border 2012 National Coordinators announced the initiation of a $13.9 million project, including $4 million from the Global Environmental Facility, for the joint development of a Regional Framework for Sustainable Use of the Rio Bravo/Rio Grande and to address environmental issues.

Coca-Cola Helps Advance Water Sustainability Projects in the Pacific Region

The Coca-Cola Company will donate $4 million through its Coca-Cola Foundation to the United Nations Development Program Water Stewardship Program in China and the World Wide Fund for Nature Yangtze Partnership.

Wastequip Introduces its Grease Vault

Grease Vault is designed for secure storage and easy emptying of food grease.

Companies Tout New Trends and Technologies at 2011 WasteExpo

The show, which bills itself as the largest event in North America serving the $75 billion solid waste and recycling industry, takes place May 10 to 12 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.