Energy Resources Conservation
Articles tagged with Energy Resources Conservation
EU rules could make fossil-free aviation fuels unnecessarily expensive and energy-intensive
Researchers find smarter lighting could cut home energy use by 15%
Researchers found that improved lighting design combined with modern LED technology can reduce household energy use and enhance comfort. The study showed a 15.3% reduction in energy consumption by optimising lighting planning and positioning using software-based approaches.
Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films
New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.
Blockchain study highlights sharp energy savings shift
A new study by the University of East London found that newer blockchain systems significantly reduce energy consumption, from 100-150 TWh per year for Bitcoin to negligible amounts. This shift has already led to reductions in network energy use and enables wider adoption at scale.
Photothermal fabric ‘skin’ reduces home heating use by as much as 23%
A multidisciplinary team at UMass Amherst invented a fabric treated with a special photothermal dye that can help keep homes warmer over the course of a day. The technology has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 23% and combat climate change, high heating bills and gentrification.
New AI models could slash energy use while dramatically improving performance
Researchers at Tufts University developed a proof-of-concept for efficient AI systems using neuro-symbolic AI, reducing power consumption by 100 times while providing accurate results. The approach uses symbolic reasoning to limit trial and error during learning, leading to faster completion and significant energy savings.
How loud is clean energy? Manchester-led study explores potential impact of underwater noise from tidal energy
A new research project, (not)NOISY, aims to predict cumulative underwater noise produced by tidal turbine arrays before they are built. The team will develop advanced models and AI-assisted tools to quantify how noise travels through marine environments, supporting informed decision-making.
How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
CHEST receives Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) received the 2025 Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation, recognizing its commitment to clean energy and reduced emissions. The organization's solar panel installation at its headquarters powers medical simulation facilities using renewable energy.
Fossil fuel industry’s “climate false solutions” reinforce its power and aggravate environmental injustice
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that fossil fuel companies' promoted low-carbon projects are ineffective in reducing emissions and prolonging the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructures. These projects reinforce the industry's power and aggravate environmental injustice, while delaying a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.
New window insulation blocks heat, but not your view
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a new material called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI) that can improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material, which is almost completely transparent, traps air through tiny pores to block heat exchange.
AI’s energy usage is less than previously thought
A recent study finds that artificial intelligence has a negligible effect on global greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers' analysis of US energy consumption and AI use across industries revealed that the energy usage from AI in the US equals the energy consumption for all of Iceland, but not noticeable on a global scale.
The next frontier in clean flight? Jet fuel from city waste
Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.
Brain-inspired AI could cut energy use and boost performance
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a brain-inspired approach to improve artificial neural networks' performance without sacrificing accuracy. The method, called Topographical Sparse Mapping (TSM), rethinks how AI systems are wired by connecting each neuron only to nearby or related ones.
PolyU research achieves record efficiency in semi-transparent solar cells, advancing the development of building-integrated photovoltaics
Researchers at PolyU developed an innovative parameter to evaluate photoactive materials for ST-OPVs, advancing high-performance devices with low-cost production and environmental sustainability. Record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% was achieved in semi-transparent solar cells.
The paper industry can become more energy-efficient with a new measurement method
Researchers have developed a calculation method enabling fair comparisons of energy consumption between pulp and paper companies, with potential to reduce fossil fuel usage and release raw materials. The new methodology could contribute to increased efficiency and a changed approach to energy audits.
Attitudes, not income, drive energy savings at home
A meta-analysis of 100 studies across psychology, sociology, economics, and engineering found that positive attitudes toward conserving electricity are key to saving energy. Individuals who think others expect them to conserve power and have pro-environmental habits tend to save more energy.
Old solar panels can power new future
Researchers have identified key barriers to safely extending the life of solar panels and decreasing waste. One major challenge is the low cost of new panels undercutting the resale market for used systems.
AI could stop hotels and restaurants wasting food, energy and talent - so why aren’t they using it?
A new study by the University of Surrey found that AI technologies can give hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines a competitive edge while improving environmental and social impact. The research calls for targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships, and government-backed incentives to speed up AI adoption.
Analysis documents changing trends in U.S. carbon emissions
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
Illinois plant ecologists fight to restore Midwest biodiversity
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to bring back biodiversity to the Midwest by analyzing commercially sold seeds and plants. They found that long-lived species were more available than sensitive ones, and certain plant groups were over- or underrepresented in commercial seed mixes.
Skia: Shedding light on shadow branches
Skia identifies and decodes shadow branches, storing them in a memory area to alleviate bottlenecks and improve throughput. The technique can lead to quicker performance and less power consumption for data centers.
Difficult and costly energy transition unless the EU invests in biomass
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
New approach makes one type of clean fuel production 66% more efficient
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a more efficient way to produce methanol from carbon dioxide, a cleaner alternative fuel. The new process uses a dual catalyst system, resulting in a 66% increase in efficiency and paving the way for sustainable technologies.
Mechanisms stabilizing Japanese moorlands, species asynchrony, and species and compositional stability
A study by YOKOHAMA National University found that species asynchrony and compositional stability jointly stabilize moorland communities, while bryophyte cover destabilizes them. Dominant species play a crucial role in maintaining community stability.
Going beyond Net Zero: University of Bath engineers and architects launch manifesto on regenerative design
The University of Bath's RENEW research center has published a manifesto on regenerative design and engineering to address the climate crisis. The guidebook provides a framework for creating 'Net Positive' buildings, technologies, and systems that renew unity with nature.
Methane emissions from dairy farms higher than thought - but conversion could reduce emissions
New research reveals methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest. Capturing and converting methane into biogas could reduce emissions and save farmers over £400 million a year in fuel costs.
Research shows how common plastics could passively cool and heat buildings with the seasons
Researchers at Princeton and UCLA developed a passive mechanism to cool buildings in summer and warm them in winter by restricting radiant heat flows. Common materials like polyvinyl fluoride and plastics can be adapted for this purpose, achieving energy savings and thermal comfort beyond traditional building envelopes.
Scientists’ urgent call: end destruction and forge a just, sustainable future
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
Climate change? Global change!
The book offers hope and impetus in the right direction by demonstrating that human courage and reason can help overcome paralyzing fear. It highlights the need for self-reliance, revitalization of human values, personal and local action, and a global perspective to steer humanity towards a modern world.
PolyU researchers develop nature-inspired advanced materials to achieve 99.6% solar reflectivity
Researchers at PolyU developed a cooling ceramic with a hierarchically porous structure, inspired by the whitest beetle, to achieve high solar reflectivity and efficient light scattering. This innovation has potential energy-saving applications and is the first study on the Leidenfrost effect in passive radiative cooling materials.
New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells
Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical
Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.
UK fashion and textiles industry to benefit from £6 million investment in sustainability research
The UK fashion and textile industry is set for a significant boost with a £6 million investment in sustainability research. The initiative aims to help the sector adopt more sustainable practices, reducing its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Nitrogen runoff strategies complicated by climate change
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
Research training network with Sri Lankan universities tackles climate change
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
New recipes for better solar fuel production
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.
UN: Trapped sediment robbing world’s large dams of vital water storage capacity; ~26% loss by 2050 foreseen
The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.
Rolling in benefits: New method for effective compression of plant biomass for alternate fuel and anti-viral applications
Researchers from Okayama University developed a novel mechanical compression method to squeeze maximum benefits from plant biomass. The technique reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for thermal drying, making it ideal for on-site operation and locally grown plants.
Funding awarded for an innovation to recover hydrogen from waste to help safeguard energy security
A team at the University of Manchester has received funding to develop a novel hydrogen separation technique, which could make clean energy production cheaper and more sustainable. The project aims to overcome cost barriers for commercial hydrogen extraction from unrecyclable wastes, supporting ambitious clean energy targets.
Cooperation among hydropower producers could hold the answer to reviving the mighty Mekong
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...
Making memory serve correctly: fixing an inherent problem in next-generation magnetic ram
Researchers developed a new reading method for SOT-RAMs that can nullify the readout disturbance, reducing it by at least 10 times. The method involves creating a bi-directional read path, cancelling out the disturbances produced by spin currents.
Nuclear power may be the key to least-cost, zero-emission electricity systems
New research suggests nuclear power can provide low-cost energy and replace natural gas as a backup source, enabling faster decarbonization in countries with poor wind resources. The analysis found that nuclear is the cheapest way to eliminate all electricity-system carbon emissions nearly everywhere.
Decreasing development on forest and agricultural land partly driven by gas prices, study finds
A new study found a significant decrease in the development of forest and agricultural land from 2000 to 2015 due to rising gas prices. The research used data from the US Department of Agriculture's National Resources Inventory to analyze county-level land development patterns across the contiguous US states.
Just how much do density and green space affect urban energy use? It depends on where you live.
Researchers found that tree-cover area, impervious surface area, and building density have a consistent impact on building energy use across cities. The study's results suggest that the relationship between urban form/density and energy use is city-specific and distance-specific.
Towards affordable clean energy: Exploring new catalysts for urea-based fuel cells
Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University have created a state-of-the-art catalyst for urea-based fuel cells using inexpensive nickel chalcogenides, outperforming precious metal-based catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in remote areas and beyond.
Contributing to solve the heat concentration problem in power semiconductors
Developed a highly efficient boiling immersion cooler using lotus metals, increasing critical heat flux from 200 W/cm² to 530 W/cm² or more. The technology is expected to solve the heat concentration problem of in-vehicle power semiconductors and be applied to CPUs for workstations and large-scale servers.
Stanford discovery could pave the way to ultrafast, energy-efficient computing
Researchers at Stanford University have overcome a key obstacle in phase-change memory technology, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage. By using a thermally insulating flexible substrate, they reduced power consumption by a factor of 10 on flexible substrates and 100 on rigid silicon.
Desalination tech uses CO2 to tap into municipal wastewater as alternative freshwater source
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.