Articles tagged with Sustainability
New study reveals how circular economy startups create new opportunities by reducing their environmental impact, engaging in experimentation and feedback-driven development. The research highlights three key practices that reshape markets and influence the competitive landscape for larger players.
A study by Binghamton University reveals that most renters in the US are unable to access energy efficiency improvements, leading to higher heating costs and poorer health. The 'split incentive' issue, where landlords prioritize profits over upgrades, is a major barrier to change.
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A study at Kindai University has identified a single gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomovirus infection. This finding holds promise for developing naturally protected crop varieties, reducing the need for insecticides and promoting sustainable food production.
Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.
A novel osmium-based photocatalyst effectively captures long-wavelength visible light, improving solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. The new material can harness a broader range of sunlight, generating more excited electrons to enhance hydrogen-evolution performance.
A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.
Scientists develop corrosion-resistant alumina-forming ferritic alloys that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, potentially transforming energy systems and nuclear reactors. These materials offer economic feasibility while maintaining high reliability and could accelerate adoption in practical applications.
Academician Yu-Zhong Wang's team proposes a novel recycling method that degrades polyethylene into oligomers, which are then assembled with functional monomers through dynamic imine bonds. The resulting material exhibits excellent mechanical properties and multiple functions such as flame retardancy, antistatic properties, and UV shiel...
Researchers from UCL discovered a way to grow bacterial cellulose from beer waste, creating edible scaffolds for cultivated meat. The new approach could make lab-grown meat more sustainable and cost-effective.
Rebuilding coral reef fisheries can help fight global hunger and improve nutrition by increasing sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%. Countries with higher malnutrition indexes can benefit most from recovered reef fish stocks, which could provide enough servings for several million people annually.
A new review reveals microwave-assisted pyrolysis can produce advanced carbon materials from biomass and waste in a fraction of the time, with improved performance and sustainability. This technology offers a powerful alternative for building next-generation materials needed for carbon neutrality.
Researchers at Pusan National University have discovered a new, faster method for treating lightweight magnesium metals using electropulsing technology. The technique, which involves applying electric pulses to the metal, can accelerate grain growth and improve mechanical properties.
The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.
Researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have developed a life cycle-verified roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in laser powder bed fusion. The study provides a tiered, cumulative action plan that factories can adopt incrementally, making measurable progress towards sustainability.
Texas A&M researchers create a symbiosis network to interconnect industrial facilities, converting hydrocarbon waste into valuable products. The framework aims to maximize carbon utilization while minimizing emissions, cost, and processing steps.
A new study from the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company suggests that EV owners can save thousands on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions by using their vehicles' batteries to power households. The technology, known as V2H, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from a household's electricity use by 70-250%.
Researchers are exploring ways to create green, closed-loop electrical insulation systems with excellent performance and recyclability. Bio-based monomers and mineral-based silicones are replacing petrochemical feedstocks, while advanced processing techniques enable self-healing and physicochemical recycling capabilities.
Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.
A new framework reveals that compact, mixed-use districts like One-North are designed to generate cleaner travel patterns, but the reality is more complex. Emissions hotspots were identified at major arterial roads, weaker transit-accessible edges of districts, and busy corridors like North Buona Vista Road.
Researchers created a metric to quantify lattice flexibility and studied how it impacts proton transport. They ranked the importance of seven features, including hydrogen bond length and oxygen sublattice flexibility, finding that these are critical for efficient proton conduction.
Research shows that companies with strong environmental, social, and governance track records perform better after adopting rigorous auditing standards. Investors view ESG practices as a signal of corporate quality, amplifying the benefits of transparent auditing.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme trains environmental engineers for a sustainable future through international mobility and collaboration. Students will spend two years studying in three countries and obtain multiple master's degrees upon completion.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a simple way to make carbon capture more efficient and affordable by adding a common chemical compound called tris to capture solutions. This innovation can stabilize the pH of the solution, allowing the system to absorb triple the amount of CO2 at relatively low temperatures.
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.
Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly, and photo-switchable smart adhesive using biomass-derived materials. The adhesive demonstrates reversible light-controlled adhesion and retains over 90% of its original strength after repeated usage cycles.
The event brings together industry experts to explore the convergence of agriculture and biotech for resilient food supply, sustainable protein sources, and open-access technology. Tufts University's Center for Cellular Agriculture is positioned at the forefront of food sustainability research and innovation.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new method to produce flexible perovskite solar cells using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), achieving high power conversion efficiency and stability.
A new report from SEI and CEAP warns that the current SDGs systematically neglect animal welfare and health, undermining progress on human health, environmental protection, and social equity. The report identifies three pathways to integrate animal welfare into global governance.
A new study by Linköping University finds artificial turf pitches more environmentally sustainable than natural turf when recycled and maintained properly. However, there are reservations due to production impact and maintenance emissions that can be mitigated with electrified machinery.
Researchers from National University of Singapore develop two techniques to boost carob pulp's flavor, making it more appealing and sustainable than cocoa. The innovations aim to reduce the chocolate industry's dependence on cocoa and address climate change challenges.
New research by MIT researchers found that even with the same CO2 reduction, air travel causes about three times more damage to air quality than comparable electricity purchases. The study highlights the importance of considering co-pollutants and regional factors when evaluating climate actions.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.
A study by MIT researchers examines two policy approaches to expanding the US electricity grid: one focusing on regions with more renewable energy sources and another creating more interconnections across the country. The study found that a geographically unbalanced grid buildout would be less expensive, while reducing carbon emissions...
A study led by Trinity College Dublin finds that higher plant diversity in grasslands increases yields with lower nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Multispecies mixtures outperform conventional practices and offer a climate adaptation solution.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome limitations in single-atom catalysts by creating one-dimensional organic polymers capable of selectively binding metal atoms. The platform marks a major advance in single atom catalysis, enabling stronger gas binding compared to other structures.
A research team led by Göttingen University found that urban blue spaces play a critical role in food security and social inclusion in four major Indian cities. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold food products.
A recent study by Chiba University researchers found that moths can detect the ultrasonic pulse rates emitted by bats, which triggers distinct escape responses. The findings suggest that certain pulse rates signal high predation risk, causing moths to avoid flying and even stop reproduction.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a new reaction using main-group element gallium to synthesize important building-block molecules. The discovery uses earth-abundant elements, potentially easing reliance on rare-earth metals and reducing environmental costs.
Biochar's applications in urban areas include reducing volatile organic compounds, improving cement durability, increasing crop yields, and removing heavy metals from water. However, large-scale adoption faces challenges such as standardized production methods and economic incentives.
A new study reveals prisoners in Finland express a willingness to act responsibly, but face challenges within prison structures. They identify climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss as serious problems, associating sustainability with everyday actions like recycling and saving energy.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a promising approach to remediate contaminated sites using an innovative electrochemical method. The process breaks down persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into harmless salts and useful hydrocarbons, contributing to the sustainable circular economy.
A new study highlights 21 critical barriers to implementing green and blue infrastructure, including technical, social, economic, governance, and policy challenges. The research provides actionable strategies for practitioners and policymakers to enhance GBI resilience across diverse urban settings.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University reveal how copper particles create in mid-reaction, converting nitrite ions to ammonia. This insight promises leaps forward in developing new industrial chemistry for greener ammonia production.
The study found that more than half of the water consumed in the basin is used unsustainably, with only 48% naturally replenished each year. The researchers suggest adopting deficit irrigation practices and repurposing farmland for habitat restoration or solar farms to address the crisis.
Two new studies from Schneider Electric and Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability identify 95 sociotechnical barriers and 50 risks hindering progress in the high-stakes buildings sector. The research highlights complex interplay between economic, political, social, and behavioral factors driving inefficiencies and costs.
A study published in npj Ocean Sustainability reveals that traditional Hawaiian fishponds (loko iʻa) effectively shield fish populations from the negative impacts of climate change. The research found that loko iʻa fish populations were more resilient to rising water temperatures than those in surrounding estuaries.
Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.
This online talk showcases an innovative method of repurposing industrial effluents to enrich biochar, creating a sustainable circular economy in real-world farming. Biochar researcher Prof. Salah Jellali shares his insights on upgrading plain biochar into a smart fertilizer.
The smart bamboo glass exhibits record tensile strength, flexibility, and impact toughness while retaining high visible-light transmission. Annual HVAC savings range from 1.6% to 5.58%, reducing global-warming potential by 35% and human-toxicity indicators by 40-60%.
Researchers at Hosei University developed a hydroponic cultivation system using LED lighting to produce high-quality edamame consistently throughout the year. The nutrient film technique (NFT) method resulted in higher yields, better nutritional value, and increased productivity compared to traditional open-field cultivation.
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.
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can produce fabric and dye it in every color of the rainbow using a single vat. The approach uses bacterial cellulose as a potential alternative to petroleum-based fibers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm. The developed method yields vibrant colors that survive washing and h...
Researchers have developed a dynamic display technology that dissipates heat instead of generating it when the color changes, cooling the surface underneath. The passive cooling mechanism can be used on building billboards to show ads and help cool buildings' interiors.
The researchers developed a chromatic filtration strategy to narrow the emission spectrum of mechanoluminescent materials, resulting in high spectral resolution and reduced noise. The new technology has significant potential for applications such as wearable sensors and healthcare motion monitoring.
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded an €8.33 million Synergy Grant to a five-year project led by Professors Jun Borras, Esteve Corbera, Ian Scoones, and Anna Tsing. The 'Land and Life in the Anthropocene' project aims to reshape landscapes for more-than-human life through innovative framework and connected approaches.
The ITU delegation will work with governments and private-sector leaders to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for climate solutions. The Green Digital Action initiative aims to address the sector's environmental impact through practical tools and tangible results.
Scientists study ancient oyster populations to guide present-day restoration efforts. By analyzing shell size and breakage, researchers can interpret how intensively communities harvested oysters, shedding light on the challenges of rebuilding depleted reef ecosystems.
Bamboo is being explored as a promising material for reducing plastic waste due to its fast growth rate, renewable nature, and extensive distribution. Despite challenges, bamboo-based products have improved performance profiles and are gaining popularity worldwide.