There’s always going to be a need for construction, whether that’s homes, hospitals or offices. But, the environmental impacts of construction materials such as concrete are alarming. It’s time for the construction industry to be revolutionised to keep up with global targets of reducing emissions. This is a realistic goal too, as alternative sustainable materials already exist. Creating mush-less-room for concrete So,…
A new reservoir has just been approved at the La Clusaz resort in the French alps. The reservoir will be built on the Plateau de Beauregard, an area which is protected under the EU Natura 2000 programme which “offers a haven to Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats”.
What’s going on here? A project in Spain is restoring ancient water channels which have been around as far back as the mediaeval times. These channels are important for dealing with drought and the increasing demand for water from intensive farming. What does this mean? Acequias are networks of irrigation streams. They distribute water from snow melt in the Sierra Nevada mountains…
What’s Going On Here? HS2, the new high-speed railway being built to connect the North and South of the UK, has hit the news again this week. However, despite construction work ploughing on, changes to working patterns and increased public opposition are raising hopes that the project could be scrapped. What Does This Mean? This week, a new tunnelling machine (the first…
What’s Going On Here? The £1.5bn Green Homes Grant was announced last year as part of the government’s pledge to “build back better” after the coronavirus crisis. However, there have been recent worrying reports that unspent funding will be lost. What Does This Mean? Back in July last year we explained how you (if you’re a homeowner) could get support from the…
What’s Going On Here? Concrete – which has been called the most destructive material on Earth – is getting a green makeover… What Does This Mean? Concrete companies around the world are working to create a lower emission material that will be less harmful to the planet. Pioneering experiments include injecting carbon dioxide into the concrete to lock it in and keep the greenhouse gas out…
What’s Going On Here? The star of the show at Ecobuild 2018 was Airlite photocatalytic paint which improves air quality both inside and outside buildings. What Does This Mean? To start with: Photocatalytic = Photo (light) + catalytic (speeds up a reaction) So… by activating natural antioxidants in the air, the paint helps to capture and destroy pollutants like nitrogen oxides (using light). Lab tests suggest 100m2 of…
