This week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories — 26 October
Which technologies are driving the circular economy? Which country just announced it will phase out coal by 2025? And, how might homes the width of parking lots address urban density challenges?
This, and more, in the week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories.
1.
Swedish startup tilts into power with wooden windmills
A Swedish startup says its modular windmills can cut costs and help solve the logistical challenge of transporting giant masts to wind farms.
Read more on Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
The windmills 'could cut costs & help solve the logistical challenge of transporting giant masts to wind farms' https://t.co/fx42ORn8PM
— BloombergNEF (@BloombergNEF) October 23, 2017
2.
Five disruptive technologies driving the circular economy
As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, new technologies carry immense opportunities to transform the way we do business. These technologies are driving new ways of creating value in a circular economy, for both emerging and established businesses alike.
These 5 disruptive technologies are driving the circular economy https://t.co/MfP2C9gqoP pic.twitter.com/7vqsOxhu3M
— World Economic Forum (@wef) October 15, 2017
3.
Popular zoos, aquariums take up sustainable palm oil cause
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to promote the importance of more sustainable approaches to palm oil production.
More than 1/2 of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums to source sustainable palm oil by 2023 https://t.co/W5JQObwe9b
— GreenBiz (@GreenBiz) October 24, 2017
4.
Electrifying Ukraine’s transport system—progress and challenges
This interview with Lena Artemenko, CEO of Tesla Club Ukraine, explores what’s needed for stimulating EV adoption, and much more.
Electrifying Ukraine’s Transport System — Progress & Challenges (CleanTechnica Interview) https://t.co/5MNbaN4o57 pic.twitter.com/Vg5qQtw2h5
— CleanTechnica (@cleantechnica) October 26, 2017
5.
Natural light floods this solar-powered business school in Frankfurt
Danish practice Henning Larsen Architects designed the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management—a light-filled academic building. Powered by solar and wind energy, this sustainability-minded business school takes cues from its urban surroundings while setting “new standards for transparent and open learning in the world of business and finance.”
The new Frankfurt School of Finance & Management opens today! A world-class learning facility @FrankfurtSchool https://t.co/3HiRwc4ikG pic.twitter.com/d3GPAQGf2W
— Henning Larsen (@HLArchitects) October 26, 2017
6.
France’s first Vertical Forest will add a “hectare of forest” to Paris’ skyline
Stefano Boeri Architetti’s Vertical Forests continue to take root around the world, with the latest project planned for Paris. Designed for Villiers sur Marne in east Paris, Forêt Blanche will be a 54-meter-tall tower built predominately of timber. Two thousand trees, shrubs, and plants will cover the wooden facade—a green surface equivalent to a hectare of forest.
France’s first Vertical Forest will add a “hectare of forest” to Paris’ skyline https://t.co/vxI13cZppK pic.twitter.com/69QFmgifKQ
— Inhabitat (@inhabitat) October 25, 2017
7.
Italy eyes a coal-free future with new energy strategy
Italy plans to phase out coal power plants by 2025, the country’s industry minister said during a presentation of a new energy strategy on Tuesday, joining a growing trend of moving away from coal in the EU.
Italy eyes a coal-free future with new energy strategy https://t.co/cgMv8xqx9X pic.twitter.com/SUgIi8sT9S
— Euractiv (@Euractiv) October 26, 2017
8.
Herzog & de Meuron are upcycling a historic gasometer into a stunning residential tower
Several old gasometers in Stockholm are being repurposed into a vibrant new residential area called Gasklockan at the hands of several talented designers. For one tower, Swiss architects, Herzog & de Meuron will convert the old brick building into a soaring residential tower, while Piet Oudolf and LOLA Architects will create a lush green space that snakes through the development.
Herzog & de Meuron are upcycling a historic gasometer into a stunning residential towerhttps://t.co/NqId93okKJ pic.twitter.com/adWbnsaCnS
— Inhabitat (@inhabitat) October 23, 2017
9.
London introduces vehicle pollution levy in new blow to diesel
London brought in a new levy on the oldest and most polluting cars entering the city center from Monday, almost doubling how much motorists have to pay in the latest blow to diesel.
T-Charge: New London traffic charge comes into force https://t.co/UX8jhMgWkU
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 23, 2017
10.
This three-story tiny house fits in the footprint of a parking space
With a floor for working, another for sleeping, and a greenhouse on the top, the Tikku house is designed to replace a city’s parking spots with living space.
https://twitter.com/FastCompany/status/923413935969259520