Construction
Over their life cycle buildings can generate nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. One solution could be switching to wood as a construction material. A study for Europe shows that over the next 20 years, 420 million tons could be sequestered in this way, the same as the annual emissions from 71 million homes or 108 coal plants. Another innovation is a new white paint developed by engineers at Purdue University that reflects 95.5% of sunlight, keeping surfaces cooler than the temperature of the air that surrounds the building, which may reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning.
— Wayne Visser
More on Climate & Energy
Coolants
The quickest way to cool the climate is to get rid of coolants. That may sound like a paradox, but it’s true. When the hydrofluorocarbon…
Planet · Climate & Energy
Cooling
As the planet warms, demand for air conditioning goes up, warming the climate even further. How do we solve this conundrum? The IEA predicts that…
Planet · Climate & Energy
COP
For some, the opening of COP26 – the global climate negotiations in Glasgow – on 31 October, Halloween, seems scarily apt. We face a nightmarish…
Planet · Climate & Energy
From Purpose Inspired: Reflections on Conscious Living, Volume 4. Buy on Lulu ↗