Environment

Video: From rooftop to reservoir—benefits of floatovoltaics

By Lisa McDonald / February 20, 2019

A new National Renewable Energy Laboratory study outlines benefits of floating photovoltaic systems over land-based solar panels, but it cautions more research is needed to understand all potential impacts.

Read More

Optical fibers shake up earthquake monitoring systems

By Lisa McDonald / February 12, 2019

A team of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers showed “dark fibers,” unused fiber-optic cables that crisscross the United States underground, could be co-opted to serve as sensors in earthquake monitoring systems.

Read More

Do the environment a (bio)solid—use bio-bricks!

By Lisa McDonald / February 1, 2019

RMIT University researchers found biosolids-enhanced bricks showed lower thermal conductivity and reduced brick firing energy demands compared to traditional bricks.

Read More

From toilet to pipeline: Sanitary ware ceramics could serve all sewage needs

By Lisa McDonald / January 25, 2019

What happens to sanitary ware ceramics after their life as a toilet comes to an end? According to new research, these ceramics could be recycled for another useful purpose—as aggregate for concrete.

Read More
urine bricks

Environmentally friendly bio-bricks: Urine for a surprise

By Faye Oney / November 27, 2018

Researchers have developed a method of creating bio-bricks from human urine. The process also offers by-products of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium that could be used as components in commercial fertilizers.

Read More

Report: Nuclear has potential to play bigger role in meeting global energy demand

By Faye Oney / September 25, 2018

A new report from MIT Energy Initiative says that nuclear energy has the potential to be used as an alternative energy source as long as cost and policy issues are addressed. Read the report and watch the video to learn more.

Read More

Range of topics inspire lively discussions, enthusiasm at MCARE 2018

By Jonathon Foreman / August 31, 2018

Nearly two hundred people from 25 countries converged in Vancouver, BC, Canada, August 20–23, for Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy (MCARE 2018). The conference inspired a variety of discussions and a lot of enthusiasm.

Read More

Video: This technology is already lowering cement’s carbon footprint

By Faye Oney / August 29, 2018

A Canadian company has commercialized a process that captures carbon dioxide waste to mix with concrete during production. This proprietary technology is a good first step in reducing cement’s impact on the environment.

Read More

3D-printed Smart Slab offers unique architectural design, lower carbon footprint

By Faye Oney / August 24, 2018

Researchers have developed an architectural construction technology that combines 3-D-printed design with the strength of concrete. Smart Slab weighs less than half of conventional concrete and generates a lower carbon footprint.

Read More

New study of Easter Island inhabitants suggests collaboration, not competition

By Faye Oney / August 21, 2018

A new study shows that early settlers of Easter Island collaborated with each other to build the giant moai statues that are scattered around the island. This disputes earlier theories that the inhabitants competed with each other, leading to their decline.

Read More