Environment

Policy matters

Eu - Urban

Nanotechnology and environmental performance: what lies beyond the shiny promises?
07/02/2011
The nanotechnology industry has over-promised and under-delivered according to Friends of the Earth, which proposes taking a precautionary approach to nanotechnology products. Nanotechnology has the potential to deliver novel approaches and transform the economy, although at a significant...
Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture through biotechnology
24/01/2011
Biotechnology can play a major role in helping farmers overcome challenges such as protecting crops against insects, weeds and disease, as well as battling vagaries of the weather. Much can be achieved without resorting to environmentally-harmful products and processes or over-reliance on...
Waste is food: going all the way on sustainability
27/10/2010
Ten European regions have created a network to share best practice in waste prevention and management by applying the cradle-to-cradle concept for sustainable development. The idea that there is no such thing as waste, only raw materials yet to be put to good use, underpins the cradle-to-cradle...
EU strategy on track for clean vehicles
21/10/2010
The European Commission has proposed a new strategy to address the EU’s fossil-fuel dependency, accelerate development of clean automotive technologies and promote mass-market uptake. Announced in April 2010, the strategy builds on the European Green Cars Initiative – one of three private-...
Laying the foundations for sustainable construction
28/04/2010
Reclaimed and sustainable construction materials could lead to a more eco-friendly building sector. By using such materials developers can reduce emissions and save energy. If Europe is to meet its goal of reducing emissions and energy consumption by at least 20% by 2020, the sustainability of...
Cultivating crops on city rooftops
09/03/2010
Climate change and population growth mean walls, balconies and roofs across Europe's cities could take on a greener complexion as food production becomes part of the urban landscape. To meet the challenges of producing food in a more environmentally-friendly way, the European Environment Agency...
Accelerating sustainable industrial production
14/02/2010
Eco-innovation will be a key driver of industry efforts to tackle climate change in the post-Kyoto era according to new book on green growth published by the OECD in January 2010. The new book entitled Eco-Innovation in Industry is based on the first phase of the Organisation for Economic Co-...
Pursuit of sustainability drives innovation in the chemical industry
26/01/2010
The European chemical industry is embracing innovation to ensure sustainability. Moreover, through innovation the industry is providing measures to facilitate a sustainable society. The chemical sector plays a significant role in the European economy, contributing 30% of the world’s total...
Making mobile phones greener
03/10/2009
As stakeholders and governments are striving to lessen the environmental impact of mobile phones, mobile phone producers are moving to meet the demands of an eco-conscious society. Mobile phone use has grown rapidly with subscriptions surpassing 4 billion by end 2008 according to International...
The practical contribution of ICTs to sustainable growth
26/06/2009
Application of information and communication technologies (ICT)-based solutions in industry could yield dramatic energy savings, and ultimately lead to a more sustainable society. Information and communication technologies have the potential to help Europe overcome its biggest challenges. Only...

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