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Helping the green sector through difficult times  
28/07/2011
Helping the green sector through difficult times  
Global recession and cheaper oil have slowed growth in green start-ups but economic stimulus plans may aid the transfer to a sustainable green economy with the environment a key sector in the future global economy. The current financial crisis, coupled with the volatile nature of the...
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Single European Sky to cut aviation emissions
28/07/2011
Single European Sky to cut aviation emissions
The EU has committed to support the implementation of the Single European Sky initiative by 2012. Effective air traffic management can cut fuel consumption and emissions by 10%. Representatives from the EU, Member States and other countries, military authorities, Eurocontrol, the European...
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OECD Global Forum calls for broader perspective on eco-innovation
28/07/2011
OECD Global Forum calls for broader perspective on eco-innovation
Key messages emerging from the OECD Global Forum on Eco-innovation suggest policy makers and stakeholders view eco-innovation as more than just the invention of new technologies. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris on 4 and 5 November 2009 presented...
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EU mayors commit to significant reductions in CO2 emissions
28/07/2011
EU mayors commit to significant reductions in CO2 emissions
Over 1000 people attended the first formal signing of the Covenant of Mayors in Brussels. The Covenant commits cities to reduce CO2 emissions beyond the EU 20% objectives for 2020. One year on from the launch of the initiative in January 2008, more than 100 mayors representing participating...
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Birmingham forum highlights role for eco-innovation in a resource-efficient economy
28/07/2011
Birmingham forum highlights role for eco-innovation in a resource-efficient economy
The 10th European Forum on Eco-Innovation in Birmingham, England focused on the role of eco-innovation and eco-innovative business in driving a resource-efficient European economy. A joint initiative of Defra and the European Commission, the Forum attracted 240 stakeholders from business,...
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Cities setting standards in eco-innovation
02/05/2011
Cities setting standards in eco-innovation
Curitiba is Brazil’s seventh largest city and ‘green capital’. One of the best examples of green urban planning, it shows a city can minimise its environmental impact and be attractive. Eco-innovation is usually applied to products, not cities. Yet the planning achievements of Curitiba and...
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Europe-wide life-cycle thinking essential for sustainable nanotechnology applications
18/04/2011
Europe-wide life-cycle thinking essential for sustainable nanotechnology applications
A combination of life-cycle analysis and risk assessment can improve the understanding of the potential environmental and health impacts of products that contain nanomaterials. Nano-structured products are acquiring a dominant role in global manufacturing. The total revenue from such products...
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Nanotechnology and environmental performance: what lies beyond the shiny promises?
07/02/2011
Nanotechnology and environmental performance: what lies beyond the shiny promises?
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...
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Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture through biotechnology
24/01/2011
Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture through biotechnology
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...
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Waste is food: going all the way on sustainability
27/10/2010
Waste is food: going all the way on sustainability
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...
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