Posts Tagged ‘Carbon-neutral’
Low-Income Nations: Becoming Climate Resilient
Posted in Opinion by Kate Archdeacon on August 3rd, 2010
Source: Worldchanging
From “Leapfrogging into a Carbon-Light Future: The End of High-Carbon Prosperity and How Low-Income Nations Are Becoming Climate Resilient” by Martin Wright:
The idea that Africa could somehow leap to a boom economy will strike some as hopelessly wishful thinking. But the seeds of this possible future already exist. The combination of solar power, mobile phones and IT, for example, is already transforming the economic prospects for villagers across the continent. A simple piece of software enabling the transfer of small amounts of money instantly and cheaply by mobile is plugging remote rural backwaters into the global economy as never before. Millions are saving money, time and their health by switching to clean, efficient sources of energy – from solar to biogas, biomass to hydro. Agricultural innovations, too, are mushrooming, from water harvesting and hydroponics to the precise application of fertilizer and irrigation via GPS.
All such breakthroughs have one common characteristic: they are low-carbon technologies. The phrase has a rather worthy feel – especially when applied to developing countries. But it masks an intriguing possibility: that low-income nations could outflank the industrialized world, skipping the heavyweight, fossil fuel-dependent economic model and leapfrogging into a carbon-light future.
Carbon-Offset Kiosks at San Francisco Airport
Posted in Models by Kate Archdeacon on September 22nd, 2009
Source: World Environment News
Image: 3degreesinc
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is launching the Climate Passport program allowing travelers to offset the impact of their air travel through an airport kiosk. This will be the world’s first airport kiosk-giving people the opportunity to calculate the environmental impact of their flights and purchase carbon offsets to address that impact while at the airport.
Where does the money go? The City has conducted extensive research on each project supported by the program to ensure that all carbon offsets are sourced from a specific project that results in real, quantifiable, permanent greenhouse gas emission reductions.
FarmGAS Calculator Launched
Posted in Models by Kate Archdeacon on September 4th, 2009
Source: Cleanfood, the Future Climate newsletter
Image: Hannam Vale
The Australian Farm Institute has launched its FarmGAS Calculator.
The Calculator is an online application which enables farmers to model both the financial and greenhouse gas outputs of farm activities and the implications of changes in enterprises. The FarmGAS Calculator is available free online for anyone to access. The FarmGAS Calculator includes individual calculators for the major livestock and cropping enterprises, and any combination of these enterprises can be added to create an individual farm business. Farmers can come back to the calculator at any time to update or change their production data, or complete the process in stages. The Calculator applies the same methodology that is used by the Department of Climate Change in the estimation of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Accounts; and provides reports on the annual amount of methane and nitrous oxide emitted by each enterprise expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e). 
Farmers enter details of their enterprises (both financial and production) to calculate enterprise gross margins. The following enterprise types can be analysed using FarmGAS: beef production (both breeding of progeny and fattening), sheep production, broadacre cropping, irrigated cropping, intensive livestock systems (beef feedlot and piggery), perennial horticulture crops and environmental tree plantings.
FarmGAS is the result of an Australian Farm Institute research project on greenhouse gas mitigation options for Australian farmers. Funding for the project was provided by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under the National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan: Implementation Program
Italy aims for carbon-neutral farm
Posted in Models by Devin Maeztri on November 14th, 2008
Italy aims for carbon-neutral farm
By Duncan Kennedy BBC News, Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, Italy An attempt to create a pioneering carbon-neutral farm is starting in Italy. The farm’s management say want to “go further than anyone else” A range of new technologies is being installed at the farm in the central region of Umbria as part of an experiment to cut its CO2 emissions to zero over the course of the next year. They include everything from electric farm vehicles to sun-reflecting paint on storage buildings. It is all taking place at the Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio olive oil farm, north of Rome. With its vineyards and olive trees, this beautiful corner of Italy might look like it has escaped the intrusions of climate change, but the farm’s owners say they, too, have to play their part in making the world greener. “We want to go further than anyone else,” says Lorenzo Fasola Bologna, Monte Vibiano’s chief executive. Storing solar energy One of the key investments is in a unique solar powered battery re-charging centre. Built by the Austrian company Cellstrom, the centre is a shed-sized box with 24 solar panels on it that houses a revolutionary liquid-based battery. The battery can, for the first time, store solar energy. Until now, electricity generated by the sun has generally had to be used immediately. It is one reason why opponents say solar power is limited. No longer. “We think that we will start getting our investment back after five years or so. From then on, our fossil fuel bills will disappear” Lorenzo Fasola Bologna Vibiano Vecchio boss Depending on the amount of usage, the battery centre can store solar-sourced electricity for up to three days. They are working to extend that to 10 days and more, enabling the farm to continue operating through foggy days when the sun does not shine. It means that golf carts and electric bikes will become the key means of transport for farm workers and that they can all charge up at the battery centre. ’360º solution’ Cellstrom estimates the farm can save 4,500 litres of petrol every year and reduce CO2 emissions by 10 tons. “Yes, it is an expensive initial investment,” says Lorenzo, without revealing the actual cost. “But we think that we will start getting our investment back after five years or so. From then on, our fossil fuel bills will disappear.” Solar power is just one of the ground-breaking technologies being applied to this farm. They call it a multiple layered 360º solution to global pollution. They have bought a fleet of special miniature tractors that use a new generation of bio fuels. The farm says the new fuels will not be coming from food chain products like corn and therefore will not diminish world food supplies. Then there are the farm’s boilers which are used to create heat in the olive oil production process. They will use wood chips instead of methane gas, as in the past. The wood is a renewable source of energy found from supplies already on the farm. Even storage tanks on the farm are being painted white to reflect sunlight away from earth, in an effort to cut the effects of global warming. And, just to make sure they have not left anything else out, they have also planted 10,000 trees to soak up and offset any unforeseen CO2 emissions. ‘No choice’ By the end of next year they hope to be the first farm, anywhere, to reduce their inherent net carbon footprint to zero – ie without using off-site offsetting projects. “It will be great,” says Lorenzo, “to pass on this great, green enterprise to my children and their children.” And when asked if it makes economic sense for a business to attempt all this, he replies: “Absolutely. We are not a charity.” This whole region is responding to new climate pressures. At the nearby Lungarotti winery in Torgiano, recycled grape vines now power the process, not oil. Mini-weather stations provide data for planting and watering and organic fertilisers enrich the soil. Chiara Lungarotti, whose family owns the company, is just as committed as her neighbour Lorenzo. “We have no choice but to get agriculture to adapt to climate change,” she says. “It is our interest for the sake of our crops to be friendly to the planet.” So, agriculture is now doing its bit on climate change. Whether small olive oil producers or wine makers have lessons for bigger operations will be known when these experiments are over. But they will be toasting Umbria if they have. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/7669522.stm Published: 2008/10/18 00:11:54 GMT © BBC MMVIII http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7669522.stm
Resource – Technology in Society journal tackles the topic of Sustainable Cities
Posted in Models, Research by fedwards on August 1st, 2008
The Technology in Society journal addresses some of the varied issues experienced by the world’s cities in a climate of change. Edited by George Bugliarello and A. George Schillinger, this special issue of Technology in Society addresses important issues of urban sustainability from multidisciplinary perspectives. The collection covers urban sustainability in both industrialized and developing countries, and includes such topics as land use, transportation, and high performance buildings, containing epidemics, and safety and security. To find out more information about this visit: https://enduser.elsevier.com/campaigntypes/specissue/index.cfm?campaign=sustainable_cities.
Provocation – Towards zero carbon in building design
Posted in Models by fedwards on July 1st, 2008
Please find an abstract below from an interesting article which discusses some of the issues involved in going for zero carbon emissions in building design. The full article can be viewed at http://www.theecologist.org/pages/archive_detail.asp?content_id=1879.
Abstract: “Whole-house thinking”, Dr. David Strong, The Ecologist, 20/06/2008
“What’s the point of zero-carbon homes that aren’t fit for habitation? There is more to sustainable building than meeting Government targets, argues Dr David Strong
The UK Government has declared a laudable and ambitious plan to ensure all our new homes are zero carbon by 2016 and new non-domestic buildings zero carbon by 2019. The impact of this plan has been felt throughout the property and construction industry, and the drive towards zero-carbon has already had a powerful effect in galvanising the house-building and property development community, and in stimulating innovation. I am not sure that would have happened without such a strong legislative and policy initiative.
Of course the huge surge in interest in sustainable building is good news. After 35 years working in the industry, it is highly gratifying to see sustainability finally reaching the top of the political, planning and construction agenda. The emphasis being put by the Government on more energy-efficient buildings, and greener communities generally, is a truly welcome and encouraging sign.
However, those of us who are passionate about delivering a genuinely sustainable built environment currently face a real dilemma.
Here’s our problem: there is so much more to delivering exemplary built environments than zero carbon. In fact, there is even a danger that a fixation on zero carbon may result in highly perverse outcomes and deliver seriously damaging and unintended consequences in terms of sustainability – with the pursuit of the ‘best’ becoming the enemy of the good.”
The full article can be viewed at http://www.theecologist.org/pages/archive_detail.asp?content_id=1879.
Networks – “Cities-for-Mobility.net” promotes worldwide cooperation for sustainable mobility
Posted in Uncategorized by Cities-for-Mobility on July 1st, 2008
Cities for Mobility is a worldwide network of local actors engaged in promoting sustainable urban mobility: It comprises almost 500 local autorities, public transport companies and partners from private business, science, education and civil society from over 60 countries from all world regions. The network has been created by the German Municipality of Stuttgart (Mayor Dr. Wolfgang Schuster) in 1999.
If you are interested in joining the network free of charge, please visit the “Documents” section of www.cities-for-mobility.net (“membership forms”) or write to cfm@stuttgart.de.
You are kindly invited to join existing project initiatives and to bring in new ones.
Currently the network members put special emphasis on the crucial issue of rising energy prices in the ending oil age. How will local authorities be able/enabled to guarantee in the future sufficient mobility services to their citizens at affordable prices? The rational use of energy, energy-efficient vehicles as e.g. bicycles or electric mobility (above all Light Electric Vehicles – LEV; http://www.pedelec.com/main.php?language=en) and the use of renewable energy sources in transport are among the most urgently needed and most promising solutions that are already available at present.
C4M members are invited to gather in Stuttgart at the yearly World Congress at the beginning of June (next event: 15-16 June 2009) or at Regional Congresses in other parts of the world.
Models & Resources – Carpooling, Carsharing and Walking School Buses with plenty of international online resources
Posted in Models, Visions by fedwards on May 27th, 2008
The section below is from the Relocalise Newsletter May 2008 available at http://www.relocalize.net/newsletter/may08.
Carpooling, Carsharing and Walking School Buses
Transportation is a major focus for planners in cities and municipalities, and while increasing gas prices are being felt across the board, they are much more evident at the pump. Nationwide spending on gas in the US has increased by 26% to 5.2% on average overall. How can one curb spending on gas and all the related costs of car ownership while still getting around? Shelby Tay offers some examples of community activities that can help us make the transition away from our gas guzzling ways. Read more here.
Online Resources
This time of year also brings the start of awareness campaigns around the world, including Bike-to-Work week and car-free festivals that encourage us to be smarter with our travel. May is national bike month across the United States. Check out 50 ways (large PDF) to celebrate Bike Month and browse bike advocacy groups by state to find one near you, courtesy of the League of American Cyclists.
Here are some more resources to give you some ideas:
- Interested in seeing what it takes to organize a carfree day in your neighbourhood?

Download Sierra Club of Canada: How to Stage a Carfree Day in Your Community. - Need some graphics to spice up your latest poster or news release?

Browse the World Carefree Network: Carbusters Graphics Book. - Want to show a friend a video illustrating how carsharing works?

Take a peak at the World Carshare Video Library. - Unsure whether you’re ready to take to the streets on your bike or want to find ways of making streets more bike friendly?

Read through Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST)’s Guides: Safe Cycling Tips, Street Reclaiming Guide - Are you an employer and want to encourage your employees to bike to work?

Consult the London Cycling Campaign: Guide for Employers
To read more about The Relocalisation Networks’ work visit http://www.relocalize.net.
Research – Tree lined streets soothe children’s lungs
Posted in Research, Visions by fedwards on May 26th, 2008
The abstract below was posted on the Planet Ark News list available at http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/48292/story.htm.
“Four- and five-year-olds living along the city’s greenest streets were less likely to have asthma than young children living in sparsely planted neighborhoods, Dr. Gina S. Lovasi and colleagues from Columbia University found.
“We think that trees might have a beneficial effect on air quality — affecting air quality right at the street level,” Lovasi told Reuters Health. While the effects were independent of poverty and pollution, the researcher added, its possible street trees may simply be a stand-in for a healthful environment. “We’re not confident that it’s the trees themselves that are what’s driving this.”
Asthma rates have risen sharply in the US since 1980, and inner cities have been hit particularly hard, Lovasi and her colleagues note in their report. Trees could cut asthma risk by cleaning the air and encouraging kids to play outdoors, they add; but the pollen they release could also contribute to asthma attacks. To investigate, the researchers compared a census of New York City’s half-million street trees from 1995 to statistics on asthma prevalence and hospitalisation rates for 1999.â€â€
To read the full article visit http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/48292/story.htm.
Model – Update on Portland’s plan to become a sustainable city
Posted in Models, Visions by fedwards on May 23rd, 2008
The abstract below was posted on http://www.urbanmamas.com/activistas/2008/05/the-portland-pl.html.
“Pushing the planning envelope and building its visionary urban design legacy, the City of Portland is taking the lead on sustainable, equitable and economically viable long-range planning. Over the next three years, the Bureau of Planning will be updating its 1980 Comprehensive Plan and the 1988 Central City Plan in an effort called the Portland Plan.
The Portland Plan is an inclusive, citywide effort to guide the physical, economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of Portland over the next 30 years. The plan will build on the work the community did through visionPDX, which captured and fleshed out our shared values of sustainability, equity and accessibility, and community connectedness and distinctiveness.â€
To read the full article visit http://www.urbanmamas.com/activistas/2008/05/the-portland-pl.html.