It is well known that ultraviolet (UV) light has a disinfectant effect. Using a special ETFE film with high UV-transmission, it is possible to create very efficient and simple water disinfection systems. Sunvention has developed such a system, combining the effect of natural UV on water with solar heating of the water to over 50 degrees Celsius, effectively killing bacteria (including coliform bacteria) and viruses. The CleanPhoton is decentral, portable and modular. Single units can be … Read more
Solar Power – 24 Hours a Day Concentrated Solar Energy and Heat Storage Provide Constant Power Source
A revolutionary power station in Southern Spain employs thousands of mirrors to focus the suns energy into a concentrated heat collector mounted on top of a tower. Salts pumped to the top of the tower can reach temperatures of up to 565 degrees Centigrade and this stored heat energy can ten be used to drive generators 24 hours a day. The plant produces electricity for 25 thousand homes and it has been estimated that the technology could meet 11% of global energy demand by 2050 … Read more
Tidal Power A Vast Untapped Clean Power Source
Half of all Europe's tidal power flows around UK waters, a vast untapped supply of clean energy. However, the world's first commercial tidal stream turbine has become operational in Northern Ireland and there are plans to install many more in powerful currents around the UK coast such as The Pentland Firth. Care has been taken to protect marine life and sensors will shut down a turbine in 3 seconds if approached by a seal, whale or dolphin. … Read more
Copenhagen – Cycle City Bicycle - The Way to Traverse the City
The city of Copenhagen has been planned and developed for cyclists with dedicated bike lanes and cycle paths, synchronized traffic signals and a wide spread general provision for bikes. Hundreds of thousand of cycle journeys are made every day easing congestion and pollution. Without the bicycle Copenhagen would be grid locked. Many other cities are also planning for bicycle routes but Copenhagen has done more successfully than most. … Read more
Greenhouse of the Future Grow Food and Create Space to Relax
Interested in building your own greenhouse, but don’t know where to begin? Now, there’s the Greenhouse of the Future. Filmmaker Curt Close teamed up with Anaconda Productions and the non-profit SolutionEra to release a DVD, eBook and step-by-step guide on how to build a passive solar greenhouse that utilizes renewable energy and is built from natural and recycled materials. Follow the link for more information:- … Read more
Solar Dryer for Food Sovereignty Sustainability all year round
The solar dryer is a solar-powered food dehydrator, that is entirely autonomous and “off grid”, and supports both local food autonomy and economic resilience. Once installed, it enables a farm to preserve seasonal surpluses of fruits and vegetables (which is a local traditional practice). This basic “tunnel” solar dryer is essentially a table-top greenhouse, with active ventilation provided by electric fans and a dedicated photovoltaic panel. It provides optimal airflow and temperature for … Read more
Cooking with the Sun Solar cookers for energy sustainability
Difficult or expensive access to energy resources can be overcome by installing a solar cooker! With plenty of sun in this area, a cheap and easily built solar cooker can provide for many needs in the family and beyond. Baking, boiling water, cooking... … Read more
Biogas for Bedouin Communities Biogas as a source of energy for unrecognized Bedouin villages
There were 100,000 Bedouins in the Negev region before 1948. 1 million refugees went to Jordan, some went to Sinai, some went to the center and south of Gaza. And 15,000 were concentrated in 10% of the Negev. Now it is even less, 3.5% of the area of the Negev. Until 1953, 97% of the land was taken away for army bases, settlements, firing zones by the Israeli Government. The land was declared agriculture land where nothing can be built and Bedouin communities mostly considered illegal (53% of … Read more
Building with Natural Materials Inspirational Ideas for Building with Natural Materials
Modern building has become a sophisticated process using highly processed materials and fittings that are part of a huge global industry. Reclaiming power on a local sustainable level and respecting what our local environments can give encourages us to use natural materials from our surroundings. Built to express the local landscape and local traditions such building generally harmonises with the environment and feels a part of it. It should be noted that natural insulation materials are less … Read more
Pedal Powered Washing Machine Forget the Gym - Do the Laundry
With a little ingenuity it is possible to hook up domestic machines to a bicycle. This example will not only do the laundry but also help you to keep fit and will no doubt be a novelty to get visitors talking about sustainability. … Read more
