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Termite and ventilation system

Patrick Aryee

May 20, 2019 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Zimbabwe, Harare

Buildings with permeable surfaces increase energy efficiency, mimicking natural structures. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Eastgate Centre employs methods borrowed from termite mound construction to efficiently regulate the building's temperature. By employing insights that scientists had gained by studying the airflow in termite mounds, the Centre’s architects used materials with a high thermal mass, increased surface area, and maximized ventilation.

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Santa Fe looks to expand rebates for water-saving efforts

Robert Nott

May 18, 2019 |

The Santa Fe New Mexican |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Santa Fe, New Mexico

In Sante Fe, residents can get a rebate on their water bill for installing environmentally-friendly appliances. The program recently expanded to commercial businesses, and the city is being strategic in incentivizing hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to use the program. Water saved will help local projects such as construction of affordable housing.

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Dairy Alternatives: Converting Cattle Methane Into Renewable Energy

Raisa Scriabine

May 16, 2019 |

KCET-TV |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pixley, California

After California passed new regulations mandating that the dairy industry needs to mitigate the amount of methane emissions produced from cows, some farms like Airoso Dairy are adopting new technologies to do the job. The farm works with energy companies to use a digester that converts the cow’s manure into biofuel. While the initial investment in the technology can be expensive, this conversion of fuel has also added a new revenue stream for the farm.

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Lessons Learned From California's Pioneering Microgrids

Justin Gerdes

May 13, 2019 |

Green Tech Media |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Years after the California Energy Commission funded and launched demonstration microgrids, they’re seeing results. These microgrids, which are localized energy sources that can work independently from large electric grids, were fairly costly, but have shown demonstrable success in lowering utility bills and delivering low-carbon power. As the Commission moves forward with this effort, they hope to continue to learn by doing and improving their processes.

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India has a big trash problem. TrashBot is trying to help.

Rishika Pardikar

May 09, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru

Separating mixed waste efficiently with technology can help where waste segregation policies are lacking. In Bangalore, India, a machine called Trashbot sorts mixed waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. Properly recycled waste can then be sold, avoiding landfills.

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Generating energy from trash in Sarasota

Andrea Thrower Pia Jasinski Yamile Escobar

May 07, 2019 |

Changing Florida |

Multi-Media |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Sarasota, Florida

Methane emissions from landfills in five Florida counties are being captured and turned into electrical power. Pipes collect the methane gas emitted by the trash and Aria Energy covers that greenhouse gas into electricity for up to 2,500 homes.

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Cooled By Controversy In The U.S., Trash Incinerators Are Firing Up In Europe

Peter O'Dowd Jack Mitchell

May 03, 2019 |

WBUR |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

A new trash incinerator in Copenhagen, Denmark, is cleaner, more efficient, and more effective than incinerators of the past. Once considered controversial, burning trash is now proving to be an innovative solution to tackling waste. Trash is burned to provide heat for the city instead of ending up in landfills where it produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

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Militaries go green, rethink operations in face of climate change

Linda Givetash

April 27, 2019 |

NBC News |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

As climate change intensifies, militaries around the world have start adopting new equipment, practices, and processes. The United States has developed the International Military Council on Climate and Security, intended to better understand how the effects of climate change can and do fuel conflict. Globally, NATO members are testing new equipment, like diesel-solar powered systems, to increase their efficiency and reduce their fuel consumption.

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Biogas saves money at wastewater treatment plant

Olivia Fecteau

April 26, 2019 |

WEWS-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Medina, Ohio

Turning sewage sludge into usable biogas helps make wastewater treatment more efficient. A water treatment plant in the city of Medina, Ohio, produces net energy from sludge. The plant uses anaerobic bacteria and a thermal hydrolysis process to convert wastewater and sludge into usable byproducts, like biogas.

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Can rice husk briquettes stem the tide of mangrove deforestation in Myanmar?

Wudan Yan

April 23, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Myanmar, Kyaiklat

Recycled waste from rice mills offers an alternative to mangrove forests as a fuel source. In the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar, rice mills are beginning to use their byproducts to create rice-husk briquettes. The logs, made from byproducts previously discarded by rice mills, provide a fuel source for individuals and other businesses that traditionally rely on charcoal. Using recycled rice husks reduces waste and offers a way to alleviate the exploitation of mangrove forests, which act as a vital natural barrier against cyclones.

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