Monthly Archives: May 2022

Why Businesses Need to Reduce Their Carbon Output?

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According to a recent Nielsen study, 81 percent of consumers feel strongly that businesses should be taking measures to reduce their impact on the environment. This passion is shared across generations, and it’s safe to say that businesses that have little regard for their corporate social responsibility are significantly less desirable to consumers.

Despite this, a 2018 survey by Carbon Credentials found that only 10 percent of UK businesses had strategies in place to cut carbon emissions. Of those that did, none had a set science-based target in their carbon reduction plan. We know that climate change will devastate the economy and drastically increase the cost of doing business. That’s not even mentioning how it will impact resource scarcity and the global population as a whole.

At the same time, businesses that take the initiative to reduce their carbon footprint can look forward to many more immediate benefits. Here’s why your business needs to conduct a full carbon audit to reduce its carbon output and do to highlight climate action in the sustainability reports.

Cost Savings

Naturally, your expenses go down with your resource usage. From using more efficient equipment to streamlining your transportation operations to recycling office supplies, there are countless measures every business can take to make this happen. Within the first month, you’ll have more money to allocate towards growth – instead of utility bills.

Regulatory and Tax Compliance

Year-on-year, laws are passed to penalise businesses that don’t make an effort to reduce their impact on the environment and reward those that do. In the UK, this includes the Climate Change Levy, the EU Emissions Trading System and capital allowances on energy-efficient equipment, among other schemes.

Public Image

A 2015 Nielsen study of 30,000 consumers found that 66 percent of them would pay more for sustainably manufactured products. Among millennials, that portion increases to 77 percent. Gen Z is known to be even more conscious in this regard. The more your business cares, the more your customers will care about your business.

Employee Morale

In a similar light, going green fosters positive feelings from your employees as well. This has many benefits. For one, your staff will be more productive and motivated to achieve if they know they’re working for a good cause. Additionally, turnover will be reduced as employees will be less compelled to leave a work community that cares.

The Bigger Picture

This should go without saying, but reducing your company’s environmental impact has lasting benefits for your community and the economy as a whole. The likelihood of your long-term success and prosperity is far greater if the environment is in better shape.

What You Can Do

The list of measures your business can take to become more environmentally conscious is quite frankly endless. Get started by taking a look at this post on Utility Bidder, an energy supplier comparison website, about some simple ways that businesses can reduce their carbon output. The internet serves as a wealth of information on this topic.

Implementing greener practises is extremely beneficial to your business and more often than not, it is a dead-simple process. Getting started today will help you reap the benefits and reach your business goals sooner.

Why Stop/Start Technology Saves Fuel?

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If you have recently purchased a new vehicle that features stop/start technology, you might be wondering how exactly it can save you fuel?

In the past, many people were under the impression that switching your car off and starting it again while at a red light would use more fuel than letting it idle. This is actually not the case, and stop/start technology can make this process easier for you.

Read on to figure out just how this process actually works and why it can save you a lot of money on fuel.

Why Stop/Start Technology Saves Fuel

How much fuel does stop/start technology actually save you?

Many new vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 are fitted with stop/start technology, so there is clearly a reason for it; otherwise, manufacturers would not fit it into their newest vehicles.

Stop/start technology can actually save you a lot more fuel than you think if you regularly drive in the city or in heavy traffic. A recent study noted that using start/stop technology in heavy traffic can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle by up to 8 per cent.

While this may not sound like a lot on paper, these numbers begin to add up over time, which means you could save yourself a lot of money on fuel in the long run if you use a car with this feature.

How does stop/start technology work?

Automatic stop/start technology works in a very simple manner. When you come to a complete stop in your vehicle, the engine automatically shuts off to stop your vehicle from using any fuel and letting out harmful emissions.

This technology was previously only implemented in extremely fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids, but has since become standard fare, as stop/start technology has made its way into nearly every new vehicle on the market due to how effective it can be at saving fuel.

How is stop/start different from me switching my car off manually?

In practice, you may think that you might be able to achieve the same effect in a vehicle that is not fitted with stop/start technology by switching it on and off manually, but, unfortunately, this is not the case.

If you don’t have this technology, it is not a good idea to switch your car on and off when you are in heavy traffic or driving in the city. This could possibly damage your starter motor and leave you with a hefty repair bill!

What changes do manufacturers make to vehicles to allow this technology to work efficiently?

Vehicles fitted with stop/start technology have sturdier starter motors in order to deal with being used more frequently. These vehicles are also generally fitted with crankshafts and rod bearings covered in a special coating in order for them to be able to handle more frequent restarts.

Electric pumps are needed to circulate coolant and keep a consistent level of hydraulic pressure in the transmission as the engine will be off. This will help to cool the engine despite it being off at the time.

Vehicles with stop/start technology also have to have their electrical systems laid out differently to vehicles without it, as; otherwise, your radio, air-conditioning system, and lights would switch off every time your car’s engine did!

Will stop/start technology have a long-term impact on a car’s engine?

While you may think that frequently turning your engine on and off can damage it or shorten its life span, this is not actually the case.

There are many situations in a traffic jam where you may come to a stop for a second before having to move forward again unexpectedly. While this would normally affect a vehicle using stop/start technology, many manufacturers have developed a workaround.

Many manufacturers fit their vehicles with a tandem solenoid battery, which allows this process to happen seamlessly without damaging your car.

This works by one of the solenoids engaging the starter motor, so it can equal the speed of your engine and avoid damaging it, while the other engages the gear that the driver selects.

When is stop/start technology most effective?

While stop/start technology has already been proven to save motorists fuel when they are driving in the city or in heavy traffic situations, it can be less effective in certain conditions.

If a motorist with this technology drives with their air-conditioning on in their car, it can reduce the amount of fuel that stop/start technology can save you quite substantially.

Tesla Model X: The Electrical Car That Will Change The World

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Cars have changed a tremendous amount in recent years and are providing driving experiences that are unlike anything anyone has ever imagined.

Electric cars are now available and what an exciting time for the automotive industry. Lease Loco has your curiosity covered with these vehicles.

You can get an electric car lease just by the click of a button on the Lease Loco comparison site.

Reasons to lease an electric car

Reasons to lease an electric car

The electrical car already sounds otherworldly and because they are a quite recent invention they are extremely expensive to own. Particularly the Tesla Model X.

What better way to feed your curiosity than by leasing an electrical car. The biggest and most important factor here is that you are not obliged to own the vehicle.

Leasing allows you to have the drive the vehicle for a short period of time. Once the lease period is over you return the car and that is that. Leasing is the perfect opportunity to test drive the car. Test its features, its comfortability and perhaps at the end of the period you will decide on whether it is worth owning or not.

How does Tesla Model X work?

The simple answer to this is that instead of using an internal combustion engine like most cars, the Tesla X uses an electrical motor.

This means that it does not run on petrol but instead electricity. The Tesla X has a built-in battery that needs to be charged.

It has the latest ion-battery technology that is connected to either a single-electric motor or a double-electric motor that either power the rear wheels or all four of the alloy wheels.

The brakes of the Tesla regain energy as the car slows which ultimately charges the battery while driving. These brakes also give power to all of the mechanical systems of Tesla.

Tesla does not have multiple gears in the transmission. This is because the electrical motor already offers maximum torque at the start which means it only needs one gear to get acceleration and top speed.

The batteries are made to last very much longer than an internal combustion engine and are practically maintenance-free. They charge quite quickly and batteries in Australia should have a warranty for up to eight years.

What you need to know about the Tesla X

The Tesla X is described as quick and high-tech. It is an expensive but interesting and very unique vehicle.

It comes with a double electric motor which gives off 670 horsepower as well as has an all-wheel drive. It has an upgraded version called the Plaid with a triple electrical motor that gives off 1 020 horsepower. There will be a mega motor version that will be released later in 2022.

It is spacious and can the second row can even be ordered with captain chairs. It of course boasts cool infotainment that has a green screen across the dashboard for all of its features. It also has a very interesting rectangular-shaped steering wheel.

It has a range of up to 363 to 351 miles per charge. It costs around $116 440 in Australia which is quite expensive for a vehicle.

The Tesla X comes with two electrical motors, situated at the front of the axle and one at the rear. This enables all-wheel drive.

The Tesla X can reach an impressive speed and can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Charging and its battery life

The Tesla X battery can cover a range of 351 miles. Charging does not take long, with charges available throughout Australia. You are even able to charge it at home with a 240V or 120V connection, which may be slower but they will get the job done. You would have to purchase these at home chargers from Tesla at an additional cost.

Driving Assist

The most exciting feature about Tesla is that it has autopilot. It has a semi-autonomous driving mode which allows you to be on the road, driving with no hands on the steering wheel or feet on the pedals.

It uses multiple cameras, multiple sensors and radars to stay on course as well as to detect objects, people and other vehicles.

It has a touchscreen infotainment system that takes over the dashboard and is equipped to control almost all of the Tesla X’s features and settings.

How to Protect Your New Tesla?

If you’re lucky enough to have just purchased a Tesla Model X, you’ll want to take steps to protect your investment. The best way to do this is with a Tesla Model X Cover. A car cover will help to keep your Tesla clean and free of scratches, while also protecting it from the elements. In addition, a Tesla Model X car cover can also help to deter thieves, as it makes it more difficult for them to access the vehicle. With so much money invested in your Tesla, it’s important to take every precaution to protect it.

Conclusion

Leasing a vehicle like the Tesla X is a good way to test out all of its fun gadgets and cool features. Visit the Lease Loco site for deals on an electric car lease.

Best Ways To Reduce Waste

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We deal with waste every day and its becoming problematic. It is our responsibility to become aware of our own personal impact to the environment. Even if we hire a good rubbish clearance company to remove our waste, still is our duty to think about the consequences and to try following some good methods and produce less waste.

top ways to reduce waste

1. Reuse clothes for cleaning clothes

Some of our old clothes can be usable. So instead of throwing them away, you can reuse them as cleaning rags to wipe up messes and clean surfaces. You can use them all the time, after cleaning, toss them in the laundry and they can be used again.

2. Try buying unpacked food

Fresh fruits and veggies are normally obtainable unpacked in the produce section, and you can also buy package-free products in grocery stores. You can also bring your own reusable bags or containers, to purchase and avoid plastic bags. Most food these days is wrapped in plastic.

sustainability-food-supply-chain

Plastic bags need to be a thing of the past, so instead of using keep in mind to bring your own bag. Cotton bags are perfect for loose fruit and veggies. Don’t be nervous to say no to single use plastic. Click here for some simple ways to avoid plastic.

3. Shop local

Local markets habitually use a lot less plastic to cover their foods. So try planning your daily shop to visit the local farmer’s market before heading to the supermarket. It’s a great way to reduce waste, as well as experience a sense of community from shopping locally.

4. Avoid single-use items

Try avoiding items single-use items. Instead replace them with reusable, or multi-purpose options, simply by saying no.

5. No straws

Avoid that extra plastic and try saying no to straws when you drink. When ordering a drink, respectfully ask for no straw. Adults, don’t really need to drink their drinks through straws. One-use straws suck. Try teaching your kids to drink without a straw. And If you don’t want to give up straws totally, you can try and use a reusable straw instead.

reusable-straw

Many manufacturers are replacing plastic drinking straws with titanium.

6. Recycle

There are numerous people out there still not recycling. Make sure you’re recycling everything at home, as well as taking that extra effort to make sure items that aren’t collected from your home are taken to recycle at your local dump.

Recycling keeps things out of the landfill with the purpose to transform used materials into new products that can be used again. Recycling right means keeping material out of the landfill, and also decreasing uncleanness in the recycling stream.

7. Stop buying unnecessary items

How to reduce waste? Simply stop buying that much stuff. When you buy new things, you don’t do anything but increase the amount of waste. Just try to buy what you need, and also appreciate what you already have.

8. Repair your old items

Before you buy something new to replace that item that has cracked, see if you can fix it. Do whatever you can do to repair it, and don’t get sucked into this throwaway culture.

4 Simple Furnace Repair Tips

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Experienced HVAC repair technicians perform furnace repair and maintenance services. They have years of experience repairing high-end furnaces, including both wood-and hybrid models. Whether you’re having trouble with your boiler or other heating device, it’s best to contact an experienced technician. They will be able to diagnose the issue, offer the most effective solution, and fix your furnace in less time than it would take you to replace it. With trained furnace repair professionals by your side, you can feel confident that they will do their best to make your heating unit run as efficiently as possible.

furnace-repair-professionals

There are several things to look out for when trying to repair your heating system. Here are the simple tips for furnace repair:

1. Proper Certifications

One of the first steps is making sure the technician has the proper certifications. In order to qualify, he must fulfill HVAC National Board Certified Qualifying Board (HVAC NSB) qualifications. As part of being certified, he must also complete a comprehensive heat installation training program and pass the state exam. When checking out prospective technicians, make sure to ask what certifications they hold and how long they’ve been doing this type of work.

2. The Right Equipment

Next, it’s important to check out the technician’s equipment. Since many HVAC services perform work using heaters, it’s important to find out what kind of equipment they’re using. Ask to see their gas tank to see if the gas is topped off. If so, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours while the technician tops off the gas. Leaving the gas in for too long can cause serious problems like leaks and possibly explosions. If you notice signs of wear or damage on the heating equipment, contact the gas company immediately.

If the furnace repair is running but not producing enough heat, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, turn the power to the furnace on and check to make sure it’s actually functioning. If it’s not, then the next step is to open the furnace door safety switch. This is located directly above the furnace itself. You’ll need to unscrew the two screws that are holding it in place and pull the safety switch straight down. It’s important to note that this step doesn’t require any tools and will allow you to safely open the door.

3. Check the Filters

Next, if you find that the furnace filters are clogged, these are the repairs you’ll need to do. Remove the filter from the furnace and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If it appears to be damaged or dirty, you may need to purchase new filters. If not, simply replace the ones you’ve removed and wipe the rest of them clean with another cloth.

4. Cool off the Blower

For the last step in furnace blower repairs, you’ll need to remove the blower and place it in an open space to allow it to cool off completely. This step is particularly important if your heating system hasn’t been running for a while and you’re afraid of overheating it again. Once the blower has cooled down completely, it can be removed from the system. Again, you’ll need to perform all of these steps one at a time in order to ensure you don’t skip any of the necessary parts.

5. Tackling Gas Leaks

One more furnace repair tip involves cleaning and repairing gas leaks and defective heat exchangers. These are especially common in older heat and air-conditioning equipment, often resulting from poorly maintained duct work and outdated insulation. Blocked ducts allow cold air to freely enter the furnace room, which then warms up the interior of the room. Warm air can create a drafty environment inside the house, causing expensive energy bills to go through the roof.

Blocked ducts are also known to cause hot spots, especially in areas where there’s not enough duct work in the house. These hot spots will typically show up as small bluish-green stains in ceilings, walls, doors, and windows.

To fix hot spots and prevent drafty drafts, you can perform a filter change on your furnaces. It’s important to note that filters should only be changed with a qualified technician, as filters can be dangerous if changed by an untrained consumer. Filters should be replaced every three to six months, depending on the size of the filter, but they should always be replaced before they become blocked with dust or grime. Furnace repair professionals can perform the proper filter change for your furnaces and can guarantee that the process is done right.

Solar Panels – The Advantages and Disadvantages for Homeowners

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Solar panels are seeing a huge surge in uptake, with around a million roofs of UK homes now being adorned with them. One of the main reasons for this surge is the interest in renewable energy and climate change. Before you decide to go solar, take time to check out the main advantages and disadvantages as discussed below.

energy efficient technologies

The Advantages of Solar Panels

There is no doubt that one of the biggest advantages of solar panels is the potential to save money on your energy bills, something that is highly attractive when consider alongside the increased cost of living. According to the Energy Saving Trust, most solar panel owners can make savings of between £250 to £600 a year, location-dependent, and will be able to sell any unused energy back to the grid for other users.

Another potential advantage is the ability to sell any unused energy back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The SEG allows suppliers to buy any unused energy direct from solar panel owners in return for a cash payment. This not only helps your finances but also supports the demand for renewable energy and lower carbon footprints.

Finally, the other main benefit of installing solar panels is that it is a no-fuss solution that will not need excessive maintenance, nor will it make any noise when they are in use. Plus, most installers offer a 25-year guarantee on all the panels in case of any issues.

The Disadvantages of Solar Panels

Despite offering so many benefits, there are disadvantages that you will need to consider before forging ahead with solar panel installation. The first one is the initial cost of the system that you will need to invest in to get your solar panels up and running. Most homes can expect to pay over £6500 for solar panels even with the ongoing drop in prices as they become more popular.

Next, you will need to be realistic about the amount of energy your solar panels will create with the British weather. Solar panels are always going to work better on bright sunny days, meaning that your production will slow on cloudy days and through the winter and produce less energy for you to send back to the grid.

solar energy diy

Finally, solar panels are not suitable for every home, and you may find that your roof does not face the right way or have the right angle to accommodate the panels. Even if you do have the right roof, your solar panels will take up lots of space, so you will need to work out if your roof is big enough to offer the supply that you need.

Solar Panels – a Summary

Getting to grips with all the pros and cons can be daunting, so we have summarised them below for quick reference:

Pros Cons
Offers a genuine saving on energy bills Takes a long time to make any money back
Reduce your carbon footprint Can be expensive to install
Simple to maintain Hard to move once installed
Range of financial support options Weather can reduce performance
Several types of panels to choose between Can look unattractive
Make cash from the energy you do not use Needs lots of space
Noiseless once installed Not suitable for all roofs

If you are keen to proceed with solar panel installation, then take the time to search for the best deals and check out all the financial support packages that may be open to you as this will help you get the best return on your investment for years to come.

What Type Of Bath Should You Choose For Your Bathroom?

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Bathrooms are one of the most used yet the least appreciated rooms in our homes. Investing in your bathroom can be very confusing. You may not know where to start, you may not know how much you need to spend.  For a quality bathroom, you will have to pay a higher price but sinking so much money for the loo makes you wonder, is it worth investing? After all, the bathroom needs to be functional, not fanciful. And you would rather spend your money on something that you can get excited about but you don’t have to remodel your bathroom. You can start slow and invest in a new bath.

A new bath will not only give your bathroom a fresh new look but it will also make your bathing ritual more relaxing and soothing. Bath can change the overall look of your bathroom so you need to carefully choose the style, shape, and material of the bath. However, a small bathroom can limit your options. And if you have a large space, you can take your pick from a wide range of options.

bathroom-shower

Now, let’s talk about the functionality of the bath. Many people like to have jets for a spa-like feel while other people prefer the usual claw foot bath to suit their traditional style. One of the main considerations is the functionality of the bath. A bath can be made of acrylic or steel. While acrylic baths are more economical, steel baths are more expensive to buy. Steel baths have heat retaining properties that people living in colder climates prefer. The kind of bath you buy depends on how you like your bath and what you want from it.

Different Types Of Baths

1. Single Ended Baths

Single-ended baths have the drainage and overflow position located at one corner rather than in the middle of the bath. One side of the single-ended bath a slope, whereas the other side is steep and has waste holes, it is ideally suited for showering as you can get close to the wall.

2. Double-Ended Baths

Double-ended baths have their wastes and taps located in the center, allowing you to bathe on either side. They are more symmetrical and can fit beautifully into the aesthetic of your bathroom. It is ideal for use by two people or it can be used by just one person who loves extra space and enjoys a long soak in the bath alone.

3. Shower Baths

Shower baths are ideal for small bathrooms. They are great for a relaxing soak in the tub as well as a quick shower. Some shower baths come with an integrated shelf, it saves water and you can also keep your bathing essentials on it.

If you don’t know where to buy the best baths, let us help you out. You can find some classy baths at Victoria Plumbing. All you have to do is check their website, place your order and wait for it to arrive.

Which Bath Is Right For You?

You should first measure your bathroom and figure out how much wall space you have to install a bath, and don’t forget the space you would need around the bath for other fittings. Choose a bath you can easily accommodate, you don’t want your bathroom to look crowded ad cramped.

Indoor Farming: The New Future of the Agricultural Sector

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The population is growing at an alarming rate, the global population is anticipated to reach a mark of 9.7 billion by the end of 2050, and with this, food production also needs to increase by 70% to feed the entire human growth.

The overall food shortage is a challenge to be met along with the rising temperatures and global warming being impactful, indoor farming is the new future since various obstacles are making the usual methods of farming quite unpredictable and inefficient.

indoor farming systems

Modern agriculture needs to adapt to the growing technology and start using less water and chemicals in order to be more sustainable and invulnerable to the changes in the environment. The growing conditions become much more manageable when farming is done indoors with more protection and smart greenhouse application in the indoor environments.

Indoor farming has various advantages over conventional farming, crops grown indoors are possibly in a controllable climatic growth throughout the year, and pests can also be controlled along with water usage. Also, indoor farming yields more food per acre when compared to traditional farming. Undoubtedly, it has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demands of the world’s population.

Indoor farming in the world in 2016 was valued at 23.75 billion dollars and is expected to rise up to 40.25 billion dollars by the year 2022. The crops from indoor farming usually grow in three dimensions and are open to growing throughout the year irrespective of weather conditions. For instance, an indoor farm yields production similar to 2 to 3 outdoor farms of around 300 acres, this product, however, is a result of growing crops optimally at 90 degrees and also using artificial intelligence to ensure an optimized environment for the plants blended with stable day and night temperatures.

Vertical Farming

The growing trends hint at population rise, climatic changes, decrease in water supply, urbanization, and continuing global warming. All these factors are a contributing source to the decline in stocks of land per person. Land resources are on a major decline and policymakers are facing tremendous difficulty in confronting the ordeals of sustainability and feeding the expanding population. Vertical farming is the ideal solution to enhancing food production for future generations.

This method of vertical farming aims to enhance the yields of fresh fruits and vegetables with an objective to considerably bring a decrease in the environmental footprint of the world’s cultivation. Indoor farming gives access to a clean and entirely green source of food with riddance from problems of biosecurity, pests, droughts, reduced depletion of fossil fuels, and reduced transportation costs.

Vertical farming does not depend on sunlight and soil availability, they use a solution including nutrients for their proper growth. The roots are soaked in this nutrient solution and are checked on a time to ensure nutrient requirement. The plants in vertical farming derive lights from LEDs and not directly from sunlight, this reduces the risk of crop failure and maintains consistency in farming throughout the year. Techniques like hydroponics are making the consumption of waterways less than that used in traditional farming, taking a generous step toward a better future.

Final Words

According to Tobias Peggs, indoor farming systems are living biosystems constantly adapting to make optimal climatic growth for the crops, and climatic changes affect the crops’ taste and texture. Indoor farming helps one adapt to a warming planet and also assists in slowing down the climatic imbalance by being sustainable, producing minimal emissions, and using less water.

The future is secured and enhanced with these indoor farming mechanics, they follow certain strategies which are far better than conventional farming because AI is being used to make things sustainable and ever-growing.

How Solar Roofs Can Minimize The Urban Heat Island Effect?

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As cities grow, open spaces, trees and other greenery, and other naturally occurring surfaces diminish, replaced by concrete and asphalt surfaces. When this happens, the heat absorbed by these surfaces has nowhere to go, and so is radiated and reflected into the immediate surrounding areas. This creates an urban heat island.

This leads to an increase in heat in the immediately surrounding areas, making temperatures a few degrees hotter than the actual weather. This causes discomfort to residents of the area and can also incur damage in the form of heat-damaged structures.

There is also a human cost associated with urban heat islands. Heat-related medical emergencies such as heat stroke become more prevalent in such areas as the heat can go up to dangerous levels. The EPA has taken stock of this phenomenon and is now advising cities to take steps to mitigate it. One such way is the use of solar roofs as a means of making cities cooler and more comfortable to live in.

How does solar minimize this effect?

Cool Roof Strategy

A cool roof strategy is a one that seeks to use heat absorbing and/or dissipating roofing materials and technologies. Typical roofs use materials that either reflect or absorb and radiate back heat thus significantly reducing the urban heat island effect. Conversely, cool roofs, like solar, can help absorb sun rays and convert them into beneficial energy.

Solar excels at this because of the way the cells are designed and organized to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. Solar roofs are also designed to trap this heat rather than radiate it back into the environment, something that can help reduce the amount of secondary heat being released into the environment.

Reduced Construction

When solar roofs are implemented, there is usually a reduced need to construct structures that support the traditional electric grid. Such a scenario can play out in several ways. If a new estate is being built with nothing but solar power, there is a possibility that some open spaces can be retained as fallow ground in places where utility implements would have been installed.

While the gains at this level would be marginal, implementation of this strategy across several thousand estates can help move the needle in reducing the urban heat island effect.

Combination Approach

This approach offers the greatest promise of reducing heat in urban settings. By combining the cool roof strategy with other strategies like green roofing, planting more trees and vegetation and small parks, cool paving and general smart city growth, a lot of ground can be covered.

Planting more trees and vegetation will go a long way in reducing heat in urban settings.

All these strategies have one thing in common in that they all absorb and dissipate heat in an efficient and sustainable manner. The EPA recommends these measures, among others, to cities grappling with the urban heat island effect or anticipating it as open spaces and greenery levels go down.

Many cities have a high incentive to deal with this issue because of its effect on residents and visitors to the area. If street-level temperatures are unbearable, it is possible that tourists and potential new residents may shy away from the area in favor of other cooler and sustainable cities.

Electrical Waste Collection Strategies in the UK

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When disposing of small electrical items from the home, most householders only have the option of visiting their local recycling facility to drop them off. However, in order to meet recycling targets, local authorities in the UK are now considering kerbside (or curbside) collections of small domestic appliances. This is expected to help prevent small electrical items being placed into the general waste/refuse containers from households.

electrical-waste-uk

This waste stream has become a priority as figures show that the average amount of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) recycled per person is only 1.3kg. The original WEEE directive targeted 4kg per person, as a recycling rate, so there is a considerable shortfall. It is important that householders find it easy to recycle their items in order to increase the rates.

Initial trials have taken place to assess the viability of these kerbside collections and the following conclusions were made:

  • On collections, small electrical items were often damaged, so the reuse of items was less likely.
  • Levels of recycling were encouraging at 140 grams per household.
  • The monetary value of the separated materials of the small items showed that a positive net value could be achieved.

Whilst the potential reuse of small electrical items was reduced it was a positive that local authorities could generate revenues from the collections. Quarterly or bi-annual collection frequencies would ensure volumes of equipment on the collections were maximised. Due to the success of the trials, the UK is likely to see more and more local authorities adopt some form of collection schedule for small electrical waste items.

An old refrigerator uses almost four times the electricity of a new one

Larger electrical items such as washing machines and fridge freezers pose a different collection issue. Some local authorities offer a collection service for bulky electrical items, however due to their size, weight and manpower requirements there is often a charge. As with smaller electrical items, you can deliver these to the local recycling facility, but you may not be able to fit these into your own vehicle. It is best to check with the local recycling facility on the options available and possibly even if they allow large, commercial sized vehicles onto site.

The collection of electrical wastes from households in the UK will ultimately increase the amount of electrical waste being recycled in the UK. It will also further promote the recycling of such items instead of placing them into general waste containers. Going forward it is hoped that more local authorities will adopt a collection schedule even if only bi-annually from their local householders.