Author Archives: Salman Zafar

About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the CEO of BioEnergy Consult, and an international consultant, advisor and trainer with expertise in waste management, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, environment protection and resource conservation. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biogas technology, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. Salman has participated in numerous national and international conferences all over the world. He is a prolific environmental journalist, and has authored more than 300 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. In addition, he is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability through his blogs and portals. Salman can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com or salman@cleantechloops.com.

Top 5 Advantages of Blockchain Certification

  By | | , , ,
2 Comments

Blockchain technology today has spread across a wave of industries. Blockchain has gone far off its genesis and a report says that annual worldwide spending on this technology has nearly tripled since 2017. Annual spending on blockchain solutions is anticipated to reach $16 billion by 2023. Today, almost every industry, be it gaming, banking or finance are realizing blockchain applications.

blockchain-certified-professional

“Everything will be tokenized and connected by a blockchain one day.”

– Fred Ehrsam

From the perception that blockchain is meant only for banking purposes, it successfully moved to the implementation by almost every sector like:

  • messaging apps (like Telegram)
  • hedge funds (Numeral)
  • Voting (as in Follow My Vote)
  • Internet Identity and DNS (as in IBM Verify Credentials)
  • Critical Infrastructure Security (for example, blockchain-enabled keyless signature infrastructure)
  • Ride Sharing (used by Arcade City)
  • Internet advertisement
  • Crypto exchanges
  • Education and academics (as used in Learning Machine)
  • Car leasing and sales
  • Cloud storage, cloud computing, mesh networking
  • Industrial IoT, forecasting, and real estate
  • Blockchain marketing

Now it is clear that blockchain is finding its application everywhere and making a career in this field would definitely prove to be a huge success. Let us explore how taking up a Blockchain certification course can let you make a pronounced career move.

Let us now see what actually Blockchain means.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is no new term for people involved in investments, banking, or cryptocurrency.

Blockchain, which is based on peer-to-peer (P2P) topology, is a distributed ledger technology or DLT. It allows data to be stored across the globe on numerous servers that allow anyone on the network to see everyone else’s input in near real-time. This makes it difficult for any user to achieve control of the network.

Simply put, blockchain is a chain of blocks, where ‘blocks’ refers to the digital information that is stored in a public database that is ‘chain’. Blockchain was initially created to serve as a platform to support Bitcoin.

Blockchain provides businesses with the promise of transactional transparency, which gives them the ability to create secure, real-time communication networks with partners worldwide that includes supporting everything from supply chain to payment networks, or real estate, and healthcare data sharing.

Blockchain technology conserves a record of entire exchanges of data that takes place. In terms of cryptocurrency, transfer of every information is referred to as ‘transaction’, and the database where all transactional records are saved is referred to as a ‘shared ledger’. Every successful transaction is added as a ‘block’ in the ledger.

Reasons to get Blockchain Certified

The candidates who wish to make a career in the Blockchain domain can go for blockchain certifications that are offered by the blockchain council. The certifications render a thorough knowledge of core concepts of blockchain and may prove to be the pathway to a lucrative career in this domain. Getting blockchain certified makes you industry-ready by making you develop the right skills you need to be proficient in the domain.

Let us read about the reasons why you should get Blockchain certified (as stated by the Blockchain council): A census states that 50% of people use the Internet today, but only 0.5% use blockchain; this can be taken as an opportunity to move ahead and learn blockchain.

You need to:

  • Understand how blockchain technology works.
  • Learn the skills related to blockchain.
  • Collect useful resources and make their efficient use.
  • Implement your knowledge in building decentralized applications.

1. Huge demand for blockchain professionals

Blockchain is trending today, and there is a shortage of skilled professionals. You can develop the required skillset and land on to a lucrative job.

2. Excellent salary and high job prospects

Indeed.com reveals the average annual salary of a blockchain developer to be USD 92,982.  The salary increases with your experience and also, the job market is bright for blockchain enthusiasts. The roles for which companies are looking for are:

  • Cryptocurrency Developer
  • Cryptocurrency Analyst
  • Cryptocurrency Trader
  • Cryptocurrency Mining Technician
  • Systems Engineer
  • Bitcoin Full-Stack Developer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Senior Software Engineer

3. Absolute Disruption in chain

Blockchain is capable of adding significant value by improving confidence between parties and minimizing friction in the value chain. Hence, it creates many job opportunities as managers might be reassessing their value chains, and players might be estimating their future positions.

4. Industries on Blockchain

Apart from banking, almost every industry is implementing Blockchain technology today, such as energy resources, supermarkets, healthcare, cloud storage, real estate, travel and transportation, voting, and many other sectors.

Other advantages of getting blockchain certified include integration with new-age technologies, the inflection point of an era, data security and digital identity, calculated investments in cryptocurrencies and ICOs, vast infrastructure.

Bottom line

Blockchain is considered a disruptive technology which means that it is capable of bringing out drastic changes in the industry. Eventually, it has become one of the dominant technologies in the market today. The reason being that blockchain is an open-source ledger that is public. It makes transactions fraud-free, and no central authority controls it. The transactions made using blockchain are faster and reasonable.

Since blockchain is applied in almost every industry today, you can choose the industry you like and move ahead to make a career in it. You can choose from the many job roles offered by the blockchain council.

To achieve blockchain certification, it is strongly recommended that you take up a training course. There are several benefits of taking up the training course by some genuine online training provider.

Firstly, the thing that you worry about is the study material, from where to start and what to study. By taking up the course, you don’t need to care about this. Secondly, no time limitations are there and you can study anytime you wish to, and that too at your own pace. Third, you can choose from the modes of learning offered, that is, blended learning, instructor-led, or online training. All you need is to get yourself registered.

Benefits of Sourcing Energy Locally

  By | | ,
4 Comments

Numerous businesses nowadays maintain a supply chain globally. However, it is important to note that sourcing locally has numerous benefits to the company you are sourcing from as well as to you as a customer. Especially when it comes to sourcing energy, it is extremely beneficial for an individual to source energy locally. 

There was a time when the consumers of energy had no choice but to use the power supplied to their homes by the government and the generalized power suppliers. The disadvantage many individuals faced due to this was the often shortage of energy and the fluctuating voltage that was a result of long power cables and ill-maintained power lines.

However, with the power supply being localized, it is now much more efficient to receive power from a company you can trust locally and can benefit from investing in the company as well. 

energy-company

When power is sourced from a local company, you are investing in a business that operates in your area. This means that you are helping improve the local economy and increasing its economic value as well. This also means that if there is more than one electrical company providing energy to your area, you will be promoting healthy competition between the energy companies and encouraging those companies to offer you competitive pricing.

We often fail to realize how much utilities can take away from our monthly income, and by being offered a good price for electricity which you consume in your household, you are, in turn, improving your monthly budget. 

Another great benefit of sourcing energy locally is the fact that they might offer you to buy bulk energy from them or allow you to sign a contract according to the requirements of your household. Private companies often have various packages that they offer their clients, and these packages can include various amounts of electricity units that are based upon the history of consumption of the clients. These packages are often offered at a lower price than general power usage, and therefore if an individual is buying a package, they can benefit from it greatly.

However, it is important to know and predict your consumption requirements accurately as any extra power that you use apart from the package can cost you extra, or any units that go unused in your package might not be redeemable in the next cycle. 

In conclusion, sourcing energy locally can be beneficial for not only yourself but the energy provider as well as the community you reside in. It is also a good idea to conduct adequate research before investing or drawing up contracts with any company as after a contract has been made; you will become bound to the contract. Knowing your requirements and knowing that you can trust the company you are buying from are two extremely important factors. 

Concept of Zero Waste and Role of MRFs

  By | | , ,
8 Comments

Communities across the world are grappling with waste management issues. A consensus is emerging worldwide that the ultimate way to deal with waste is to eliminate it. The concept of Zero Waste encourages redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused, thereby systematically avoiding and eliminating the volume and toxicity of waste and materials.

zero-waste-MRF

The philosophy of Zero Waste strives to ensure that products are designed to be repaired, refurbished, re-manufactured and generally reused. Among key zero waste facilities are material recovery facilities, composting plants, reuse facilities, wastewater/biosolids plants etc.

Material recovery facilities (MRFs) are an essential part of a zero waste management program as it receives separates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers. The main function of the MRF is to maximize the quantity of recyclables processed, while producing materials that will generate the highest possible revenues in the market. MRFs can also process wastes into a feedstock for biological conversion through composting and anaerobic digestion.

A materials recovery facility accepts materials, whether source separated or mixed, and separates, processes and stores them for later use as raw materials for remanufacturing and reprocessing. MRFs serve as an intermediate processing step between the collection of recyclable materials from waste generators and the sale of recyclable materials to markets for use in making new products.

There are basically four components of a typical MRF: sorting, processing, storage, and load-out. Any facility design plan should accommodate all these activities which promote efficient and effective operation of a recycling program. MRFs may be publicly owned and operated, publicly owned and privately operated, or privately owned and operated.

There are two types of MRFs – dirty and clean. A dirty MRF receives mixed waste material that requires labor intense sorting activities to separate recyclables from the mixed wastes. A clean MRF accepts recyclable materials that have already been separated from the components in municipal solid waste (MSW) that are not recyclable. A clean MRF reduces the potential for material contamination.

A typical Zero Waste MRF (ZWMRF) may include three-stream waste collection infrastructure, resource recovery center, reuse/recycling, residual waste management facility and education centers.

The primary objective of all MRFs is to produce clean and pure recyclable materials so as to ensure that the commodities produced are marketable and fetch the maximum price. Since waste streams vary in composition and volume from one place to another, a MRF should be designed specifically to meet the short and long term waste management goals of that location. The real challenge for any MRF is to devise a recycling strategy whereby no residual waste stream is left behind.

The basic equipment used in MRFs are conveyors & material handling equipment to move material through the system, screening equipment to sort material by size, magnetic separation to remove ferrous metals, eddy current separation to remove non-ferrous metals, air classifiers to sort materials by density, optical sorting equipment to separate plastics or glass by material composition, and baling equipment to prepare recovered material for market. Other specialized equipment such as bag breakers, shredders and sink-float tanks can also be specified as required by application.

Innovative Hydrogen Technology: Revolutionising Water Storage and Energy Savings

  By | | , , ,
1 Comment

You might be familiar with hydrogen technology, a novel method addressing our increasing thirst for renewable energy alternatives. With each passing year, sustainable power gains more traction, stimulating the brains of researchers and scientists to innovate ways of energy production and storage with less environmental impact.

innovative hydrogen technology

Nestled within these innovations, hydrogen technology stands out, promising not just a leap into clean energy, but also a revolution in water storage and energy saving.

Buckle up for this blog post, where we’ll embark on a journey through how these exciting technologies are molding the contours of our contemporary world, all whilst preserving our dear Mother Nature.

A Deeper Understanding of Hydrogen Technology

Before we take a deep dive into the ongoing advancements, it’s pivotal to grasp what hydrogen technology fundamentally is.

Chances are, you are aware that hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on our blue orb, accounting for approximately 75% of our atmosphere by mass.

What might surprise you though, is the multifarious ways this element can be tapped – from generating clean electricity using fuel cells right to powering an eco-friendly method of transportation.

This all begins with water electrolysis – a process where electrical current disassembles water molecules into discrete oxygen and hydrogen gasses.

While some conventional methods depend on fossil fuels to manufacture hydrogen, contemporary developments aim to leverage renewable energy resources to promote greener production undertakings.

Being emission-free at the point of use (only exhaling water vapor when used in fuel cells), it isn’t hard to understand why hydrogen technologies are touted to potentially revolutionize energy supply chains globally.

Water Storage: Bigger than you Thought

By now, you might be wondering how hydrogen technology can improve water storage solutions. To understand this, let’s take a closer look at the role of hydrogen in such systems.

In conventional water storage methods, multiple factors limit the available capacity – including evaporation losses and geological constraints. The idea behind using hydrogen in these applications is that once it gets produced from water through electrolysis, it no longer has to remain stored as an independent element.

Instead of dealing with large storage structures for water like tanks and reservoirs, hydrogen can be efficiently compressed into containers or even injected into underground rock formations.

When needed again for power generation or other uses, the hydrogen undergoes another process (such as fuel cell catalytic conversion) and turns back into energy and pure water. This ingenious method thereby eliminates many problems associated with traditional water storage while still preserving the natural resource we all rely on.

Hydrogen-Powered Energy Savings: How Does it Work?

Saving energy has become more critical than ever before due to global climate change concerns and increased awareness about Earth’s finite resources.

Hydrogen technology, including fuel cells that are on sale, inherently exhibits impressive energy-saving capabilities mainly thanks to operating with efficiency rates far beyond those of combustion engines..

Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity without burning any fossil fuels – releasing only heat and water vapor as output emission.

This process results in minimal losses compared to internal combustion engines whose exhaust gasses need proper after-treatment before release, making them less efficient overall.

Moreover, since hydrogen is easily producible through renewables-driven electrolysis processes, it unlocks avenues for truly sustainable energy generation with zero greenhouse gas emissions when used alongside green-powered devices like wind turbines or solar panels. You can learn more about these processes on our home page.

Innovative Products That are on Sale Today

As the hydrogen revolution continues to gain pace, a variety of innovative products are already available on sale for consumers and industries alike.

Hydrogen-Powered Energy Savings

From hydrogen-powered vehicles like Toyota Mirai or Hyundai NEXO that promise zero emissions and sustainable transportation solutions, to stationary fuel cells employed in buildings and energy plants – there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to join the green energy movement.

Fuel cell systems are increasingly used in backup power applications while remote regions can rely on compact units such as Intelligent Energy’s 801 fuel cell system, built upon their best-in-class lightweight air-cooled architecture.

This product caters especially well to those searching for dependable off-grid power alternatives that won’t exhaust Earth’s valuable resources or contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Case Study: Power-to-Gas Project in Germany

Germany is spearheading the adoption of hydrogen technology in their national energy transition journey, famously known as Energiewende.

Taking a peek at a practical illustration of this thrilling innovation being orchestrated for grand projects, the German region of Lower Saxony inaugurated a power-to-gas plant that employs hydrogen, borne of electrolysis, for underground storage – essentially morphing renewable electricity into raw material for natural gas.

Hand in hand with local utility giant Avacon AG and technical collaborators from the Osterholz-Scharmbeck district, this multi-million-euro endeavor serves as a stellar example of how stockpiled hydrogen can meet supply demands efficiently whilst harmonizing fluctuating renewable sources such as wind turbines during periods of limited grid availability.

Conclusion

Hydrogen technology is redefining energy and water storage with cutting-edge products, presenting a sustainable power source that provides clean electricity and efficient water conservation. From Germany’s pioneering power-to-gas projects to innovative fuel cell systems for off-grid use, this technology shows great potential for global positive impact. As we strive for a greener future, adopting such advancements is crucial in preserving Earth’s resources and environmental stability.

From Heating to Plumbing: Comprehensive Home Services Explored

  By | |
4 Comments

As a homeowner who has dealt with tasks from fixing a faucet to installing a heating system or upgrading security, you know these are all part of comprehensive home services.

These maintenance, retrofitting, and installation tasks collectively ensure a home that’s healthy, safe, and comfortable.

How Much Does Plumbing Cost For A New House

Understanding Home Heating Systems

Nestled at the heart of holistic home amenities are our trusty home heating systems. They tenderly cradle your dwelling in warmth worth savoring, especially when winter’s chill seeps in.

These marvels of domestic comfort are as myriad as they are magnificent, ranging from the old-world charm of fireplaces to the sleek efficiency of modern central heating systems – ably fuelled by the forces of natural gas, oil, or electricity.

In essence, a snug haven loses a substantial slice of its cozy charm and liveability in the absence of a robust heating system – an absolute essential for weathering the winter months.

Plumbing Essentials: What Homeowners Should Know

Plumbing is another crucial home service that homeowners should comprehend. The plumbing system manages your home’s water supply and waste disposal, handling everything from the water you drink to the hot shower you relish at the end of a long day.

It’s worth your while learning about reliable online resources for your plumbing queries, such as the Fergusons Plumbing site, where you can find engaging plumbers’ blogs, DIY guidance, and e-commerce facilities.

Advancements in Modern Plumbing Technologies

Modern plumbing technologies have dramatically upgraded the standard plumbing systems found in older homes. One such example is the widespread adoption of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) in place of more traditional materials such as galvanized or copper pipes.

PEX is more adaptable, easier to install, and less prone to breakages and leaks, making it a viable choice for modern plumbing systems.

Also Read: DIY Plumbing Basics for Homeowners

Basic Home Electrical Services

Electrical services are indispensable in managed home maintenance. Your home’s electrical system powers your daily routines – from the coffee maker that kicks off your morning to the night light gently guiding you through dark corridors at night. Understanding your home’s electrical distribution system, its capacity and safety mechanisms (like circuit breakers), are fundamental.

Points to Consider Before Switching Your Electricity Supplier

Innovations in Home Electrical Systems

Advancements in technology have reinvented traditional electrical systems to be more reliable, safer, and energy-saving. Consider LED lighting, for example. It is more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs, while smart home integration lets you remotely control your home, reducing power wastage and boosting convenience.

Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance

The performance prowess of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems hinges on consistent care and upkeep. Routine inspections, thorough cleaning, and timely replacement of air filters not only stave off premature aging of your HVAC system, but also shield you from wallet-draining repairs. Above all, it’s your golden ticket to a fresher, healthier homestead.

Current Trends in HVAC Technologies

Recent years have seen some significant strides in HVAC technologies. For instance, smart thermostats enable homeowners to customize temperature settings for different zones in the house, saving energy, and enhancing comfort..

Also, HVAC systems with air purification technology have become increasingly popular due to the heightened focus on indoor air quality amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Essential Home Security Installations

Home security is an integral component of your comprehensive home service mix. Robust locks, security cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems are all tools at your disposal to create a safe living environment.

Smart Home Security Innovations

With the advent of inventive smart home technologies, household security has been catapulted into a high-tech era. As custodians of their castles, homeowners are now armed with the power to vigilantly watch over their homes from afar, receiving timely digital alerts at the slightest hint of dubious deeds.

Consider solutions like the Ring Doorbell camera, a novel innovation that endows homeowners with the ability to see their front porch visitors and have a chat, without having to be physically at home. It’s a futuristic leap in home security.

Landscape and Lawn Care Services

Landscaping and lawn care services enhance your home’s exterior appeal while creating enjoyable outdoor living spaces. From lawn mowing, gardening, tree pruning, to a full-scale landscape design, these services significantly contribute to your property value.

green-cleaning

Professional Home Cleaning and Maintenance

A professional home cleaning service is another important homeowner’s consideration. While daily housekeeping keeps your home clean, occasional deep cleaning by professionals using advanced equipment and specialized cleaning solutions ensures a refreshing, safe residential environment.

Future Predictions for Home Services Industry

The home services industry is expeditiously evolving, with technology expected to play a central role. As more homes incorporate smart tech, tasks like home cleaning, security, and maintenance may further be automated, leading to a more efficient, convenient living environment. Additionally, as consumers continue to prioritize eco-friendliness, home service providers are likely to come up with greener solutions.

Final Thoughts

Selecting holistic home services entails knowing your home’s needs and keeping pace with advancements. Informed decisions about upkeep of your heating, plumbing, electric, and security systems can elevate your lifestyle and home value. Embracing innovations maintains your home’s comfort, safety, and future-readiness. Strive to keep your home at its best, because there’s no place like home.

Transforming Waste to Energy: The Electrician’s Role

  By | | , ,
3 Comments

Let’s imagine a world where waste does not end up in landfills. Instead, a world where every piece of discarded item becomes a valuable resource that generates energy. This is not just a dream, but also a rapidly developing field of sustainable development known as waste-to-energy transformation.

The role of an electrician in this transformative process cannot be overestimated. Their skills and understanding of the underlying principles guide the successful transformation and harnessing of energy from trash.

role of electrician in WTE plant

Understanding Waste-to-Energy Conversion

Primarily, it’s crucial to understand the workings of waste-to-energy conversion. As inferred from the terminology, this process involves repurposing waste materials – spanning from household scraps to industrial residues – into electricity, heat or fuel.

The methodologies adopted entail diverse techniques, yet their core objective remains consistent: to cut down greenhouse gas emissions while concurrently producing beneficial energy.

Electrician’s Role: Critical Overview

Now let’s consider how a local electrician in Liverpool features into this equation. For starters, waste-to-energy plants require sophisticated electrical systems to manage the complex processes involved in converting waste into power—everything from initial intake to combustion or biological conversion then onto generating electricity with steam turbines or internal combustion engines.

Entities specialized in turning waste materials into renewable energy highly value the crucial hands-on skills and technical knowhow of professionals – recognizing them as key actors in ensuring that these cutting-edge facilities function effectively day in and day out.

Tech Skills Required by Electricians

In particular, electricians’ tasks often encompass installation, maintenance, inspection and repair of the electrical components these systems have. Henceforth they need professional abilities beyond average household wiring jobs like designing and implementing specialized electrical circuits supportive for high-powered industrial machinery.

Indeed, their responsibilities may also intertwine with an understanding of computer control systems provided modern waste management equipment often comes with computer-aided operation enabled.

Importance of Environmental Impact Awareness

Moreover their significant roles don’t simply halt at technicalities alone nonetheless extend towards contributing positively towards environmental conservation efforts too . Being part of this revolutionary industry can affect electricians’ perception about electrical efficiency promoting practices which consequently deliver broader societal benefits.

Hence their occupation is more than just another job; it empowers them with the capability to make measurable positive influence on the world. Each time they step on-site – armed with skills and environmental consciousness – they take an active stance against climate change.

Case Studies: Electricians’ Contributions

There have been numerous proprietary instances illustrating how these specialists helped enable sustainable practices . One such impressive example came to light within Alberta Canada; wherein local electricians partnered with Enerkem, a biofuels producer, creating one of the first full-scale municipal solid waste-to-biofuel facilities worldwide .

Similarly Denmark – prominently recognized for its dedication toward sustainability – observed its local electricians’ substantial contributions ensuring successful operations regarding Amager Bakke, Copenhagen-based hi-tech waste-to-energy plant considered a futuristic marvel that skis atop its green roof function .

Sysav–WTE-plant-Sweden

Sweden is one of the best proponents of waste-to-energy in the world

Future Prospects: Waste to Energy

Witnessing such case studies illustrates the immense possibilities latent within this promising sector. Present observations merely skim the surface, barely hinting at the vast dormant potential beneath. If you’re considering embarking on a career as an electrician, this realm can be particularly lucrative.

However, even for those already nestled in this field, taking up proactive roles to shape our upcoming sustainable future could not only solidify your position but potentially make you a trendsetter spearheading the environmental revolution.

Accelerating Green Trends: Electricians’ Spotlight

Amid the world speeding up green initiatives, electricians can shine bright like a beacon, lighting our path and accelerating progression towards waste-to-energy practices. They play a key role in catalyzing a chain of transformation, which comprehensively explores sustainable energy options while producing significantly less waste.

Their cutting-edge expertise, combined with their proactive stewardship, sets them apart as vanguards in this stimulating era of ecological evolution. The discovery and adoption of creative solutions for transforming waste have amplified their importance within our daily lives. More than ever, they’re appreciated – not merely for keeping our homes powered but also for relentlessly fuelling innovations that make significant strides towards environmental preservation.

Harnessing the Power of Waste: The Road Forward

The continuous exploration and application of waste-to-energy mechanisms demonstrate a future where conservation isn’t solely about restriction, but also about innovative utilization. And herein lies the genuine value of being actively involved in this field.

Final Thoughts

As we forge ahead into the tumultuous frontiers of the 21st century, meeting the daunting challenge of climate change head-on demands astutely leveraging every resource at our disposal. In this crucial mission, tradespeople with specialized knowledge bear gifted potential to significantly steer our progress towards a greener planet.

Electricians hold a cardinal role in this context of environmental regeneration. They bridge the gap between the burgeoning field of waste-to-energy conversion and real-life application. Beyond just technical operators, they are inadvertent harbingers of sustainability, contributing constructively to counter mounting environmental concerns.

4 Eco-Friendly Measures Your Business Could Follow

  By | | , , ,
6 Comments

In recent years, the impact of our behaviour on the environment has been brought into focus. From the plastic bag charge to Sir David Attenborough’s reporting of pollution in the world’s oceans, we’re beginning to take the necessary steps towards being more sustainable and aware of our actions on the planet.

If you’re a manager or owner of a company, you may already be making headway with reducing your carbon footprint and thinking more about waste management. Should you be looking for further ideas to help keep your company green, here are some eco-friendly measures that you could introduce in your day to day operations.

sustainable-habits-for-ecofriendly-home

Why go green?

Before we can look at ways to make your business more sustainable, it’s important to know why you’re focusing on this. First, you’ll be helping the climate. Offices tend to consume a lot of energy and the larger the office space, the more energy it consumes. By adopting energy saving and eco-friendly measures, it can be possible to reduce the carbon output of these office spaces and this can impact positively on the environment.

Google, for instance, has been carbon neutral for over a decade. In 2019, the company announced that, for the second year, it matched 100% of its energy consumption with renewable energy, offsetting its output.

That being said, it’s, indeed, possible to make your company carbon neutral while protecting the planet. Thankfully, with the help of eco-friendly organizations, your business won’t only minimize your carbon footprint, but you’ll also be empowered to maintain a sustainability plan and make better choices for the environment. So, if you want to get started, you can work with certain organizations to offset any unnecessary emissions of carbon to balance things out and keep your company green and sustainable.

Second, as a business you can save money. On average, the UK spends £29.1 billion on energy annually. By picking up some simple ideas, you could save on your energy bills and channel this money into other aspects of your business.

So, what can you do to make a difference?

1. Use sea or rail shipments

If you use international couriers to do business, now is the ideal time to rethink how you do this. Whether you’re an e-commerce business that depends on imports and exports or your clients are based around the world and regularly ship products to you, opting to have them get to you via rail or sea can cut down on air traffic pollution.

To find the couriers that specialise in this service, use a price comparison site such as Parcel2Go. This can be an easy way to whittle down your options and find the right fit for your company.

2. Add renewable tech

By introducing smart technology that can keep track of the energy your office or workspace consumes, you can see exactly how much energy is being wasted. This can then give you the numbers to aim for and help you to trial ideas to reduce your output.

eco-friendly-business-practices

Energy monitoring systems are one type of tech that can prove to be a real investment. These can show you in real time how much is being consumed.

Another renewable tech you may want to consider for your business is a solar panel system. It can be one of the most popular eco-friendly technologies designed to generate electricity for business purposes. It can be used to light up your office, and power up office appliances and even your business vehicles, while saving on energy bills and other related business expenses. Switch to e-invoicing to reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

3. Create a green ethos

By making an eco-friendly ethos part of your everyday operations, your employees will follow suit. Getting everyone into the habit of turning lights off when not in use, popping paper into the recycling bin, and ensuring that you are a paperless office are some easy and quick updates that can go a long way.

recycling-in-offices

4. Switch up your lighting

Making the switch from traditional to LED lighting is another energy efficient update. An LED bulb will use just 9 Watts, compared to a standard bulb’s 60 Watts, plus an LED bulb lasts for 23,000 hours longer than a typical bulb. When your current light bulbs run out, it’s worth making a note and adding LED ones in their place.

Which of these methods have you already introduced in your office?

Conclusion

In today’s modern world, increasing your company’s environmental outlook is important for its success. With more and more people looking for companies with green practices, you need to make your business as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible in order to stay on top of the competition. Also, by making your business greener, you can also preserve the environment and the future generation.

So, if you haven’t become a green company yet, keep the information mentioned above in mind to help you get started with the eco-friendly measures your business should follow.

What Are the Risks of the Oil and Gas Industry?

  By | | ,
2 Comments

While it’s currently necessary, there is a need to identify better alternative energy sources because of the risks of the oil and gas industry. There are risks to the environment and also to people, including workers in the industry.

The oil and gas industry is the largest source of emissions of greenhouse gases in the United States, despite being tightly regulated.

The following are things to know about the different type of human and environmental risks that come with the extraction and processing of oil.

Risks of the Oil and Gas Industry

Employee Dangers

Working in the oil industry tends to be very lucrative, and these jobs are hard to fill often. The pay is why people continue in the industry, despite the risk. Trends seem to show worsening fatality rates among workers in the industry, particularly in Texas. Texas is the largest oil-producing state in the country. There were more than 530 fatal occupational industries in Texas in 2017 related to this industry.

Since 2016, fatality rates have been increasing.

Oil production went up almost 25% in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018, which may play a role. There are more demanding deadlines for production and an increased quantity of work, which could mean more significant risks for workers.

Specific Worker Risks

There are many, but a few of the more common risks that workers in oil and gas face on the job every day include:

  • Vehicle collisions when workers and equipment are being transported to and from well sites which are often remotely located and require long-distance travel. Around 4 of every ten workers killed on the job in the industry die because of a highway vehicle accident.
  • Being stuck between moving vehicles, equipment, fall equipment and high-pressure lines leads to on-site injuries and deaths.
  • When someone works in the oil and gas industry, they are at risk of being exposed to explosions and fires because of the ignition of vapors, gases and chemicals that are highly flammable. Gases and vapors, as well as hydrogen sulfide, are released from wells, equipment and trucks.
  • Another considerable risk for workers in this industry are falls because often, employees have to access equipment and platforms that are high above the ground.
  • High-pressure lines and equipment create hazards, including the potential for compressed gas exposure.

There are around 1.2 million oil and gas production facilities across the country, ranging from active wells to processing plants. More than 12 million people live within ½ mile of these locations, and below are some risks they might face.

Community Exposure

Fossil fuel pollution is sometimes called an invisible killer because it can contribute to heart and respiratory diseases over time, which are leading causes of death.

environmental risks of oil and gas industry

Fossil fuels also leak substances into the soil and drinking water sources that can be toxic, cause cancer, birth defects and contribute to liver damage.

Research shows the industry’s impact most heavily affects minority, low-income and rural communities because they are closest to these sites and may be most exposed to toxins.

There’s also a link between volatile organic compounds and the emission of nitrogen oxide that create smog. Smog is linked to a higher risk of asthma in the young and elderly, leading to missed school and workdays and increased hospitalizations.

Behind only coal-fired power plants, oil and gas production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases in the country.

Wildlife Disruption

The extraction of oil and gas disrupts natural balance and wildlife in addition to harming humans.

Vehicle traffic, noises and movement can impact how animals breed, nest and communicate. The habitats of many species can be broken up by the introduction of fences, roads and powerlines.

When there are oil spills, these often kill large numbers of animals and create long-lasting marine ecosystem damage. For example, the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico led to oil spreading for 68,000 square miles over the sea.

That incident alone killed around one million seabirds, 1,000 sea turtles, and 5,000 marine mammals.

Even though we don’t always hear about them, there are often more minor spills. For example, in 2020, there were nearly 2,180 spills in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Finally, when the needed infrastructure for oil and gas extraction is developed, it significantly and negatively impacts wildlands. Wilderness is destroyed, and the damage can’t be reversed typically.

There are more than 12 million acres of public lands being used for the production of fossil fuels. To make this happen, vegetation has to be removed, and even when the sites are abandoned, it can take centuries for the land to recover.

The Energy Potential of Palm Kernel Shells

  By | | , ,
14 Comments

The Palm Oil industry in Southeast Asia and Africa generates large quantity of biomass wastes whose disposal is a challenging task. Palm kernel shells (or PKS) are the shell fractions left after the nut has been removed after crushing in the Palm Oil mill. Kernel shells are a fibrous material and can be easily handled in bulk directly from the product line to the end use. Large and small shell fractions are mixed with dust-like fractions and small fibres. Moisture content in kernel shells is low compared to other biomass residues with different sources suggesting values between 11% and 13%.

palm-kernel-shells

Palm kernel shells contain residues of Palm Oil, which accounts for its slightly higher heating value than average lignocellulosic biomass. Compared to other residues from the industry, it is a good quality biomass fuel with uniform size distribution, easy handling, easy crushing, and limited biological activity due to low moisture content. PKS can be readily co-fired with coal in grate fired -and fluidized bed boilers as well as cement kilns in order to diversify the fuel mix.

The primary use of palm kernel shells is as a boiler fuel supplementing the fibre which is used as primary fuel. In recent years kernel shells are sold as alternative fuel around the world. Besides selling shells in bulk, there are companies that produce fuel briquettes from shells which may include partial carbonisation of the material to improve the combustion characteristics.

As a raw material for fuel briquettes, palm shells are reported to have the same calorific characteristics as coconut shells. The relatively smaller size makes it easier to carbonise for mass production, and its resulting palm shell charcoal can be pressed into a heat efficient biomass briquette.

Palm kernel shells have been traditionally used as solid fuels for steam boilers in palm oil mills across Southeast Asia. The steam generated is used to run turbines for electricity production. These two solid fuels alone are able to generate more than enough energy to meet the energy demands of a palm oil mill. Most palm oil mills in the region are self-sufficient in terms of energy by making use of kernel shells and mesocarp fibers in cogeneration.

In recent years, the demand for palm kernel shells has increased considerably in Europe, Asia-Pacific, China etc. resulting in price close to that of coal. Nowadays, cement industries and power producers are increasingly using palm kernel shells to replace coal. In grate-fired boiler systems, fluidized-bed boiler systems and cement kilns, palm kernel shells are an excellent fuel.

Cofiring of PKS yields added value for power plants and cement kilns, because the fuel significantly reduces carbon emissions – this added value can be expressed in the form of renewable energy certificates, carbon credits, etc. However, there is a great scope for introduction of high-efficiency cogeneration systems in the industry which will result in substantial supply of excess power to the public grid and supply of surplus PKS to other nations. Palm kernel shell is already extensively in demand domestically by local industries for meeting process heating requirements, thus creating supply shortages in the market.

Palm oil mills around the world may seize an opportunity to supply electricity for its surrounding plantation areas using palm kernel shells, empty fruit branches and palm oil mill effluent which have not been fully exploited yet. This new business will be beneficial for all parties, increase the profitability and sustainability for palm oil industry, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the electrification ratio in surrounding plantation regions.

7 Best Reasons Why Composite Decking is Becoming Popular

  By | | ,
2 Comments

Since it arrived in the market, composite decking has become popular. Homeowners who are not aware of composite decking before are now beginning to purchase it. Composite boards have now gained more popularity compared to wood decking. What are the reasons composite decking is becoming popular?

Why Composite Decking is Becoming Popular

Composite decking is becoming popular for a lot of reasons. To know the reasons behind these, let’s consider some of its benefits.

Why Composite Decking is Becoming Popular

1. Composite decking is cost-effective

Composite decking is a cost-effective flooring material. It is one of the reasons why composite decking is becoming popular. The amount you use to purchase a composite board is worth it because of its benefits. More importantly, composite boards are also easy to maintain.

If you use composite decking to build a deck, you will spend less on maintaining your deck. Composite board is not like wood that is cheaper but will require a huge amount for maintenance. Maintaining a wood decking is thrice the amount you will spend in purchasing composite decking. Homeowners who are aware of these prefer to purchase composite boards instead.

2. It is aesthetically pleasing

Installing composite decking in your outdoor space will make your home beautiful. The board is available in lighter and darker colours that you can choose. Some homeowners even install different board colours and solar decking lights to create a beautiful focal point in their outdoor space.

A good thing about composite boards is that they don’t fade. It has protection on its outer layer that prevents ultraviolet rays from fading its colour. If you use composite decking to build a deck, the deck will remain beautiful for a long time.

3. Composite decking adds value

Composite decking can also add value to a home. It is a reason why composite decking is becoming popular. Homeowners who want to make their homes luxurious are now installing wood-plastic decking in the outdoor space.

Additionally, homeowners who want a high ROI on their property can build a deck with composite boards. When potential buyers see how beautiful your property is with composite decking, they will be willing to purchase your home at your price.

4. It is durable

Another reason why composite decking is becoming popular is that it is highly durable. It is more durable than timber and plastic decking. Every homeowner will want a strong flooring material that will last longer. No wonder composite decking is becoming popular.

Many people have started using composite boards to build a deck in their garden, knowing that it’s highly durable. A composite deck will not get damaged if there are a lot of people on it. It is a durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Also, composite decking will not wear or tear since it is durable.

5. Composite decking will last longer

Composite board is a material that has a longer warranty. If you install it in your outdoor space, the decking will last for decades. You can use a composite deck for as long as 25 to 30 years, depending on your purchase brand. Composite decking is not like other flooring materials like timber that can only last for a short period. Since wood-plastic decking has a longer lifespan than other decking materials, it is now increasingly popular as the best wood for decks.

green-deck

6. It is easy to maintain

Furthermore, composite decking is becoming popular since it is not difficult to maintain. It does not need painting since the decking colour can not fade. Also, you don’t have to bother about sanding or staining a composite decking. Apart from that, composite decking does not need the application of sealers to make it last longer. Regular cleaning of the decking is all that is required to make your composite board look great.

7. Composite decking is resistant to the elements

Composite decking is also resistant to the elements. It is resistant to water or moisture. Wood-plastic boards are also resistant to rot. Apart from that, it is also resistant to termites. Termites will not be able to damage a wood-plastic decking.

Conclusion

The reason why composite decking is becoming popular is that it is durable and long-lasting. Besides that, composite is beautiful and will add value to your property.