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.

Scuba Diving Suits – How Do They Keep Divers Warm?

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Scuba diving is one of the most interesting and fun activities you can do, but it’s not something you can’t try if you don’t have the proper equipment for it. You need a decent scuba diving gear package that includes a wetsuit or dry suit and gadgets to dive safely. Those products let you breathe underwater and move freely.

The best way to optimize how you use a wetsuit or dry suit is by fully understanding what you can do with it. Diving suits have many components, and they all work together to let you dive safely. Even if you dive in cold water, you will stay warm thanks to your diving suit.

how scuba diving gear works

If you wonder how scuba diving suits keep you warm underwater, this is the page for you. Dive into this to learn everything you need to know about how scuba diving suits handle the water temperature.

You should learn as much as you can about scuba diving before you dive yourself, and you can do that by reading more blog posts like this one. Our website has more of them, so check it out if you want to go scuba diving soon.

Dry Suits vs. Wetsuits – How Do They Keep Divers Warm?

How do scuba diving suits keep divers warm? The truth is that there is more than one answer to that question. Wetsuits are different from dry suits. There are even more sub-classifications, as it’s not the same to wear semi-dry suits as regular ones. They all work and keep divers warm when they dive but are better for different situations.

Here is a brief explanation of what each of them can do:

1. Dry Suits

Although wetsuits are made of neoprene, things are different when it comes to dry suits. As their name suggests, dry suits are meant to keep the diver completely dry when they dive. They do that by sealing out all the water.

Dry suits are often made of Gore-Tex or Nylon. They have seals around the neck, wrists, and ankles to keep water from getting inside the suit. These suits tend to use boots instead of kins, but they do have the classic globes most scuba gear packages include.

Apart from keeping water out of it, dry suits keep divers warm thanks to its thermal insulation layer. Everything depends on the dive suit you pick, as you will only stay warm if it’s the right thickness. Wearing a 4mm suit won’t help you if you are going to dive in cold water. Getting a 7mm suit for hot water may make you feel uncomfortable while diving.

The average thickness of a dry suit should be 5mm, but try to ask a professional which option is best for you before you put your money on anything. They can also make sure the dry suit or wetsuit package you pick has everything you need to dive safely.

2. Wetsuits

Wetsuits are more popular than dry suits, as they work in colder temperatures and are a bit more comfortable than them. Besides that, wetsuits use kins instead of diving boots, which makes it easier for you to move while underwater.

This type of scuba diving suit is made of neoprene. There are different types of this material, and each of them can alter the final price you may need to pay for it. The most common is standard neoprene, and the most expensive is Yamamoto neoprene, as it’s a premium material.

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber, and it’s water-resistant. Besides that, one of the main appeals of buying a wetsuit package is that it has enough insulation to create a layer of water that keeps you warm while diving.

Similar to dry suits, wetsuits need to be thicker to keep you warm in colder temperatures. The average thickness of wetsuits is 4mm, but you may need something more for something below 11C. Nonetheless, if your wet suit is too thick, it will be uncomfortable to wear it in hot water.

Which Option Is Better?

It’s difficult to tell which option is better, as they are fit for different situations, but it’s more common to see people go for a wetsuit package instead of a dry suit one. We recommend that you go for wetsuits as they are easier to get and there’s a wider range of prices.

People often get a wetsuit package if they scuba dive in a place with cold water. That’s not because dry suits can’t keep you warm but rather because wetsuits are better for the job. Consequently, dry suits are better for warmer areas.

Unlike dry alternatives, wetsuits can be worn in many ways. You can, for example, buy a wetsuit package with a short-sleeve option. Don’t go over your budget, as there are many affordable options when you look for scuba diving gear. You don’t need to spend a fortune to go scuba diving.

What Do I Need in a Scuba Diving Gear Package?

There are many things you can’t miss on scuba diving gear. Diving packages include several things. The most important one is the actual suit you will wear. It should have boots or fins, masks, gloves, a buoyancy control device, tanks, and a regulator.

There are other features that you may not need on a scuba diving package but that can make it an easier and more enjoyable experience. One of them is a dive computer, as it helps you track important information such as depth, time, and the decompression limits you need to face when you scuba dive.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how scuba diving gear works, it’s easier for you make a thorough research to get the best fit for you. If you don’t know anything about scuba diving, you may get the first option you see on the market and make a mistake along the way.

However, you can avoid that issue by looking for your diving suit with an expert. They can tell you what may work best for you or the things you should avoid. When you are at the store, ask the other person the thickness of the suit and try it on to see if you feel comfortable in it.

Our website has more blog posts related to scuba diving gear, so check our website to get more information about the matter.

The Logistics of a Biomass Power Plant

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Biomass logistics involves all the unit operations necessary to move biomass wastes from the land to the biomass energy plant. The biomass can be transported directly from farm or from stacks next to the farm to the processing plant. Biomass may be minimally processed before being shipped to the plant, as in case of biomass supply from the stacks. Generally the biomass is trucked directly from farm to the biomass processing facility if no processing is involved.

biomass_logistics

Another option is to transfer the biomass to a central location where the material is accumulated and subsequently dispatched to the energy conversion facility. While in depot, the biomass could be pre-processed minimally (ground) or extensively (pelletized). The depot also provides an opportunity to interface with rail transport if that is an available option. The choice of any of the options depends on the economics and cultural practices. For example in irrigated areas, there is always space on the farm (corner of the land) where quantities of biomass can be stacked.

The key components to reduce costs in harvesting, collecting and transportation of biomass can be summarized as:

  • Reduce the number of passes through the field by amalgamating collection operations.
  • Increase the bulk density of biomass
  • Work with minimal moisture content.
  • Granulation/pelletization is the best option, though the existing technology is expensive.
  • Trucking seems to be the most common mode of biomass transportation option but rail and pipeline may become attractive once the capital costs for these transport modes are reduced.

The logistics of transporting, handling and storing the bulky and variable biomass material for delivery to the biopower plant is a key part of the biomass supply chain that is often overlooked by project developers. Whether the biomass comes from forest residues on hill country, straw residues from cereal crops grown on arable land, or the non-edible components of small scale, subsistence farming systems, the relative cost of collection will be considerable.

Careful development of a system to minimize machinery use, human effort and energy inputs can have a considerable impact on the cost of the biomass as delivered to the biomass processing plant gate.

The logistics of supplying a biomass power plant with consistent and regular volumes of biomass are complex.

Most of the agricultural biomass resources tend to have a relatively low energy density compared with fossil fuels. This often makes handling, storage and transportation more costly per unit of energy carried. Some crop residues are often not competitive because the biomass resource is dispersed over large areas leading to high collection and transport costs.

The costs for long distance haulage of bulky biomass will be minimized if the biomass can be sourced from a location where it is already concentrated, such as sugar mill. It can then be converted in the nearby biomass energy plant to more transportable forms of energy carrier if not to be utilized on-site.

The logistics of supplying a biopower plant with sufficient volumes of biomass from a number of sources at suitable quality specifications and possibly all year round, are complex. Agricultural residues can be stored on the farm until needed. Then they can be collected and delivered directly to the conversion plant on demand. At times this requires considerable logistics to ensure only a few days of supply are available on-site but that the risk of non-supply at any time is low.

Losses of dry matter, and hence of energy content, commonly occur during the harvest transport and storage process. This can either be from physical losses of the biomass material in the field during the harvest operation or dropping off a truck, or by the reduction of dry matter of biomass material which occurs in storage over time as a result of respiration processes and as the product deteriorates. Dry matter loss is normally reduced over time if the moisture content of the biomass can be lowered or oxygen can be excluded in order to constrain pathological action.

To ensure sufficient and consistent biomass supplies, all agents involved with the production, collection, storage, and transportation of biomass require compensation for their share of costs incurred. In addition, a viable biomass production and distribution system must include producer incentives, encouraging them to sell their post-harvest plant residue.

Beating Procrastination for Students: 7 Working Tips

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You know that feeling. There was a task that you were supposed to do a long time ago. But you were constantly postponing collecting the information for your research or preparing for your exam. There is always something to do instead of prep. And no, you’re not being interrupted by something important from the outside. You just feel more like doing something else.

And now you’re working hard, while running out of time, trying to finish your task by the deadline. And you’re beating yourself up over not doing it beforehand. Still, you stay distracted by listening to various podcasts. Or, all of a sudden, you decide to take a break to clean up your room or wash the dishes. All in all, you’re trying to do whatever you can except that task which needs to be done.

Well, congratulations, that’s procrastination! A lot of people confuse procrastination with laziness, but those are totally different things. Laziness is rooted in apathy, lack of desire to do something, and inactivity in general. Thus, it’s a passive thing. Procrastination, on the contrary, is an active process. You choose to do anything else but doing something with burning deadlines.

Beating Procrastination for Students

While you can always request help by paper writer, and never bother about your essays again, procrastination affects different aspects of your life. Solving the problem with paper writing won’t clear out other issues related to your delaying tactics. And procrastination may negatively impact not only your college life but your work as well.

If you want to start doing everything on time and learn to balance your studying, work, and leisure, you should check out the following tips that will help you in your fight against wasting time.

1. Acknowledge Your Procrastination

One of the main reasons why we cannot solve certain issues is that we refuse to acknowledge the problem. You may use different excuses to justify delaying important things because you have other important things to do.

And it’s okay to postpone doing your research when something that you didn’t see coming hits you hard. Once. If you’re holding up things on a regular basis, then you are procrastinating. You need to acknowledge it to fight it. And then not postpone dealing with it. You know you want to.

2. Figure Out the Reason

After acknowledging the problem, you need to find the reasons behind it. Writing a research paper can be an actual bore while preparing for the exam can be quite stressful. Avoiding boredom and stress is normal. But if those are the causes of your procrastination, there are several things that you can do about it.

If you want to avoid boredom, while writing your paper you can either find the ways to get it done as soon as possible, or you can think about the aspects of it that are enjoyable for you. After all, you’re processing a lot of information to transform it into a finished product. That’s something that deserves recognition.

If you’re afraid of the stress of exam preparation, think that after going through all of it, you will be able to pass it without any problems. Actually, there’s nothing to worry about at all, but we are going to talk about it in detail later.

3. Get Rid of Distractions

Quite often we try to fool ourselves. We may think that preparing for an exam while at your friend’s place is a good idea. We may consider writing the paper while watching your favorite TV series. Well, let’s be honest, that is possible only if you’re a prodigy and extremely good at multitasking. Otherwise, it won’t work. Most likely you won’t get any joy from the party/TV show, and your paper won’t be ready.

4. Set Deadlines Yourself

Considering the previous situation, you can go with a different scenario. How about setting your personal deadlines that will allow you to write your paper beforehand, and you would be able to go to the party without being haunted by the idea that you haven’t finished something? Just make the first draft of your paper, you will be able to polish it after the party. But the first draft must be ready.

online-learning

Now, let’s consider your preparation for the exam. You cannot learn everything one night before the test. How about creating the to-do lists for the day? And put each topic that may pop up on your exam to that list? Just devote an hour or two every day to each topic, and you will prepare with ease.

5. State of Efficiency

Each of us has the time when we’re the most efficient. That’s the time that you should devote to your studies. If it happens so that you’re most efficient during night hours, use them to write your paper. If you prefer waking up early in the morning, and you feel most efficient from, let’s say 4 am to 10 am, use this time frame for preparing for the exam. Utilize your state of efficiency.

6. Avoid Stressing Out

We often get anxious just thinking how much time a task can take. And the anxiety brings demotivation. And when you’re demotivated, you would rather spend your time on anything else, except that task. But you should avoid stressing too much about it. Consider several scenarios of what may happen if you succeed or fail at that particular task.

beating procrastination

If you fail to finish your paper on time, most likely you will be asked to submit it when it is ready. Yep, that can affect your score, but is it such a big deal? Not really. If you fail your exam, you can retake it. Again, it will affect your grades, but will someone die because of that? No. Nothing really will happen to you.

This attitude is not to make you forget about the pending tasks, but it will help you to take them easy. And things can be done way easier when you don’t think of them as some big obstacle in your life. It’s just another paper you need to finish. It’s just another exam you need to pass. Nothing serious.

7. Ask for Help

Another thing that you need to remember is to never be ashamed of asking for help. It will save you time, and save your nerves as well. Ask your peers who have had similar assignments for advice. Someone may share their tips for writing a research, while those who made similar research can share their notes with you. You can even ask your professors to shed some light on what to do.

Ways to Make Your Business Sustainable in 2023

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2023 is a year of taking action in regard to climate change. The population is waking up to the damage already done to the environment, but there are positive steps that can be taken. Businesses, in particular, have an ethical and social responsibility to reduce their impact, and there are many effective ways that this can be done. In addition to reducing your environmental impact, you should also find that becoming more sustainable helps to improve your brand reputation. Modern consumers are eco-aware, so going green could help you to appeal to modern consumers. So, what are some of the best ways to reduce your business’s impact?

ways businesses can become greener

Conduct An Audit

A good starting point is to get an environmental audit carried out. This is an audit that will assess your business’s impact on the environment by looking at key metrics like carbon emissions, water usage, and energy consumption. This should then give you a clear idea of the scale of action that needs to be taken and areas that you should be focusing your efforts on.

Invest In Solar Power

One of the most effective ways to reduce your impact is to invest in solar power. Solar power allows you to generate your own electricity from the power of the sun, which will prevent you from relying on electricity from non-renewable sources. This also means that you can make huge long-term savings with solar power, so it is a win-win.

Improve Recycling Process

Recycling is another key area to focus on that can help you to minimize your environmental impact. You need to ensure that you have an efficient recycling process in place, including using baling wire to compact and secure recyclable materials. Baling wire makes it much easier for your employees to manage cardboard, paper, and plastics, as items can be bundled together. These bundles will then be easy to transport for recycling. You can get high-quality, durable, and cost-efficient baling wire from specialists like Baling Wire Direct.

reasons businesses should consume energy more responsibly

Use Green Products and Services

You also need to consider all of the products and services that your business uses. You need to research your options to ensure that you are using green products and services, which can include eliminating single-use plastics and using office supplies that are sustainable and non-toxic cleaning products.

Engage Your Employees

You could have processes in place, but you need to make sure that your employees buy in and take steps to reduce their impact both at work and in their personal lives. You should educate your employees on the importance of sustainability and train them so that they can reduce their environmental impact at work. Incentives can be a smart way to ensure that your employees take sustainability seriously and take positive action.

Now is the time to take action, and every business has an ethical and social responsibility to reduce its environmental impact. This post should give you a few ideas and will hopefully help you to take positive action, which could benefit your business in a few other ways too.

Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy in the UK

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The UK has become a leading voice in the fight against climate change. It’s cleantech and green energy sector consists of a startups and scaleups, all serving as a microcosm for the rest of the planet. Electric cars, renewable power and even insect-based protein for pets – this is the extent of innovation happening in the UK. Of course the UK isn’t the only country serving as an incubator for renewable energy companies – many other countries and companies are doing their part. However, if you’ve got an interest in renewable energy stocks to buy in the UK, then keep reading to know the best renewable energy companies to invest in the United Kingdom.

1. Recycling Technologies

A product of the University of Warwick conceived back in 2012, Recycling Technologies has aspirations towards a circular economy specifically for combating the effects of plastic. Thus far this green energy company has created modular technology that converts mixed plastic waste into a viable fuel for new plastic production, thus lessening the amount of new plastic on the planet.

recycling technologies

To date, Recycling Technologies has raised enough investment capital (£33.7m) to start building and commercialising its technology.

2. First Light Fusion

Conceived at the University of Oxford in 2011, First Light Fusion is looking at new was to utilise the power of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), a form of laser-focused fuel compression,  for the purposes of power generation. One of the major benefits of fusion is that unlike other forms of renewable energy like wind or solar, fusion can deliver energy in spite of weather conditions.

Thus far, First Light Fusion has secured £53m in equity funding and plans on upgrading its resources, hiring more staff and expediting its workflow. Anyone with an interest in energy and solar company stocks would do well to keep an eye on this one as it looks set to go places.

3. Propelair

Likely taking a page out of Bill Gates’ book, Propelair has developed a low-water flush toilet system for the business sector. It’s toilet system can be integrated into existing drains, thus making for low-cost installation and reducing the water usage in commercial buildings.

The company has secured equity financing to the tune of £16.5m and has global interests stretching as far as the Middle East and Australia.

4. SaveMoneyCutCarbon

Established back in 2012, SaveMoneyCutCarbon serves in a consulting capacity and acts as a singular conduit for all kinds of energy and water saving initiatives.  Catering to both households and companies, SaveMoneyCutCarbon provides consultancy services, analysis, advice and energy-saving product installations. The company also provides a slew of eco-friendly products for home use.

how to make your home energy efficient

To date, the company has raised £8m in equity funds. Throw in a pre-money valuation of £13.7m and a £3.65m deal with Barclays and you have a company with plans to grow locally and beyond.

5. Enertechnos

This energy efficient startup has developed a new type of electrical transmission cable that relies on capacitance technology to minimise the loss of energy. The end result is an electrical transport solution epitomised by the Captive Transfer System which lets energy travel from power plants to households and end consumers at a much more efficient rate than the archaic power-draining wires used in traditional power grids. This technology can also be integrated with other sustainable energy products like smart grids, electric vehicles and wind farms.

Equity funding to date totals £8.36m, pre-money valuation sits at £22.1m, and the company plans to expand commercial sales, its marketing team and its engineering.

The Features Of Best Cordless Finish Nailer

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A finish nailer is a powerful tool that is specifically made for both experienced and DIY home users. The finish nailer uses relatively smaller nails than other cordless nail guns but is designed to handle different jobs. A finish nailer is the best bet for installing trim, crown moulding or even suitable for specific cabinets and furniture finishing.

cordless-finish-nailer-DIY

What is the best cordless finish nailer?

A ‘finish nailer’ broadly refers to one with a 16 gauge, which is a little thicker nail than the 18 gauge brads. There can be a bit of confusion due to the fact of the higher the number of gauges, the thinner the nail will be. This is due to the number of nails that you can fit per inch (for example, 16 gauge = 16 nails per inch and 18 gauge = 18 per inch). Therefore, you need the right nail for the proper work, so that the structural integrity of the material is not splinted or harmed.

Cordless finish nailers are made by different and various reputable brands such as Dewalt, Makita and Porter-Cable. However, before you search for the best Finish nailer, it is important that you have the best table saw for woodworking too! If you want to have woodworking materials that can do the job and last for a long time, make sure to go for those that would give you value for your money.

What is the greatest advantage of Cordless Finish Nailer?

A finish nailer is a versatile commodity which can also be used for various tasks such as moulding, decorating, roofing and many other jobs. This can also move the nails from thin wooden panels to dense concrete material and other various materials.

Difference between angled and straight finish nailer

Angled finishing nailers are made to be for narrow or tight spaces project. This type of finish nailer is durable to drive more substantial gauged nails. Straight finish nailers, on the other hand, are used within open spaces, and it was built with sharper nails.

Features Of Best Cordless Finish Nailer

A cordless finish nailer is a durable and versatile tool to perform a range of tasks ranging from the installation of trim to the assembly of cabinets and furnishings. It is a reasonably robust tool that is built to drive comparatively smaller nails. Here is a great article on home newtools best cordless finish nailer

Below are the key features of the best cordless finish nailer:

1. Size and Weight

To finish work is usually a multi-day, all-day task. Which means you must hold your finish nailer device in your hand for extended periods. A cordless model doesn’t have a wired cord or pneumatic hose that you need to bring and handle with you. That lowers the stress on your wrists. Although, if your finish nailer is bulky, this might have an irreversible effect on your hand. On some models, the battery can add considerable weight to the tool. The greater the battery size, the more it will weigh and the larger it will be.

A cordless finish nailer needs to get into tighter spaces and work at odd angles compared to other nailers, so size is essential. Angled versions reduce the tool’s total height and can make use in tight spaces more straightforward. Search for a smaller, cordless finish nailer with a lighter, state-of-the-art battery that weighs as little as possible to help you continue to work for longer without hand fatigue.

2. Trigger Operation

There are two primary forms of trigger: bump fire and subsequent action. Faster is a bump-fire. You keep the pressure on the trigger and press the piston in the nail where you want to drive. This is quicker, so losing track of it is easier, and there is a higher chance of accidental shooting. A sequential operation allows you to release the trigger between the nails and press it in again before the next nail is pushed. It’s slower, but it’s a little safer and controllable.

Needless to choose either one or the other. There are many models on the market which accommodate both. And, if you’re not sure which one you want, or if there are moments when you’re going to need one, look for one that has both in features. These combination finish nailers either have some internal mechanism allowing you to switch between operating modes, or they enable you to switch triggers out. Others that will enable you to change triggers also don’t come along with the extra trigger. You’ll have to buy an extra one.

3. Quality

Although, many people believe in brand reputable when choosing tool quality. This is because a reputable company always protect their name and to do this, they keep on producing a quality product.

While there is no foolproof way to upfront predict tool quality, but reading feedback and trusting a well-known organization minimizes the risks of getting poor tool.

4. User friendly

We strongly recommend that you read reviews and check product details to find a model that will comfortable in your hands, given the simple cost of a finish nailer. This is a method that is expected to deliver reliable results depending on how you treat it. The standard of the job starts with your hand. It is believed anybody will want to choose a  non-cumbersome finish nailer.

best-cordless-nailer

5. Lighting

With LED light features, a finish nailer makes its way within dark spaces such as cabinets or low-light areas, like baseboards. A cordless model with LED lights will directly transmit shadowless light to the surface, so you will see what you are doing without external lighting.

6. Higher Nail Capacity

This is one of the essential features a best cordless finish nailer you have. Having higher nail capacity will assist you in concentrating on the work through the elimination of frequently nail refilled. Another benefit of higher nail capacity is that it saves time.

7. Nail Depth

Precision hitting is outstanding as firing is. Finishing nailer is expected to hit the appropriate depth of the nail. Many finishing nailers come with an adjustable depth sensor that helps you to set precision depth. So, when choosing your finishing nail to ensure it offers consistent nail depth across a variety of types of materials.

8. Jam Clearing

Tool-free jam clearing is one a great feature expected to look for in a finish nailer. Nail jam may occur at a time, and if your nailer does not possess smooth jam-free. There may be some difficulties in hunting down the nailer.

Although, jamming can be held to a minimum by keeping your nailer in place and making sure you use the right nails.

9. Warranty

An extended warranty is an indication that the manufacturer has faith in its materials and manufacturing. Search for the longest available warranty and a money-back guarantee just in case you are not satisfied with tools.

Final Word and Recommendation

Finish Nailer is commonly regarded as a technical tool, but this innovative tool has significantly changed the finishing game. This is the reason almost everybody or hobbyists are now using the device to execute their various projects. A cordless finish nailer is a versatile woodworker tool that helps to punch the nails seamlessly, and gives the woodworks a clean and finished look.

Cordless finish nailers are fantastic, and there are plenty of models available which you can select the right cordless finish nailer to suit your work needs.

Best MBA Programs for Renewable Energy

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For those considering a future in the energy sector along with an MBA degree, determining which schools boast superior programs for energy management careers might be interesting. As our planet increasingly prioritizes sustainable practices, there is an ever-greater call for adept professionals.

The best MBA admissions consultants can help you pursue top programs for renewable energy. These programs can give you both general business expertise and particular managerial abilities critical for prospering amid these ongoing shifts.

beginners guide to renewable energy

Selecting an MBA school for renewable energy management career involves multiple considerations. Apart from finding a program with courses related to energy policy, economics, and technology, it is crucial to opt for one that emphasizes sustainable development, renewable resources, and environmental management, such as one of the reputable online environmental science degree programs.

Exploring programs featuring tracks or specializations in energy management can also provide focused training on the subject matter. Furthermore, seeking internship opportunities or connecting with industry professionals can help gain practical experience.

Why Choose an MBA in Renewable Energy?

This course is an option for anybody who wishes to work in the renewable energy or power industries. To succeed as a future leader, a student requires extensive knowledge, strategic thinking, sound judgment, a global perspective, adaptability, and truthfulness. This management course may advance a student’s career and aid in developing these abilities.

Career Options for Those with an MBA in Renewable Energy

Let’s take a deeper look at a few of the most prominent management careers available to those with a green MBA.

1. Marketing and Management

Whether it’s the newest smartphone or renewable energy, individuals need to successfully market these ideas and goods to others. If you want a company to spend millions on solar PV panels or other sustainable energy sources, what arguments would you use?

Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of sustainable methods. Using your master’s degree in sustainability to promote environmental sustainability is a terrific way to put your marketing and advertising skills to work.

As per PayScale, the average compensation for a person with an MBA is $101,019.

2. Fossil Fuel Business

Fossil fuel businesses may not be considered a viable option by the general public. Yet contrary to popular belief, these businesses are keen to implement environmentally friendly policies. Oil giants like BP, ExxonMobil, and Shell have pooled their resources to support environmentally friendly initiatives.

List of the Best MBA Schools for Energy Management

Embarking on a career path centered around Energy and Natural Resources can set individuals up for success by seeking out educational institutions near thriving industry players such as those in Texas (USA), Alberta (Canada), or Scotland. That said, aspiring professionals should keep their options open because global business schools offer bespoke MBA programs focused on the energy sector and related fields.

Check out this roster for potential educational outlets if you’re interested:

1. Stanford GSB

The Stanford Graduate School of Business is renowned for its MBA program with a distinct focus on energy and natural resources. This program offers courses on energy markets, policy, and technology to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the industry. Additionally, various research centers and industry partnerships are established to further enhance the learning experience.

drone at a wind-farm

2. MIT Sloan

Similarly, MIT’s MBA program includes a concentration in energy and sustainability. The curriculum encompasses energy economics, policy, and technology courses while providing hands-on experience through the Energy Ventures Club and Energy Initiative.

3. McCombs School of Business

The University of Texas McCombs School of Business offers an MBA concentration in energy finance and development with courses covering renewable energy sources, financial planning, and energy policy. Moreover, the faculty has actively pursued partnerships with leading energy organizations to ensure students receive real-world perspectives.

4. Ross MBA

Another leading business school that provides high-quality sustainability education is the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Its Ross MBA program includes a track in sustainability and business that covers relevant topics such as energy management practices and sustainable enterprise models, alongside offering hands-on training through Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise.

5. Yale

Yale’s School of Management offers its students an opportunity to concentrate on studying Energy markets by offering courses covering this crucial topic along with policies and technology domains. Their Yale Center for Business provides practical training opportunities for students looking to gain experience in business management and environmental problem-solving skills.

6. Technological Institute of Oregon

One of North America’s most popular renewable energy programs is the Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering offered by Oregon Institute of Technology. In this way, they help students create, manage, and execute green energy solutions. Math, physics, and chemistry are all covered, as well as resource management, wind energy, photovoltaics, and fuel cells, all of which make up the core curriculum.

Do Green MBA Degrees Provide Value? A Closing Remark on Sustainable Management Master’s Degrees

Is there any practical benefit to being an MBA student? An MBA in sustainability is definitely worthwhile. Several doors may be opened for you after you have your MBA. An MBA with a concentration in sustainable energy management provides you with expert knowledge in your chosen sector. It’s possible that you’ll get paid quite well for your efforts.

There is a plethora of excellent institutions offering MBA programs with a focus on sustainability. Green MBA programs are now the most distinctive indicators of green business transformation.

If you’re interested in making a difference for the planet’s future, enrolling in and completing a green MBA degree is a great first step.

Zero Waste Manufacturing: How Can We Transition to a Circular Economy?

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Waste is an inevitable aspect of being human in today’s world — or so most people believe. But what if we told you that reducing and even eliminating waste is possible? All we have to do to get to that point is convince a few key industry sectors to start doing things a bit differently. Basically, we need to transition to a circular economy model.

If you’ve never heard of the term, we can’t blame you. Most people don’t go around researching the economic system they live in — let alone alternative methods of production. Still, learning about circular economy is a great way to introduce other concepts — like Zero Waste manufacturing.

zero waste manafacturing

Of course, before we can do all that, we have to be aware of the system we currently have. With that in mind, let’s start by talking about the cause of the waste accumulation we are dealing with today.

Is Linear Economy Outdated?

Most people know that the amount of waste production and accumulation we are fighting against was ultimately caused by our economic system. The principles of linear economy are fairly simple. We take what we need from nature, and we transform these raw materials into products, which we dispose of when they’re no longer of use. Proponents of this system assumed that the planet is capable of providing infinite resources and regenerating an infinite amount of waste.

As we now know, that is simply not the case. So the system’s goal of maximizing production and sales has become impossible to envision without also seeing the eventual consequences.

After all, to keep production cycles going, we also need to create demand. That’s why many commodities we buy nowadays fall apart so quickly. The sooner your shirt rips open at the seams, the sooner you’ll go looking for a new one. But before we start pointing fingers at the fast fashion industry, remember that the system affects all commercial enterprises.

Is There a Different Kind of Approach We Can Opt for?

The excessive production and turnover of commodities we see in the linear economy are all but guaranteed to produce an enormous amount of waste. But as any waste management expert will tell you — it’s never too late to veer toward another approach.

Circular Economy

In recent years, many people have been considering the benefits of transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle. Basically, rather than throwing their used up and damaged items, the goal of Zero Waste is to find a way to use them again. Whether it’s composting, making bags out of ripped jeans, or turning broken pans into planters — people are having to be creative with items they would have otherwise tossed in the trash.

But while most people are familiar with the philosophy in general, not many are aware of who started Zero Waste. Believe it or not, the phrase was coined in the ‘80s. However, Daniel Knapp, one of the first people who formulated the idea of total recycling, didn’t just talk the talk. Instead, he and his wife founded a salvaging market, Urban Ore, to focus on diverting waste from their local landfill and reusing it within the community.

Over the years, their ideas inspired many others to look for ways to reduce their waste production. Eventually, those principles reached the waste management industry and society at large. All through the ‘90s and early ‘00s, “no waste” slogans were everywhere. But where did all that activism lead?

The Birth of Circular Economy

The idea of a cyclical system of production is certainly older than the modern Zero Waste philosophy. However, the concept of a circular economy wasn’t mentioned until 1988. Even then, shifting perspectives around the subject of waste production and management certainly helped popularize the idea.

Ultimately, the philosophies behind these two concepts are closely aligned. Both aim to reduce and eventually eliminate the production of waste. Unlike the linear approach we discussed earlier, circular economy is all about letting the Earth recover and minimizing the amount of raw resources we take from it. But in addition to benefiting the planet, the principles of sustainable production also need to benefit businesses.

After all, rather than paying for raw materials that are directly taken from nature, circular economy advocates for reusing and recycling already-processed materials. That should reduce the cost of production — in theory. Unfortunately, recycling technology is still too expensive for some businesses to invest in. So how can we, as consumers, nudge them in the right direction?

How Do We Start Transitioning to Circular Economy?

On an individual level, one thing we can all do is check our consumption habits. Don’t just throw out old items if you don’t have to. Instead, learn how to mend and transform objects into items you can keep using and loving.

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Additionally, you can transition to shopping from sustainable local businesses. Ultimately, the cost of shipping is much greater than you might think. If nothing else, shopping locally tends to have a lower carbon footprint.

These individual decisions should eventually influence businesses to reduce the number of commodities they produce in the first place. But there’s one more thing we can do to prompt the industry to change its ways. Namely, we can influence policies with our vote.

Getting people to participate in this as a political movement is the best way to put pressure on companies. If there are laws and sanctions in place to regulate the production of commodities and waste, businesses will have to adjust their habits.

Can We Achieve Zero Waste Manufacturing?

As we have previously stated, all we need to transition to Zero Waste manufacturing is a few key industry sectors. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, these sectors should be steel, plastic, and aluminum manufacturing, as well as cement and food industries. By getting these five sectors to reuse materials during the production process in the factory, we could cut carbon emissions by 3.7 billion tons by 2050. New technologies like artificial intelligence are making it possible to make the transition to sustainable product development.

Best of all, the emerging models of circular economy will not only stimulate business growth but also create many new job opportunities. So the sooner we take that leap, the sooner our planet can start recovering.

Waste Management Scenario in Oman

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Waste management is a challenging issue for the Sultanate of Oman due to high waste generation rates and scarcity of disposal sites. With population of almost 3 million inhabitants, the country produced about 1.6 million tons of solid waste in 2010. The per capita waste generation is more than 1.5 kg per day, among the highest worldwide.

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Solid waste in Oman is characterized by very high percentage of recyclables, primarily paper (26%), plastics (12%), metals (11%) and glass (5%). However the country is yet to realize the recycling potential of its municipal waste stream. Most of the solid waste is sent to authorized and unauthorized dumpsites for disposal which is creating environment and health issues. There are several dumpsites which are located in the midst of residential areas or close to catchment areas of private and public drinking water bodies.

Solid waste management scenario in marked by lack of collection and disposal facilities. Solid waste, industrial waste, e-wastes etc are deposited in very large number of landfills scattered across the country. Oman has around 350 landfills/dumpsites which are managed by municipalities. In addition, there are numerous unauthorized dumpsites in Oman where all sorts of wastes are recklessly dumped.

Al Amerat landfill is the first engineered sanitary landfill in Oman which began its operations in early 2011. The landfill site, spread over an area of 9.6 hectares, consists of 5 cells with a total capacity of 10 million m3 of solid waste and spread over an area of over 9.6 hectares. Each cell has 16 shafts to take care of leachate (contaminated wastewater). All the shafts are interconnected, and will help in moving leachate to the leachate pump. The project is part of the government’s initiatives to tackle solid waste in a scientific and environment-friendly manner. Being the first of its kind, Al Amerat sanitary landfill is expected to be an example for the future solid waste management projects in the country.

Solid waste management is among the top priorities of Oman government which has chalked out a robust strategy to resolve waste management problem in the Sultanate. The country is striving to establish engineered landfills, waste transfer stations, recycling projects and waste-to-energy facilities in different parts of the country.

Modern MSW management facilities are under planning in several wilayat, especially Muscat and Salalah. The new landfills will eventually pave the way for closure of authorized and unauthorized garbage dumps around the country. However investments totaling Omani Rial 2.5 billion are required to put this waste management strategy into place.

The state-owned Oman Environment Services Holding Company (OESHCO), which is responsible for waste management projects in Oman, has recently started the tendering process for eight important projects. OESHCO has invited tenders from specialised companies for an engineered landfill and material recovery facility in Barka, apart from advisory services for 29 transfer stations and a couple of tenders for waste management services in the upcoming Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Duqm, among others. Among the top priorities is that development of Barka engineered landfill as the existing Barka waste disposal site, which serve entire wilayat and other neighbouring wilayats in south Batinah governorate, is plagued by environmental and public health issues.

Benefits of Compounding Pharmacies

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Compounding refers to the pharmaceutical preparation of a licensed pharmacist’s drug to meet an individual patient’s unique needs. The patient could either be a human or an animal. Compounding pharmacists perform this procedure when there isn’t a commercially available drug that meets those needs. The U.S Pharmacopeial Convention described compounding as preparing, assembling, altering, mixing, packaging, and labeling a particular drug, a delivery device by a licensed medical practitioner’s prescription.

benefits of compounding pharmacy

The following are the benefits of compounding pharmacies.

1. Allowing Access to Discontinued Medications

Sometimes, large manufacturers discontinue some drugs, making it very hard for patients who still require such medications to fill and manage their prescriptions. Compounding pharmacists play a vital role in the providence and access of such medications through recreating the pharmaceutical-based ingredients.

Therefore, if your prescription was discontinued, pharmacy compounding can ensure that you still get the right medication for your condition rather than searching for a potentially less effective treatment. Compounding pharmacies can access the highest quality of pharmaceutical ingredients to fill a prescription through the latest quality control processes, research, and techniques to meet the patient’s unique needs.

2. Make Medications a Lot Easier to Take

Some medications come with a precisely distasteful and unpleasant flavor. Completing such a dosage can be quite difficult and unsettling for you. You can seek a compounding pharmacist to have them custom make your prescription from scratch.

Better still, you may get an opportunity to pick out the flavor. This aspect of compounding pharmacies is particularly advantageous when dealing with medication of patients that are highly likely to refuse medication, for instance, elderly patients, children, or even pets. If you are attending to such a patient, or are in the position yourself, you may have the medication adjusted to your or their liking.

3. Allowing Patients Alternative Dosage Forms

It’s not uncommon to prefer your dosage in a different form. The most common problem patients face is the difficulty in swallowing their drugs in pill form; it may be easier for them to take their medication in a flavored liquid form.

You may also have your medication compounded in a topical form. For instance, you can have the compounding pharmacist use the active ingredients in your medicine to make a gel or cream that allows the medicine components to get absorbed via the bloodstream through the skin.

4. Make Allergy-Friendly Medications

A sensitive allergy, such as an intolerance to lactose, alcohol, gluten, or dyes may cause you unwanted reactions after taking some medications. In some other cases, it may be that the commercially available medication contains ingredients, such as preservatives and fillers, which your body cannot tolerate due to allergies or sensitivities to the said substances. 

If you are a victim of any of these, it would be advantageous to use a compounding pharmacy. The pharmacist will make a formula of all other active ingredients in the medication and leave out any of the ingredients that irritate your body. That way, you still manage to proceed with the right treatment.

Reach Out to a Compounding Pharmacy

The priority of compounding pharmacies is identifying their patients’ needs. It’s a great way to address medications you still need in order to treat your illness but keep factors such as allergies at bay. Compounding pharmacies can also often provide treatments for the resistant or even treat unusual diseases that the traditionally produced medication has failed to address.

Just like all other pharmacists, compounding pharmacists are professionals with extensive experience and training. Along with their ability to compound medications, the pharmacists will also answer any questions you may have regarding your prescription: doses, side effects, what to do after you miss a dose, and how long it will take the medication to work, and other issues.