Global Climate News

UK-based Solent University has completed the topping out ceremony for its new £7m South Coast Institute of Technology facility, which will focus on reducing carbon in its construction and operation. The facility is expected to open in summer 2025 and will provide technical education to approximately 2,000 students annually.

SINTEF researchers found significant variations in fire safety measures in battery rooms, highlighting the need for national guidelines to address the risks associated with Li-ion battery fires. A recent case study examined seven buildings, revealing inconsistencies in ventilation and fire safety measures. The researchers recommend a holistic approach to battery room design, considering room size, battery chemistry, and fire suppression systems.

Taiwan's Land Administration Agency clarified that building quality and the size of areas undergoing危老重建(renewal of dangerous and old buildings) are unrelated. The agency emphasized the importance of local governments' roles in enforcing construction safety regulations and supervision to prevent incidents like the recent collapse in New Taipei City. They will continue to improve construction safety management through training and review policies.

Chinese researchers investigated the mechanical behavior of geogrid-soil interface under rainfall infiltration using a large direct shear apparatus. The study found that rainfall infiltration reduces peak shear stress, cohesion, and the friction angle of the interface. The research provides guidance for predicting and mitigating rainfall effects on soil properties in geotechnical engineering.

The UK government announced a plan to unleash artificial intelligence across the UK, including initiatives to create AI Growth Zones, build a new supercomputer, and boost AI adoption in public and private sectors. The plan includes £14 billion investment from three tech companies (Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl) and aims to create 13,250 jobs. A key focus is on sustainable energy for powering AI ambitions, with Culham, Oxfordshire, selected as the site for the first AI Growth Zone, leveraging the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority’s expertise in fusion energy.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, has implemented eco-friendly practices in its steel production to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce waste generation. The company invests heavily in developing innovative steel-making technologies.

Chinese steel plate factories, including hanyesteel, produce specialty steel plates used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. These plates offer high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for demanding applications in various industries.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, produces special alloy steel plates known for their sustainability as they can be recycled and reused with minimal quality loss, contributing to a more sustainable future.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, focuses on producing specialized steel plates with superior strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The company is committed to sustainability by implementing technologies to minimize waste and reduce its carbon footprint.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, has committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility by adhering to strict quality control measures and eco-friendly practices throughout its steel plate production process. The company uses advanced technologies and cutting-edge processes to manufacture steel plates known for their exceptional strength, durability, and versatility.

Ireland-based Construct Innovate and Engineers’ Ireland West region have organized an 8-week webinar series on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase productivity and efficiency in the construction industry while addressing environmental, sustainability, and circular economy imperatives. The series aligns with SDGs 8, 9, and 12.

Taiwan's Railway Bureau and the Forestry Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding to promote sustainable forestry and construct low-carbon railway stations. The 79.53 billion NTD project will use domestic sustainable wood in the renovation of Tanaka Station and future railway stations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Czechia's Pardubický kraj is constructing a 180 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant at Gymnázium Pardubice Dašická. The open tender, with a deadline of February 12, 2025, includes supply and installation of photovoltaic modules and related construction work.

Bulgaria's Svishtov Municipality has launched a tender for construction works to renovate the "Maria Luiza" retirement home. The project includes energy-saving measures like thermal insulation, installation of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. The estimated value is 9,620,495.27 BGN.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible production practices in its steel production, aiming to reduce the environmental impact.

Grenada: The Green Climate Fund, through GIZ, has approved a project to improve water resource management and resilience to climate change, benefiting over 100,000 people by 2024. This includes building 16 storm-proof water storage facilities and improving water efficiency. Renewable energy will also be implemented for the National Water and Sewerage Authority, co-financed by the BMU.

Greek company AKTOR S.A., involved in technical and energy projects, had 160,523,985 rights admitted to trading on the ATHEX exchange. The pre-emption right's trading period was set from January 10, 2025 to January 21, 2025, with a starting price of €0.0596. Forced sales of shares in ALPHA SERVICES AND HOLDINGS S.A. and ATHENS WATER SUPPLY & SEWAGE Co. also occurred.

The UK Environment Agency published a regulatory position statement (RPS 247) on using unbound incinerator bottom ash aggregate (IBAA) in construction, extending its validity to September 30, 2025. The RPS clarifies that while an environmental permit is legally required, enforcement action will not normally be taken if requirements are met.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the \"City Craft Journey\" project, collaborating with businesses using ESG as a core principle to create a sustainable future for crafts.

Taiwan's National Museum of History (NMH) launched RENEW, a series of sustainable products made from recycled materials from the museum's renovation. The NMH collaborated with Dianjing Design and Ganwen Studio to create these items, which include coasters, incense diffusers, and keychains. This initiative demonstrates NMH’s commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.