the environmentalist gives a round up of environment management news from companies including Carlsberg, BRE and Green Generation Solutions, Ikea, GE and Statoil, and Daimler.
Carlsberg has unveiled plans to develop fully biodegradable wood-fibre bottles for beverages. The world’s fourth largest brewer is working with packaging company ecoXpac, as well as Denmark’s Innovation Fund and its Technical University, on the three-year project. All materials used in the bottle, including the cap, will be developed using bio-based and biodegradable materials, primarily sustainably sourced wood fibres.
BRE is to work with US organisation Green Generation Solutions (GGS) on improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Under the arrangement, the building science centre at BRE will carry out independent energy audits to identify quick wins and long-term improvements that can be implemented. Cost and return data will be provided by GGS based on BRE’s recommended retrofit actions and manage the delivery of work. Solutions will include improvements to the building envelope, mechanical systems, controls and lighting. Additional areas of focus include policies, procedures and occupant behaviour.
IKEA’s 2014 sustainability report reveals that the home furnishings business now owns 224 wind turbines and has installed 700,000 solar panels, taking it closer to its 2020 goal to produce more renewable energy than the total energy it uses. By the end of 2015, the firm aims to have invested in or made a commitment to invest in renewable energy projects worth €1.5 billion.
GE and Statoil are collaborating on the development of more environmentally sustainable technology solutions that address some of the challenges facing shale oil and gas production. The US manufacturer of power generation technologies and the Norwegian energy company say the partnership aims to tackle issues such as global flaring, methane leakages and water consumption.
Nanoslide, a technology that is used to spray an extremely thin low-friction coating on to the inner surfaces of the aluminium cylinders in car engines, has secured Daimler the innovation accolade at European Business Awards for the Environment. The coating enables more efficient use of fuel, reducing consumption and CO2 output.
