February – the month of commercialised love, too many pancakes, and a LEAP YEAR! Here’s some of the wonderful things that happened this month in the sustainability world.
From a game-changing move from England’s Premier League clubs and the infrastructure upcycle of 2024 so far, February has seen significant steps towards driving consciousness forward.
Premier League Football Clubs Take Sustainability off the Bench
England’s Premier League clubs are mandated to develop environmental sustainability policies by the 2024-2025 season’s end, aiming for a unified standard of sustainability. The league requires clubs to appoint senior personnel to lead sustainability efforts and establish a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions dataset by 2025-2026. These policies build on existing efforts to reduce environmental impact, marking a significant step towards greener football operations. An overdue, but extremely promising route to widespread change.
Source: Business Green
Upcycle of 2024 so far – abandoned mine to gravity battery!
A disused mine in Finland is being repurposed into a gravity battery to store renewable energy, marking Europe’s deepest mine’s transformation into an underground energy reservoir. Utilising weight manipulation, combining attributes of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage, this innovative approach, is supported by international research and presents a cost-effective solution for long-term energy storage as communities seek sustainable economic opportunities. With storage being one of the key issues within the feasibility and maximisation of renewable energy, this is an exciting development which could really shake up the energy industry.
Source: Euronews
Transparent Solar Glass Window Panels Could Transform Renewable Energy
Michigan State University (MSU) leads in transparent solar glass window panels, pioneering their commercial installation. This innovative technology converts ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity, revolutionising windows’ role in energy production. With the potential to meet 40% of US energy demand, transparent solar panels, combined with rooftop units, could achieve nearly 100% coverage. As climate goals become more ambitious, integrating solar technology into buildings offers a path to Net Zero emissions, seamlessly blending energy generation with our surroundings. Sign us up to trial please!
Source: Happy Eco News
Electric Bus Sales Nearly Tripled in 2023
It was this month announced that in 2023 the UK saw a notable surge in double-decker bus registrations, nearly tripling compared to 2022, with a significant rise in zero-emission models. There was reported a 44.6% overall increase in new bus and coach registrations, with nearly half of the registered vehicles were electric or hydrogen-powered, reflecting a growing trend toward cleaner transportation and compliance with air quality regulations. This expansion positions the UK as the largest national zero-emission bus market in Europe, attributed to advancements in technology and fleet operators’ environmental commitments.
Source: Edie
Epson goes 100% renewable energy and plans a power plant!
In a remarkable move towards environmental responsibility, Japanese manufacturing giant, Epson has announced its transition to 100% renewable energy, accompanied by plans to establish its own power plant. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Epson’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a more responsible business model. With this strategic shift, Epson not only demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship but also sets a powerful example for other companies to follow.
Source:Sustainability Magazine
Each month, we underscore the breadth and depth of efforts towards a more conscious future. From the sports arena to energy innovation and corporate commitments, each development highlights progress in our collective journey. Join us next month for more updates on the latest positive sustainability news strides.
European Consumers are Driving A Sustainable Start Up Wave
Startups across various sectors are riding a global wave of funding driven by the increasing consumer demand for sustainable practices. In the packaging industry, Berlin-based Packmatic secured €15 million in funding, emphasising the market’s push for sustainable packaging solutions.
This aligns with the broader trend seen in sectors like fashion, with Lithuania’s Vinted considering a secondary share sale worth over €200 million to boost its sustainable fashion platform. The wave is evident in industries worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in consumer choices and investor strategies.
Let’s keep voting with our wallets and drive this wave even further!
Source: Tech Crunch
Under Armour Released Microfibre Shredding Technology
Under Armour has released a tool to measure microfiber shedding in textiles, addressing the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics. The tool, developed in collaboration with UK-based James Heal and Germany’s Hohenstein Institute, enables mills and businesses to assess the shedding of microfibers during washing.
As part of its sustainability goals, Under Armour aims to offer 75% “low-shed materials” by 2030. The effort comes amid global concerns about microfiber pollution, with up to one-third of ocean plastic litter believed to originate from shedding during washing.
This tool is a crucial step toward the company’s circular economy ambitions, and we can only imagine the impact for the entire fashion industry if it’s widely adopted.
Source: GreenBiz
Four New Octopus Species Discovered
Scientists have identified at least four new species of octopus near Costa Rica near hydrothermal springs. This discovery of new marine species is beyond exciting for biodiversity and global insight.
Identifying new species contributes to our understanding of the diversity of life, enhancing our knowledge of different ecosystems, their functioning, and the interactions between species along with the uniqueness and importance of specific habitats. This information is crucial for conservation efforts, helping to identify areas that need protection and preservation.
Source: ABC News
Could 2024 be the year nature rights enter the political mainstream?
Two new coalitions, the More Than Human Rights (Moth) project and Animals in the Room (Air), have emerged in the global campaign advocating for ecosystems and species to have legal rights and political representation.
These initiatives, comprising scientists, lawyers, philosophers, and artists, employ innovative strategies such as authorship claims for forests, policy advocacy for animals like bears and whales, and fungal approaches to promote ecological thinking.
They reflect a growing wave of nature and animal rights movements, addressing concerns about humanity’s exploitative relationship with other species and perceived shortcomings in addressing the climate crisis through technology and markets. Would they get your vote?
Source: Guardian
It’s not always easy to stay positive in January, so we hope we’ve made your day a little brighter with our round up! Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so as you don’t miss our monthly blast of feel good news.
