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Here you will find up to date information on sustainable innovation, public procurement and SMART SPP project activities. We would be happy to feature your news on this website! Just send it to us in English and in a ready to publish format.
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01.09.10 Learn, debate and innovate at Local Renewables Freiburg 2010
As the move towards e-vehicles begins to gather pace, cities around Europe and the world face the challenge of answering a number of key urban mobility questions. The Local Renewables Freiburg 2010 conference, which takes place from 14-15 October 2010 in the City of Freiburg (Germany) will examine the role of renewables in sustainable urban mobility. The conference is in collaboration with the International Congress Solar Summits and will create a setting for the transfer of know-how among researchers, businesses and local government representatives >>more
(source: Local Renewables Conference)
30.08.10 Hungary ready for the renewable energy challenge
Hungary faces its biggest climate challenge yet if it wants to reduce its CO2 emissions and energy consumption by 20%. This is one of the priorities of the EU's new 'Europe 2020' strategy for green growth. It is in Hungary's best interests to improve its energy efficiency and decrease its consumption, not least due to the country's huge reliance on imported energy – around 70%. Experts say that renewable energy could help Hungary to reduce its dependency on imports, provided that it modernises energy efficiency in its buildings too. If successful, the increased share of renewable energy in the country has the potential to drive future smart innovations >>more
(source: Euractiv)
25.08.10 Green Dragons meet potential suppliers
The Green Dragons event was funded as part of the SUSCIN project with the focus on stimulating a two-way dialogue between suppliers and purchasers to promote emerging technologies in the market.
Twelve small companies based in South East England with innovative sustainable products or services in development or new to the market had 45 minutes with the 'green dragons', represented by senior purchasers from the construction industry, to explain their innovation. The discussions also highlighted the barriers and difficulty small suppliers have in entering such a complex market. Of the twelve, six of these small companies will enter into more detailed discussions about how to turn the momentum into tangible business for innovative sustainable suppliers in South East England >>more
(source: Action Sustainability)
23.08.10 18-tonner hybrid debuts in Britain
Logistics heavyweight DHL has chosen the UK to trial what it claims is the world’s first 18-tonne hybrid distribution truck with an eye to siphoning 15 per cent off its fuel bill. Powered by an electric motor and a diesel engine, which can be used separately or together, the Volvo hybrid vehicle should mean reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and lower noise levels. DHL and Volvo have formed a partnership to jointly develop the vehicle for a two-year period. DHL says the partnership arose from a mutual interest in developing new energy-efficient technologies and has seen the courier company work closely with Volvo on the specifications of the vehicle >>more
(source: Business Green)
18.08.10 Electric Vehicle charging stations attract new innovations
The Plug-in 2010 conference and exhibition took place between 26-29 July in San Jose (United States) and drew audiences such as automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, electric utilities, government agencies, the environmental community and academia to exchange ideas and gather information needed to make key decisions related to plug-in hybrid and electric transportation. Exhibitors showcased new innovative ideas including a new inductive charging system, charging stations integrated with metered parking and residential wall-mount unit chargers >>more
(source: Green Car Congress)
16.08.10 Postal services in the EU could go electric
Residents of several European countries may have their mail delivered by workers in small electric vehicles if tests of the "Free Duck" being carried out across several European cities prove successful. The purpose-designed vehicle with seating for one is said to be capable of handling about 440 lbs (including the driver) and can reach speeds of 28 mph. PostEurop, the association which represents 2.1 million postal workers across Europe, unveiled the electric delivery vehicle outside the European Parliament on 15th July. These quadricycles are an alternative to the classic motorcycles currently used by postmen in Europe and have already been piloted in Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria >>more
(source: edie news)
10.08.10 Electric vehicle summit in Shanghai pushes for rapid deployment
The Climate Group’s EV20 leadership summit in Shanghai which took place on 3rd May is the latest in a series of meetings to build an international ‘coalition of the willing’ to rapidly advance the commercial deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) around the world. The Summit opened with an EV Leadership Panel dialogue, with panelists discussing the challenges for EV adoption in China, Chinese government’s strategy to demonstrate and promote R&D of EVs, public-private partnership and the role of players along the value chain.
The summit was followed by a closed-door EV20 roundtable where, participants entered into a more in-depth discussion on technology challenges and R&D strategies and policy incentives at both national and local levels. Delegates also discussed public-private partnership in large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Hong Kong, innovative business models and alliances across sectors to accelerate EV deployment and how they will engage in The Climate Group’s EV20 initiative. The next roundtable meeting will be held in London on 7th September >>more
(source: The Climate Group)
09.08.10 Developing collaborative eco-innovations to environmental challenges
European Technology Platforms (ETPs) will play a key role to ensure eco-innovations make the transition from research to commercialisation. ETPs are industry-led stakeholder forums which develop research and technology objectives to help to ensure Europe’s future growth, competitiveness and sustainability. Now these platforms are forming clusters to find technological solutions to Europe’s societal challenges. Europe’s 36 ETPs have introduced strategic research agendas outlining common visions for each technology field. Certain platforms – such as the renewable heating and cooling platform and the water supply and sanitation platform – have started driving the development of environmental technologies >>more
(source: ETAP)
05.08.10 Scotland lays out low carbon vehicle plans
A £7.7 million initiative to encourage the use of low carbon vehicles by Scotland’s public services was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond on 16th June 2010. Part of this funding will go towards developing a green bus scheme to help Scotland cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020. In addition, local authorities will receive 'bridging' funding this year to cover the difference in cost between purchasing conventionally-powered cars or vans and low carbon alternatives such as electric vehicles. Other funding will also be available for other public bodies and to develop charging facilities >>more
(source: New Energy Focus)
04.08.10 Understanding policy integration in the ‘green’ economy
Many countries recognise the need to promote a ‘green’ economy and integrate its principles into a number of different areas of policy. However, new research has indicated that simply integrating environmental policy alone is not enough if the policies are neither coordinated nor continuous. It makes recommendations for a number of necessary conditions for successful policy integration including adapting the design, timing and coherence of measures to support the green economy >>more
(source: Science for Environment Policy)
