Sustainability Outlook Headlines

Toyota Using Denso’s Plant-Based Plastics in its Navigation Systems

Toyota is using plant-based plastics developed by Denso in its car navigation systems, according to the automotive supplier.

Denso’s new plant-based plastics includes bio-polycarbonate (PC) made from starch and urethane resin extracted from castor oil. Denso’s starch-derived bio-PC, which the company says provides high hardness yet can be shaped into complex designs, is being used to make plastic bezels for... Read more..

ADB okays $175 mn loan to Power Grid to diversify energy mix

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 175 million loan to Power Grid Corporation to help the power producer diversify its power mix by supplying more clean energy.

Under clean energy clause, more power is to be produced from solar. The move will also help India to achieve its energy security target.

... Read more..

Kerala, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh take states' list under UDAY to 26

Twenty six states are now part of the UDAY scheme, meant for the revival of debt stressed discoms, after Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura formally joined the programme.

"An overall net benefit of approximately Rs 4,178 crore, Rs 309 crore and Rs 810 crore would accrue to the states of Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura respectively, by opting to participate in UDAY, by way of cheaper funds, reduction... Read more..

100 percent committed to Paris deal, says China after Trump snubs rules

China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, today reaffirmed that it remains "100 per cent" committed to the landmark Paris climate deal, looking to seize the leadership of global environment policy after US President Donald Trump began dismantling Obama-era policies.

In another controversial executive order, Trump decided on Thursday to radically change the policies of his predecessor Barack... Read more..

Reusable carbon nanotubes, the next-gen water filter

A new class of carbon nanotubes may soon become the next-generation clean-up crew for toxic sludge and contaminated water, a new study suggested.

Enhanced single-walled carbon nanotubes offer a more effective and sustainable approach to water treatment and remediation than the standard industry materials, silicon gels and activated carbon, according to researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology.... Read more..

Innovative mobile machinery to resolve the issue of solid waste management

Though politicians and officials of the Local Bodies Department have been endlessly trying to resolve the the issue of getting a suitable chunk of land for setting up a solid waste management plan, a city-based industrialist has come up with an idea which does not have any requirement of the sort.

Ajay Palta, owner of Palta Engineering Works, based at the Focal Point here, claims to have designed a machinery... Read more..

Mumbaikars make 'Swachh Bharat Recycle Machine' a success

Buoyed by the success of the pilot project at Churchgate railway station, the Western Railway has firmed up plans to install 20 more 'Swachh Bharat Recycle Machine' at 10 suburban stations, including an additional one at Churchgate.

'Swachh Bharat Recycle Machine' is a compact bottle crusher machine that recycles PET bottles. The machines are being provided by the Wockhardt Foundation.

... Read more..

EESL dismisses charges of irregularities in LED procurement

The state-owned EESL today refuted allegations of irregularities in procurement of LED bulbs for the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, terming them as "false, misleading and devoid of any facts".

"In response to allegations raised in some newspapers today, the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, has strongly refuted... Read more..

Power-starved Meghalaya wants to go for renewable energy

Power-starved Meghalaya is now eyeing renewable energy to meet the growing demand for electricity in the state, Power Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has said.

"The main concern facing the state today is power deficit which has greatly affected Meghalaya's economy and the government has given a lot of thrust towards non-conventional energy which is sustainable as well as eco-friendly," he said.... Read more..

Government to encourage power through solar energy in Madhya Pradesh

Central and State Governments are encouraging power production through solar energy. The programme of installing rooftop solar plants over the buildings of institutional areas is being comprehensively implemented across the State and the country. Under this scheme, orders for installation of solar power plants in 39 collector offices of the State have been issued by MP Urja Vikas Nigam.

The 39 solar power... Read more..

'India's temperature rose by 0.60 degree over last 110 years'

India's temperature has risen by nearly 0.60 degree celsius over the last 110 years and extreme events like heat waves have increased in the last 30 years, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), in line with rising temperatures across the globe, all India mean temperatures have risen nearly 0.60 degree Celsius over the last 110 years. Further IMD... Read more..

LEDs to cut carbon-dioxide by 80 million tonnes a year, save Rs 40,000 crore in power bills: Piyush Goyal

The government's promotion of light emitting diodes (LED) will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 million tonnes per annum and save around Rs 40,000 crore in power bills annually, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday.

"The LED project, where the government is replacing the lighting load of the country with LEDs, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 million tonnes per annum and the... Read more..