Articles in this supplement
Articles in this supplement:
Gaddafi goes green
Martin Wright 19 September 2007, Africa, Conservation
Leader’s son heads Libyan sustainability drive
He may have written the (misleadingly titled) Green Book, but Colonel Gaddafi hasn’t exactly made oil-rich Libya a beacon of sustainability. That may be about to change.
A greener dragon's den
Iain Aitch 19 September 2007, Business services, Finance
New network matches environmental entrepreneurs with investors
Matching bright green entrepreneurs with sources of investment capital has always been a challenge. It’s one which the newly launched Environmental Investment Network (EIN) aims to overcome.
Where’s the beef tomato?
19 September 2007, Health, Organics
Research reignites ‘healthy organics’ debate
Is organic food better for you? The argument is an old one, but some newly published research has spiced it up, putting tomatoes in the front line.
Solar sparks cheaper
19 September 2007, Architecture, Solar energy/PV
German company promises ‘whole-house’ photovoltaics
It’s the stuff of dreams, a futuristic house where every external part is put to work as a miniature solar power plant.
Climate change ‘not due to the sun'
Martin Wright 19 September 2007, Climate change
Key argument of sceptics shot down by new study
Global warming is happening despite – not because of – solar
cycles.
That’s the conclusion of an extensive new study published by the Royal Society, the UK’s leading scientific academy.
Hemp on the hub
Hannah Bullock 19 September 2007, Cars, Materials
Plant-based brakes to reduce pollution
Britain’s motorists get through a not-so-cool 80 million sets of brake
pads every year, leaving a dusting of heavy metals which end up in
water run-off from roads, and in our lungs when we take the tube.
Small change, big difference
Hannah Bullock 19 September 2007, Finance, Overseas development, Socially responsible investment
City investors bank on the world’s ‘unbankable’
$108 million was raised in a Morgan Stanley bond – to be turned into microfinance. That’s the truly exceptional thing about the ‘BOLD-2 transaction’. The money, raised in May this year, will be loaned to microfinance institutions in 12 developing countries.
Brave old world
Roger East 19 September 2007, Asia
Dinosaur time in a Saudi dome
Fancy a wander through a prehistoric landscape of mosses and ferns? Want to walk from the Devonian period 400 million years ago, all the way up to the pollinators of the Pliocene and the more familiar flora of today?
Greening the greenbacks
Hannah Bullock and Ruth McCance 19 September 2007, Finance, Socially responsible investment
Banks launch billion dollar initiatives
International mega-bank HSBC is spending $100 million on a scheme to promote “action – not apathy” among its 300,000-strong global workforce.
Light years ahead
19 September 2007, Energy conservation & efficiency, Local government, Recycling
Gateshead is showing other local authorities what to do with redundant lighting
Pulling together on organics
19 September 2007, Marketing
Organic businesses could soon be punching at the same weight as other sectors thanks to a new Organic Trade Group
Alma greener
Martin Wright and Oliver Balch 19 September 2007, Construction, Higher/Further Education
Universities rated, ranked on environmental performance
The most important index for prospective students used to be the cost of beer at the university bar. Now school leavers are being encouraged to consider the environmental footprint of their future alma mater.
Bottles get smashed in pub
19 September 2007, Recycling
Compact crusher boosts glass recycling
Q. What happens to that empty wine bottle after your candlelit dinner in the high street restaurant?
Paper power
19 September 2007, Innovation
Printable lightweight cellulose batteries on the horizon
Batteries have come a long way – and could have a lot further to go. Our lifestyles demand ever more, smaller, lighter portable power – without the pollution penalty of toxic metals.
Coke goes easy on the water
19 September 2007, Agriculture & Food, Corporate responsibility, Water
Companies sign up to save rivers
Stung by accusations of water profligacy – and worse – Coca-Cola has joined other leading brands in pledging to cut consumption and save key aquatic habitats.
Mythbuster
Irma Allen 24 October 2007, Chemicals, Eco-products & services
Mythbuster
The cynic’s guide to……eco-washing powder
Q Doesn’t really work, does it?
A It does now. Even the Good Housekeeping Institute has given its stamp of approval to the stain-removing powers of two leading brands.
Bin wins
19 September 2007, Local government, Recycling, Urban, Waste management
Buttcatchers are capturing the imagination of councils around the UK
Invented to keep cigarette butts and chewing gum off the street, the pod-shaped ‘Smartbin’ has already sold itself to 17 local authorities.
The sun in Spain makes power for the plain
Martin Wright 20 September 2007, Europe, Solar energy/PV
World’s largest solar plant under construction
On the plains of Andalusia, a solar plant is taking shape which will supply electricity to up to 200,000 people.
Designer farming
Ruth McCance 20 September 2007, Agriculture & Food, Farming/Horticulture, Urban
Urban food projects take to the skies and the water
It’s not just a huge floating hydroponic glasshouse, it’s “a metaphor for us and for the future of this planet.”
That’s how New York’s parks commissioner Adrian Benepe sees the vegetable-growing Science Barge moored off Manhattan’s West Side.
Zip through London
Roger East 20 September 2007, Business, Cars
High-tech gloss sharpens appeal of car hire by the hour
Slick, up-market branding is repositioning the old ‘car club’ idea. Congestion charging, the price of parking, and smart technology for charging users and tracking availability, have all helped the likes of Streetcar make its mark in London.
Soft soap saves forests
Martin Wright and Oliver Balch 20 September 2007, Conservation, Eco-products & services, Retail
Body Shop leads switch to sustainable palm oil
Palm oil has been in the dock of late, as concerns intensify about the loss of crucial forest resources to dramatically expanding palm plantations in Southeast Asia – and the climate implications of the clearance work involved.
Premises promises
Hannah Bullock 20 September 2007, Architecture
Low carbon offices raise the bar for refurb and newbuild
Great premises can speak louder for a company’s green credentials than any CSR report. Especially for architects – as witness Sheppard Robson’s £350,000 makeover of its Manchester offices earlier this year.
Pole-to-Pole emissions free
20 September 2007, Climate change, Transport & travel
Sussex pair walk on thin ice
Not content with being the youngest Britons to climb Everest (at age 18) in 2006, two explorers from Sussex set off last April on a man-powered pole-to-pole expedition.
Now you’re talking…Katherine Hamnett
20 September 2007, Behaviour change, Entrepreneurship, Fair Trade, Materials, People, Retail
She famously flashed a T-shirt opposing the purchase of US Pershing missiles while shaking hands with Margaret Thatcher back in the ’80s.
Now the leftfield fashion guru is designing organic clothing collections for the likes of Tesco – in between campaigning on nuclear power, HIV and fair trade…
Urban myths
Trevor Lawson 20 September 2007, Built environment, Planning, Regeneration
“Towns are greener than the countryside.” Says who? - Commission for Rural Communities
The future is disruptive
Rebecca Willis 27 September 2007, Business, Entrepreneurship, Green government, People
The government is committed to reducing carbon, and promoting innovation. So why is it making life so hard for innovative entrepreneurs offering dramatic carbon savings? Rebecca Willis reveals the obstacles – and the opportunities – for the ‘disruptive innovators’.
Dematerial world
Richard Barrington 20 September 2007, Business, Information technology
With a billion computers on the planet already, the future of IT should be about services, not stuff. - Sun Microsystems
Nail it, screw it…
Peter Malaise 20 September 2007, Business, Carbon reduction, Climate change, Retail
To a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Peter Malaise thinks we’re in danger of single-track thinking on CO2 – when what we need is a more holistic approach – Ecover
Megacity mix and match
Iain Aitch 20 September 2007, Climate change, International policies & agreements, Transport & travel, Urban
Hot topics – or hot air? Iain Aitch looks for the action when big cities club together on climate change.
How low can you go?
Trevor Lawson 20 September 2007, Business, Construction, Housing, Local government
Can all new houses be zero carbon by 2016? You bet. But we need innovation now. Trevor Lawson meets the enthusiasts for change. - Entec
Whitehall watch
Peter Madden 26 October 2007, Built environment, Climate change, Local government, Planning, Policy
A precautionary note for government planners
Yes, Britain needs more houses. But will government get the planning equations right – or just open the floodgates and let down the locals? Peter Madden says Gordon Brown needs to think this through.
Sexing the climate
Simon Fanshawe 20 September 2007, Behaviour change, Consumption, Women
Are men and women different when it comes to global warming? Simon Fanshawe pays manly tribute to sensitivity – and shopping.
Creative energy
Chris Alden 26 October 2007, Biofuels, Cars, Community energy, Europe, Urban
Renewable power projects really can work. On a serious scale. Here’s the living proof – and a challenge for Britain to match.
ALL CHANGE
21 September 2007
As someone once said, “change is the only thing that will remain constant”. Any conservationist would attest to that.
Electric green energy
Julian Rollins 21 September 2007, Microgeneration, Wind power
It’s time for energy suppliers to put their money where their mouths are, and invest in new wind power, says Dale Vince. - Ecotricity
Where skylarks dare
Terry Slavin 21 September 2007, Community energy, People, Wind power
Up on Adam Twine’s farm, five turbines spell out his commitment– to community-owned renewables. Yes, there’s a cost, in rural charm… but just look at the (human) energy potential.
Planning your next holiday yet?
Stephanie Draper 21 September 2007, Holidays, Transport & travel, Travel plans
The best way to beat the post-holiday blues, I find, is to book the next holiday before the suntan starts to peel. But my dilemma these days is that I am working to a carbon budget.
Feeding the future
21 September 2007, Climate change, Farming/Horticulture, Natural world & resources, Visions & futures
England’s farmers are on the front line of climate change. Four out of five are persuaded that it’s really happening – and, encouragingly, 70% of them can see some potential for business benefits in that change.
The bandwagon to be on
Ben Tuxworth 8 October 2007, Business, Consumption, Marketing, Society & culture
Finally, everyone’s at it. From Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth, to the Simpsons movie homage An Irritating Truth, mass communications are being brought to bear on the ‘Greatest Challenge Facing Humanity’TM.
Future Positive
Joy Green 26 October 2007, Visions & futures
It’s 2022 – and low carbon living is as attractive as it is crucial. So what’s on offer? In an exciting new project, Forum for the Future comes up with iconic adverts – and a thoughtful rationale – for the innovative products and services we’ll all be wanting.
The three Rs of climate change
Terry Slavin 9 October 2007, Schools
As term began, 250 more-than-usually-excited Worcester children surged back through the gates of Redhill School.
Fresh from the summer holidays, these are the first participants in an unprecedented experiment in sustainable learning.
Wired Earth
Chris Alden and Martin Wright 26 October 2007, Climate change, Culture, Inspiration
Everybody’s doing it. From Coldplay to the Kaiser Chiefs, green is the new rock ’n’ roll. But can pop stars really save the world? Chris Alden peers into the biofuelled tour bus.
American Eye
Polly Ghazi 9 October 2007, Americas, Local food
The love affair with local food
Middle class America is in love with local food. It’s the ‘new organic’, says Polly Ghazi – and it’s worth billions to those best placed to meet demand. So who’ll fund the investment in local farms?
And another thing...
Martin Wright 9 October 2007, Culture, Inspiration
Direct action adds edge and urgency to the climate debate – but it’s crying out for a more positive, persuasive message, says Martin Wright
Wild Words
10 October 2007, Carbon offset/neutrality, Carbon sequestration, Climate change impacts
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What’s the price of a cow in Nepal got to do with climate change? A lot, says David Nussbaum. The new chief executive of WWF-UK has carbon credits, water, and China on his mind.
Banking on offshore
Neil Wilks 10 October 2007, Wind power
Birds, radars, landowners, fishermen – just some of the stakeholders in Hydro’s North Sea wind farm.
Enduring energy
Martin Wright 10 October 2007, Energy sources, Microgeneration
From solar power for India’s poor to wood-fired heating for UK schools, the Ashden Awards highlight some of the world’s most innovative energy schemes, reports Martin Wright.
Feeling the heat
Julian Rollins 10 October 2007, Carbon reduction
Caterers are the latest to come under pressure to cut carbon. That means big changes in the kitchen, reports Julian Rollins. - Aga Foodservices Group
Woodlark ascending
11 October 2007, Wildlife
One of England’s most critically endangered birds is making a dramatic comeback
Keeping the peace
26 October 2007, Housing, Planning, Urban
Countryside needs more protection from urban sprawl, show new maps
‘Peace and quiet’ – it’s the most valued feature of the countryside. That’s according to 72% of respondents in a poll carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), compared with just 19% who chose ‘nature’.
Who minds the boss’s footprint?
26 October 2007, Business
Survey highlights scope for greener office culture
We’re gradually getting more green-aware at home – so why not at work too? Good question. But a new study suggests we’re abandoning our environmental concerns at the threshold of the office – and just leaving all that to ‘the company’, the facilities manager or the office manager.
Shelter from the storm
12 October 2007, Climate change impacts
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Architects weigh in with innovative dwellings for the dispossessed
What might life be like in an old oil tanker? Scott Wilson consultancy’s ‘Ark’ concept [right] envisions converting these sea monsters into offshore, self-sustaining communities – complete with deck gardens and sports pitches.
New energy for old Edinburgh
David Howells 12 October 2007, Architecture, Energy sources, Heritage
Scottish capital’s redevelopment scheme features ground source heating
Controversial plans for a major redevelopment in part of Edinburgh’s historic old town are set to include one of the UK’s largest ground source heat pumps.Rags to riches
8 October 2007, Materials
Government has designs on sustainable clothing
With the growing popularity of ‘vintage’ clothing, the rise of ‘charity shop chic’ and the spread of clothes-swap ‘swishing’, it’s a shock to discover that used clothing is the fastest growing waste stream in the country.
Village hall vision
26 October 2007, Local government, Microgeneration
Parish pioneers use of green energy funding powers
Grassroots energy action at village level has just got a big boost. At Kirkburton, southeast of Huddersfield, the parish council has become the first in the country to take advantage of new powers to spend parishioners’ money on promoting renewable micro-generation and energy efficiency.
Passing the buck on CO2
Roger East 26 October 2007, Asia, Climate change, International trade
Emissions ‘made in China’ are down to consumers, say reports
Fully 23% of China’s carbon emissions are attributable to the manufacture of goods for the Western market, according to a study by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
Pure and simple?
Hannah Bullock and Roger East 26 October 2007, Freight, International trade, Organics, Overseas development
Soil Association takes complex stand on air freighted organics
Keen not to be seen as promoting organic ‘air miles’, the Soil Association is setting extra conditions for approving produce that’s grown overseas and flown in to the UK.
Shop your clone town
29 October 2007, Urban
Shop your clone town
Survey to measure the spread of identikit high streets
Hungry for change?
Hannah Bullock 30 October 2007, Agriculture & Food
Food and industry to play catch up on the environment
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is gearing up to use “peer pressure” to green the laggards in the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector.
Street life revival
2 November 2007, Regeneration, Urban
’DIY streets’ schemes balance traffic with community needs
Britain’s city streets should put pedestrians and cyclists on an equal footing with motor vehicles. So says Sustrans – and it’s not just rhetoric.
Neighbourhood watch on heat
13 November 2007, Energy conservation & efficiency, Fuel poverty, Housing
Birmingham’s eco-scheme champions energy saving
An award-winning Birmingham City Council scheme is tapping into the power of community action to help homeowners cut energy waste in older properties.
Breakthrough in cool glass
13 November 2007, Innovation, Materials
Green power share portfolio
19 November 2007, Banking, Energy sources
HSBC launches tradeable Climate Index
Fighting global warming can be a profitable business. This was the unmistakable message sent out to banks and investors with the launch of the HSBC Global Climate Change Index.
A win on the wild side
22 November 2007, Marine/coastal, Wetlands
Wallasea Island site reverts from wheat to wetland
A swathe of arable land in south-east Essex, hard won from the sea for farming four centuries ago, is being bought back for the birds.
How green is their valley?
Caspar Henderson 30 July 2001, Community energy, Places/demonstration centres, Solar energy/PV, Wave power/tidal, Wind power
The rural heartland of mid-Wales is home to an ambitious experiment in sustainable living - one that reaches well beyond the ‘usual suspects’.
Dundee - where the smoke don't blow
Sarah Roe 21 September 2001, Incineration, Local government
How a pioneering approach has taken the heat out of clashes over incineration, by Sarah Roe
Not just Patagucci man
Erin Gill 3 October 2001, Eco-products & services, Fashion, Young people
Profile - Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard interviewed by Erin Gill
Sit still while I empower you...
Ben Tuxworth 13 July 2002, Behaviour change, Local government
Ben Tuxworth on the wonders of participation: what works, what doesn't
Big, big plans for very small things
Paul Miller 15 July 2002, Nanotechnology
The science of the moment is nanotechnology. Paul Miller explains what it’s all about
Branding their way to clean streets (and world peace)
Martin Wright 15 July 2002, Behaviour change, Marketing, Peace/security
Steve Hilton, author of Good Business tells Green Futures why he looks to the Sky (and to Coke and to Nike).
Yes Logo
Martin Wright and Victoria Earle 15 July 2002, Behaviour change, Marketing
Victoria Earle and Martin Wright ask whether the mighty power of brands can ever be wielded on the side of the angels.
Living in a building sight
Dan Green 17 July 2002, Construction
The pleasures and the pitfalls of a sustainable HQ - Wessex Water
Greener by Degrees
Polly Curtis 16 September 2002, Higher/Further Education
Polly Curtis uncovers campuses at the forefront of sustainable practice - and asks what needs to be done to transform universities.
Learning for life
Sara Parkin 16 September 2002, Higher/Further Education, Skills & training
Our old education system is outdated and unsustainable, says Sara Parkin.
Area of outstanding natural bounty
David Pike 16 September 2002, Energy sources, Local government
Teesdale’s rolling hills could be the backdrop for Britain’s first all-renewable region. David Pike reports.
Only (re)connect...
Jonathon Porritt 16 September 2002, Professional development
Jonathon Porritt on a new initiative which aims to put ethics into the heart of business.
Nature as niche market
Gordon Heath and Tony Stebbing 16 September 2002, Behaviour change, Marketing
Business must be like nature - red in tooth and claw ...? Tony Stebbing and Gordon Heath argue that it's a dangerously misguided metaphor.
Fit at the waste
Gev Edulgee and Marek Gordon 24 September 2002, Green government, Recycling
To get us recycling, a rethink of policy is needed - SITA
Faith in the City
Roger East 29 October 2002, Corporate responsibility, Socially responsible investment, Young people
Roger East gets the word from Brian Pearce on the scope for promoting sustainable finance under the London Principles.
Stakeout in VC country
Roger Cowe 29 October 2002, Stock market
Roger Cowe explores how venture capital can be roped in to help save the planet.
Turning the worm
Nick Robins 29 October 2002, Socially responsible investment
It's not just Enron style corruption that destabilises our financial system - the system itself needs redesigning, argues Nick Robins
Islam or rust?
David Boyle 29 October 2002, Banking, Religion/spirituality
It's high time to take a new interest in no interest, says David Boyle, looking at Islamic banking for inspiration.
Mixing the dough
David Boyle 29 October 2002, International trade
David Boyle sees a net gain in choosing from a range of currencies according to circumstance.
R U Being Served?
Sophie Hooper 29 October 2002, Banking, Telecommunications
Sophie Hooper wants the flexibility of online banking, without widening that digital divide.
Low rollers
Polly Ghazi 29 October 2002, Banking, Young people
Back the entrepreneurs with community development finance and reap the benefits in regenerating deprived neighbourhoods, reports Polly Ghazi
Conservation is over-rated
Anita Pollack 30 October 2002, Heritage
VAT rules on repair are unsustainable - English Heritage
Show and tell
Peter Denton 30 October 2002, Socially responsible investment
Ethical Investments - practising what you preach - WWF-UK
Bigger fish to fry
Roger East 30 October 2002, Fishing
The tuna test for sustainable fisheries - Sainsbury's
Whitehall Watch
Rebecca Willis 7 November 2002, Green government, Politics
Rebecca Willis casts an insider’s eye down the corridors of power
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