As the uptake of green roofs and walls increases, so does the demand for excellence in their design, installation and maintenance. We have all lamented the demise of a favoured pot plant and wondered what went wrong. When greenery covering an entire building is poorly designed, installed or maintained it will eventually fail, become an eyesore and get pulled down — an outcome that is the opposite of sustainable urban design.

For the most part, the challenges and benefits of transforming cities into greener places are now well understood. An increasing number of buildings in Australia and Aoteroa New Zealand are being clothed with plants. However, the synergy of people and ideas across government, research and the ‘green infrastructure’ sector in Australasia is still limited.

Australian author, journalist and broadcaster Tracey Spicer AM has observed that “sometimes challenges seem enormous, but if you can connect with others working towards the same goal, it becomes more achievable”.

To this end, my colleague Gail Hall and I co-founded a Community of Practice in 2021 to build a network of people across government, academia and industry with a common interest in green infrastructure. In late 2022, we incorporated the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN) and along with a core group of volunteers, we have launched a webpage and are preparing for our inaugural annual general meeting.

In addition to growing AGIN over the next 12 months, our volunteers will support the creation of an online knowledge hub. We will make representations to government on the need for better policy supporting the uptake of well-maintained green infrastructure and we will organise an online seminar with international presenters in the second half of 2023.

There are a range of climate-resilient solutions that work hand in hand with green infrastructure. In the Feb–March 2022 edition of Sustainability Matters, the article ‘Cool roofs’ noted the increasing rate of heat-related deaths across more than 500 cities globally due to the ‘urban heat island’ effect. In the article, Professor Mattheos (Mat) Santamouris, of the University of New South Wales, cited a study of ‘super cool’ roofing materials that reduced the surface temperature of a trial roof to just 25°C on a day where the ambient temperature was 42°C.

In some circumstances, a building structure is not capable of supporting a green roof or wall and in those circumstances, super cool roofs provide excellent opportunities to reduce the urban heat island effect. For buildings that can support green roofs and walls, a suite of benefits can be provided in addition to cooling our cities.

Junglefy Roof at Roche, Sydney, NSW. Image credit: Junglefy, ©Remy Brand.

Green roofs can also absorb stormwater when it rains, and green roofs and walls provide habitat ‘stepping stones’ for migratory birds as well as for local birds and insects. When green roofs are combined with solar panels, the ‘bio-solar’ combination improves energy-generating efficiency by 3% on average, and the solar panels provide shade for plants. Green roofs have been shown to improve health and wellbeing of people by filtering air and providing pleasant views.

The cities of tomorrow can look and feel like paradise — we just have to connect with each other in better ways to make it happen.

*Ben Nicholson, together with Gail Hall, is co-founder of the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN) — a new peak body formed to bring government, industry and researchers together to facilitate the scalable adoption of green infrastructure such as green roofs, walls and facades in Australia and New Zealand.

Top image caption: Junglefy Breathing Walls at Manly Vale Car Park, Manly Vale, NSW. Image credit: Junglefy, ©Remy Brand.

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/sustainability/article/green-paradise-for-australasia-684130278

ABB is investing in Danish startup OKTO GRID to advance the development of technology that will digitalise and extend the useful life of aging electrical assets in order to meet the growing demand for reliable and stable power.

OKTO GRID has developed a pilot solution that digitalises electrical infrastructure to enable real-time, remote condition and performance monitoring to prolong working life by another 40 years. In 2019, the company started developing an IoT device that captures four different data types non-invasively from electricity-generating or distributing assets, with a primary focus on transformers. The data is then analysed using the company’s proprietary algorithms for detecting anomalies and certain events related to the assets’ operation. The combination of a physical device, data capture and analysis methods has given rise to several patent applications for the method and technology.

As part of the collaboration, ABB will provide its electrification, digitalisation and industry knowledge to enhance the development of OKTO GRID’s solution in order to accelerate technology and commercial readiness.

The solution, which works independently of transformer type, make and age, is designed to be mounted without downtime or any tooling required.

Managed through ABB’s venture capital unit, ABB Technology Ventures (ATV), the minority investment in OKTO GRID is the company’s 11th venture capital investment of 2022. Since its formation in 2009, ATV has invested around $300 million in startups that are synergetic with its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio.

Image credit: iStock.com/Nazar Rybak

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/energy/news/abb-invests-in-okto-grid-to-digitalise-the-energy-grid-593283290

Introduction

In addition to the requirements for a secure, reliable and affordable power supply, the idea of sustainability within the context of the energy revolution is coming into focus. Renewable energy sources such as wind, water or solar have an important role to play in this energy mix. Since the electricity generated from these upcoming but highly fluctuating energy sources cannot be transported or consumed in a way that allows for grid compensation, it must be stored. One possibility is to store the energy as gas in the existing natural gas network. For years, there have been developments towards converting electrical energy into storable gases such as hydrogen (H₂) or synthetic natural gas. The process of converting electricity into gas by electrolysis is known as power-to-gas (also PtG or P2G). The hydrogen produced can be fed into the existing natural gas network, stored there, transported and consumed as required. In numerous countries of the European Union, research projects have been running since about 2010 looking at the question of how much hydrogen the existing natural gas network is able to absorb without the gas consumption points being negatively affected. In industry, very different limit values for the admixture of H₂ with natural gas are currently mentioned. Values typically range from 5 to 25% by volume. However, what seems clear is that the proportion will increase steadily over the coming years. How quickly this happens will certainly depend on the speed of investment and the progress made with developing power-to-gas technologies. The question of what effects the admixture of hydrogen into natural gas has on the infrastructure installed today is of increasing concern to the industry.

Technical Guideline G19 (TR G 19)

In December 2014, the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) issued the Technical Guideline TR G 191, which regulates “feeding hydrogen into the natural gas network” for “measuring instruments for gas.” The Guideline declares the use of gas measurement devices “of any technologies” shall be safe, provided that the hydrogen content of the natural gas is less than 5% by volume. The use of meters is permitted for a proportion between 5 and 10% by volume of hydrogen, provided the manufacturer explicitly permits this. For the use of meters with natural gas containing > 10% hydrogen by volume, a manufacturer’s declaration as well as a PTB declaration of clearance must be submitted in addition to the manufacturer’s declaration. The FLOWSIC600 and FLOWSIC600-XT gas meters installed today can be used in applications with up to 10% hydrogen by volume in natural gas; this is possible within the calibration error limits and without the need for a new metrological test. SICK has published a corresponding manufacturer’s declaration in accordance with TR G 19.2.

Effect of the admixture of hydrogen on measuring capability

The addition of hydrogen has an effect on the characteristic curve behavior and thus on the measuring uncertainty of the devices. A measuring capability does not amount to the same thing as an unchanged measurement accuracy. The latest test results of an ultrasonic gas meter calibrated with natural gas show the relative error (measurement deviation) on the measurement result (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) caused by a hydrogen admixture of 10% and 25% by volume, respectively.

Image caption: Fig.1 (left): Influence of the H₂ content on the measurement error of a DN100 FLOWSIC600-XT after application of the linearisation correction, on the basis of pure natural gas data. Fig 2 (right): Influence of the H2 content on the measurement error of a DN200 FLOWSIC600-XT after application of the linearisation correction, on the basis of pure natural gas data.

The relative error is about 0.1% with a proportion of 10% hydrogen by volume in the natural gas in the lower flow rate range (Qmin). This error lies far within the transport error limits for natural gas measurements subject to calibration. Similar data was published in a technical report by gwf-Gas in May 2013. A FLOWSIC600 DN80 was used for the investigations. The report concludes, “Up to 10% H2 content by volume, no influence on the ultrasonic gas meter can be detected if the hydrogen is well mixed with the natural gas”. SICK ultrasonic gas meters are able to measure natural gas containing hydrogen. A recalibration is not necessary if up to 10% by volume of hydrogen is fed in.

Effect of the admixture of hydrogen on material compatibility

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), in its report entitled Resilience assessments of metallic container materials and polymeric sealing/coating and lining materials of January 2015, examined the material resilience of certain materials for use with natural gas containing hydrogen. This shows that the gas flow meters made of the usual material alloys (steels) and all other parts in contact with the medium, such as ultrasonic probes and sealing rings, are resistant to natural gas containing hydrogen.

Effect of the admixture of hydrogen on explosion protection

Hydrogen has a different specific ignition capability from that of natural gas. Taking account of purely hydrogen flow rate measurements, the applicable explosion group under explosion protection regulations is IIC. This defines higher requirements for the equipment with regard to ignition gap dimensions and energy inputs than for natural gas. Explosion group IIA is sufficient for a natural gas measurement. In September 2016, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) published its report which shows that the explosion pressure changes only slightly up to an H2 proportion of 25% by volume. Likewise, a 10% by volume admixture of hydrogen has no significant influence on the standard gap width for the gas group IIA (Fig. 3). The results lead to the conclusion that a 25% admixture of hydrogen by volume, in all likelihood, does not inadmissibly reduce the standard gap width for the gas group IIA.

Conclusion

Gas flow meters of the SICK FLOWSIC600 and FLOWSIC600-XT families, due to their ultrasonic technology, are suitable today for measuring natural gases containing proportions of hydrogen up to 10% by volume within the scope transport according to the laws of calibration. The reliability and quality of the measurement results are not affected by changes in density, flow velocity or speed of sound.

Image caption: iStock.com/peterschreiber.media

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/energy/sponsored/power-to-gas-admixture-of-hydrogen-from-renewable-energies-1659397556

Whilst growth in renewables is driving positive changes across our industry and transmission networks, such projects are also incredibly capital intensive. Whether on or offshore wind, solar, biomass, renewable diesel or hydrogen, if we are to succeed at this transition, all capital projects must be managed at the highest efficiency rate possible throughout their full life cycles.

Therefore, in their quest to meet this new demand for maximum project certainty, renewable energy project owners are exploring how technology, specifically in the form of advanced project controls systems, can support owners’ — and their partners’ — energy sustainability efforts without negatively impacting project timelines and budgets.

Why project controls systems for renewables?

Project controls systems, also known simply as project controls, streamline workflows by integrating all necessary project controls and management processes onto a single platform. They help owners gain access to information across project phases and facilitate better monitoring and execution.

Pre-Planning

Project controls connect across disciplines and bring together estimate/bid/tender information with the schedule, whilst also drawing insights from past performance for risk analysis. They also help in enhancing engineering management whereby owners can see design changes in real time and understand their impact on the project schedule and cost to decide whether to retain the design or look for alternatives.

Design and Construction

The cost of key renewable construction materials rose sharply between 2019 and 2020. This highlights the criticality of close monitoring and management of cost and schedule during the design and construction phase. Project controls provide the right execution tools that gather project progress from the field to create performance reporting for owners to access.

Start-up and Operations

Project controls can pool all documentation, inspections and models. This will ensure that owners have a complete historical record of the project that is well-documented and can be visualised through a digital twin. A digital twin provides the owner valuable insights that can be leveraged throughout the lifetime of the asset.

In this context, adopting an integrated platform such as a project controls system can make connected data available in real time, to allow owners to understand past context and current state, and to make more accurate forecasts.

Leveraging project controls systems during renewable pre-planning

The pre-planning phase of a renewable energy construction project encompasses the tasks that are done to support project approval prior to moving onto significant engineering and design work. Some of the major activities undertaken during this stage are the identification of project scope, feasibility/ constructability analysis, and development of a high-level (or conceptual) budget and schedule.

Proactive Risk Mitigation

Project controls systems allow for benchmarking, enabling users to identify known risks from current and past projects to help answer ‘what-if’ scenarios for estimating both real-time and future project impact on schedule and cost. This can provide owners the confidence to proactively develop risk mitigation strategies that may arise either early in the project or during project execution.

Sharpening Scope Through Machine Learning

The advent of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made scope definition through project controls much more effective. AI/ML can reduce the overhead and complexity associated with scope analyses by allowing an inference engine to make project suggestions based on historical data captured from previous projects.

Revision Control Within a Data Repository

All project-related data in project controls is centralized and available for all stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and better control of revisions and permissions.

Leveraging project controls systems during renewable design and construction

The design and construction phase for renewables involves detailed planning, procurement and project execution. Detailed designs are completed by architects and engineers to ensure the construction approach and process will meet owner objectives, whilst remaining feasible and compliant.

More Realistic Designs, Budgets and Schedules

Project controls systems can aid project stakeholders in enhancing scope, cost and schedule predictions. They can also reduce risk by leveraging historical data available from previous projects, helping to account for risks and unknowns more competently.

Reduced Optimism Bias

Project controls reduce and often eliminate human bias and overly optimistic scenarios and instead accommodate variables based on real facts. The duration of tasks can also be derived or guided by the system by referencing productivity rates and quantities taken from similar historical projects.

Real-Time Project Tracking and Management

Integrating cost, schedule and scope under a single project controls platform can help track project performance in real time. Real-time metrics can be closely monitored and any deviations beyond the acceptable range can be tagged as true risks requiring attention.

Leveraging project controls systems during renewable start-up and operations

The start-up and operations phase for renewable energy construction marks the completion of physical construction and the beginning of an exciting yet often delicate new phase. The activation of a solar power plant, for example, will now begin supplying electricity to the communities it serves. However, that plant will only be deemed truly complete when fully handed over to the owner as operational in the manner predicted.

Centralised Document Sharing for Incident Capture

With centralised sharing, there is better document control and management and therefore, better incident capture through a project controls system. This is because such systems bring all related project documentation into a centralised location, providing one source for sharing, and ensuring that all appropriate stakeholders are accessing the same documents.

Improved Process Visibility for Better Collaboration

The start-up team needs full visibility to construction schedules and task completion status to properly execute all handover and commissioning activities as planned. The project controls system ensures visibility and collaboration across all the parties involved. This then facilitates the creation, assignment and completion of checklists, ensuring the asset is ready for operation.

A Digital Twin Smooths Handover and Operations

A project controls system can enable successful operations for the constructed asset by offering as-built documentation in the form of a digital twin. Easily accessible in the context of a 3D model, inspection forms, certifications, quality documents, warranty documents and more can all be verified and accessed quickly by simply clicking on any component in the model, streamlining decision-making through easy access to the information needed.

With the trend toward larger and more complex renewable energy capital and infrastructure projects, owners have extremely low risk tolerance, as expectations from different stakeholders such as investors, communities and end users remain high. This makes it critical for owners to have the best possible visibility on cost and schedule, undertake proactive risk management, and carry out real-time decision making across the entire project life cycle. Project controls can make all of this a reality, now and in the future.

Image credit: iStock.com/SimonSkafar

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/sustainability/sponsored/why-transitioning-to-renewable-energy-demands-better-project-controls-603881522

Sensors for SAK254 and nitrate measurement

Ever stricter regulations require compliance with limit values for certain water parameters in drinking water treatment. For example, the limit value for nitrate in drinking water across Europe is 50mg/l.

In addition, drinking water in areas with extensive agriculture and the associated use of fertilisers is increasingly contaminated with nitrate, which makes it increasingly difficult to comply with the currently applicable limit value. It is, therefore, all the more important to continuously monitor this water parameter, for example with our new sensor Type MS09.

Slowly biodegradable compounds are also found in natural water, but also in drinking water and treated wastewater, e.g. lignins, tannins or humic substances. By using SAK254 sensors, such as our new Type MS08, limit values for dissolved organic substances in the water can also be monitored, thus eliminating the last safety risks for consumers.

Optical absorption measurement

These sensors use the principle of optical absorption measurement. The organic compounds dissolved in the water absorb specific wavelengths in the UV light spectrum. By measuring the absorption, algorithms can be used to determine the concentration of the substances in the water.

Type MS08: SAK254 measurement

Type MS08 sensor uses optical absorption measurement at 254 nm and 530 nm to compensate for turbidity and is implemented using 2 LEDs and a detector. In addition to the SAK254 and turbidity 530 values, the TOCeq, BODeq and CODeq values can also be measured using application-specific correlation.

Key features include:

• UV absorption measurement at 254 nm
• Monitoring of dissolved organics in drinking water
• UV LED technology for long-lasting sensors
• Nano-coated glasses to reduce maintenance

Type MS09: Nitrate measurement

Sensor Type MS09 uses a xenon flashlight as the light source and can measure the nitrate content with reduced interference using three different detection channels. The nitrate content is determined at 212 nm, the organic matter at 254 nm and the turbidity at 360 nm. This makes the sensor insensitive to cross-influences in the water.

Key features include:

• UV photometer for nitrate monitoring
• Reagent-free optical measurement
• Xenon flash lamp, 3 channels for optical measurement with reduced interference
• Nano-coated glasses to reduce maintenance

A system for the automatic monitoring of all important water parameters on one platform

Water treatment is a demanding process. This applies in particular to drinking water. When it comes to quality monitoring, “manual work” is still often involved.

With the Bürkert Online analysis system Type 8905/8906, the most important water parameters are measured fully automatically and continuously. In addition to measuring SAK254 and nitrate, other important parameters that can also be monitored using the unit include:

• pH value
• Redox potential (ORP)
• Conductivity
• Chlorine & Chlorine dioxide
• Turbidity according to DIN EN ISO 7027
• Dissolved iron (FE2+)
   

The modular system can be adapted to your personal application requirements using various measuring cubes, so-called sensor cubes: All parameters in one compact measurement system or as a field unit.

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/water/sponsored/sak254-and-nitrate-sensor-available-for-b-rkert-s-online-water-analysis-system-448004776

With its reagent-less amperometric sensor design, the TC80 Total Chlorine Analyser from ECD eliminates consumables, simplifies installation and reduces maintenance to lower the total cost of instrument ownership over its long life.

ECD’s TC80 Total Chlorine Analyser is panel mounted and ready to use right out of the box. Its versatile design monitors total chlorine in drinking water, industrial cooling and rinse water, wastewater or other disinfected fresh water samples that contain chlorine over a wide range that can be scaled depending on the user’s needs.

Its total chlorine sensor is a precision three-electrode amperometric sensor which measures all chlorine species in the water, combined chlorine and free chlorine. It is available in either a standard high-range configuration measuring Cl2 from 0.05 to 20 ppm or a standard low-range configuration of 0.005 to 2.000 ppm. The analyser comes factory pre-calibrated to the chosen measurement range before shipment, which speeds up set-up.

This solution requires no additional third-party components. Everything needed comes in one box and is assembled on a panel mount board. The plumb-plug-and-play design incorporates a flow control device, the pH sensor, the chlorine sensor and the T80 transmitter, which are all mounted on the instrument’s ready-to-mount PVC panel.

The analyser’s automatic flow control and large flow tubes and cells greatly reduce clogs and blockages and allow for easy cleaning. It can be ordered with an auto cleaning option to keep the chlorine sensor clean from contaminants for an extended period of time. The time scheduled pressure-spray washer keeps particles from adhering and building up on the sensor.

It is available with either 110–240 VAC or 24 VDC power. The TC80 graphically displays both the total chlorine and pH levels, which supports trend analysis. The standard configuration has two 4–20 mA outputs and three alarm relays, 24 VDC or 110/220 AC power.

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/water/hot-product/ecd-tc80-total-chlorine-analyser-1463156259

Australia’s aging water distribution infrastructure and growing population are placing a strain on water networks, leading to increased demands for maintenance and capacity upgrades. This is a significant challenge for utilities, but the correct equipment selection can bring about new efficiencies through increased operational reliability and functional performance.

Several recent projects in Sydney highlighted these efficiency possibilities with potable water pump station capacity upgrades. These projects involved upgrading pumps, piping systems and delivery control valves with specific automation features. The piping systems ranged from 200 to 900 mm, with system pressure ≥ 35 bar and each station having a uniquely different functional demand.

Improved efficiencies at these pump stations were achieved following a thorough investigation, identifying the design of valve most suited to the arduous conditions encountered during the opening and closing sequences with the pump running at full RPM. The importance of this valve within a pump station is essential in reducing mains ruptures, particularly with aging piping infrastructure.

Delivery control valves, or DCV, is a term applied to the function of a slow operating on/off isolation valve installed downstream of a fixed speed or variable speed pump. A delivery control valve’s primary purpose is to mitigate the effects of pressure surges within a pressurised rising main during pump start/stop sequences. The valve opens and closes at an adjustable speed, providing a smooth, predictable transition of pump discharge pressure and volume into the network lines. The upshot of slow cycling is to sustain cavitation transients which the valve must be capable of withstanding over a long operation life cycle.

With the application pressures ≥ 35 bar, the conditions meant that the high-pressure differentials that the valve would experience resulted in high mechanical contact loads at the seating interfaces and the bearing journal of the valve. Together with these elevated pressures was the high-level demand for continuous operation. Pump discharge control valves need to be consistently reliable with predictable valve availability, with little to no maintenance while operating in high velocity and turbulent conditions over 20 to 30 years.

During the initial tender stage, the successful contractor selected and purchased a product for the application. Following the installation and during commissioning, the valves failed to perform the functional requirements and the client classified the valves as non-conforming. The contractor installed two other valves from the same valve supplier. Both options failed due to external leakage through the valve shaft, premature mechanical wear and corrosion of the disc edge and seating element.

Following the client’s investigation of the failures and compliance with the specification, the client decided to undertake the selection process internally, ensuring a suitably compliant and fit-for-purpose solution.

EBRO Armaturen’s HP300 series triple eccentric butterfly valve was viewed as the best-fit solution, installed in 2021, and continues to provide the availability and controllability specified by the client.

Prior experience with pump station delivery control valves across Australia and New Zealand meant that EBRO Armaturen Pacific provided a tailored solution comprising a unique disc-to-shaft positioning and orienting of the valve in such a way as to assist pump start-up.

When reviewing a particular valve design for a delivery control valve application, consider the services of a company with industry or application expertise. Having a technical understanding of the valve design when reviewing application parameters allows one to highlight concerns or nominate particular features to enhance performance.

The HP300 series high-performance butterfly valve is precision engineered with a triple eccentric construction available in stainless or carbon steel materials. Various options are available for the seating and shaft sealing elements, with a leakage rate of A (EN12266). Thus, it is suitable for water, refineries, power/energy and chemical applications. Its inherent features make it suitable for extreme temperature and pressure conditions up to 63 bar, and temperature ranges from -60 to 650°C (higher temperatures on request).

Images: Supplied

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/water/case-study/pump-discharge-control-valve-for-the-water-industry-253474592

A study by Uswitch analysed data from the Global E-waste monitor 2020 and revealed the countries that produce the most e-waste, with Australia ranking fifth.

When it comes to e-waste, mobile phones fall under the category “IT and telecoms”, alongside items such as laptops, tablet computers and fax machines. These items produced 36,681 tonnes of household waste in 2021, a 15% increase on 2020. However, this figure may be a slight misrepresentation as the amount of electronic waste dropped drastically following the coronavirus pandemic.

Smartphones contribute to this and it is estimated that each smartphone produces 93 kg of CO₂ in its lifetime, which is a significant amount when considering the billions of smartphones being used every day.

Since records began in 2008, there was a 173% increase in the amount of electronic waste between then and 2016. In the following years, this started to tail off; however, there are signs that e-waste has started to rise again.

In total, IT and telecoms e-waste has increased by 98% between 2008 and 2022. If this trend continues in the future, around 55,000 tonnes could be generated annually by 2030. Not only does this mean that the number of toxic materials being released into the atmosphere would be at an all-time high, but also that vast amounts of precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, platinum and aluminium would be thrown away and wasted.

Which countries produce the most e-waste?

Rank	Country	Region	National e-waste legislation/policy or regulation in place	E-waste generated (kt)	E-waste generated per capita (kg)
1	Norway	Europe	Yes	139	26.0
2	United Kingdom	Europe	Yes	1598	23.9
3	Switzerland	Europe	Yes	201	23.4
4	Denmark	Europe	Yes	130	22.4
5	Australia	Oceania	Yes	554	21.7
6	Netherlands	Europe	Yes	373	21.6
7	Iceland	Europe	Yes	8	21.4
8	France	Europe	Yes	1362	21.0
8	United States	Americas	Yes	6918	21.0
10	Belgium	Europe	Yes	234	20.4
10	Japan	Asia	Yes	2569	20.4

Norway is the country that produces the most e-waste but has taken steps to improve its e-waste management through a ‘take back’ scheme for companies that produce electrical or electronic equipment and batteries.

The UK sits second to Norway in generating e-waste, but is estimated to be first by 2024.

Switzerland is third, and similarly to Norway, has a ‘take-back’ scheme in place to combat the issue. It is also at the forefront of trying to prevent the illegal export of e-waste.

Image credit: iStock.com/cyano66

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/sustainability/news/which-country-produces-the-most-e-waste–1133596634

Hatch has further strengthened its Australian capabilities and services by welcoming industry leaders and economists to its Urban Solutions team. The team, comprising Jason McFarlane, Giles Tuffin, Nikki Harvey and Chris Massey, will work to provide Hatch’s clients with expertise in town planning, urban design, regional development, infrastructure, Indigenous development, mining and energy projects. They will collaborate with Hatch’s global network of economic consultants to bring economic models and frameworks to clients.

McFarlane, former FAR Lane Managing Director, said the decision to move the FAR Lane team to Hatch recognises the need to help clients support local economic development with their projects, as economic impact analysis is now an essential component of urban planning projects.

McFarlane is Chair of Economic Development Australia and sits on the Western Australian Advisory Board for the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

“Along with Hatch’s Urban Solutions services and expertise, we will be able to offer economic services that fully support communities, organisations and agencies to realise real progress towards being more prosperous, sustainable and equitable,” McFarlane said.

FAR Lane and Hatch have partnered on many projects for more than 8 years and have established strong industry relationships. McFarlane and his team will be working on a range of projects upon transitioning to Hatch, including the Future of Fremantle Economic Development Strategy and Land Use Plan, and the QEII Medical Centre and University of Western Australia (QEII-UWA) Economic Development Strategy, both for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

“We are excited that as Hatch we will now be able to offer to all our clients an integrated suite of services covering economics, planning, urban design, placemaking and engagement,” said Ryan Darby, Hatch’s Regional Director, Urban Solutions Australia-Asia. “Together, we are excited that we are able to offer a unique combination of Hatch’s global economics and Urban Solutions capabilities which with our combined skills in Australia introduce cutting-edge and contemporary thinking to Australian urban and regional planning and development.”

Image caption: iStock.com/tadamichi

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/sustainability/news/hatch-integrates-economic-team-for-projects-across-australia-973772670

A strategy for addressing Earth’s growing plastic pollution problem is turning plastic waste into useful products. A study has found it may be possible to improve one method, called pyrolysis, to process hard-to-recycle mixed plastics — like multilayer food packaging — and generate fuel as a by-product.

Pyrolysis involves heating plastic in an oxygen-free environment so the materials break down and create new liquid or gas fuels. Current commercial applications of pyrolysis either only operate below the necessary scale or handle certain types of plastics.

“We have a very limited understanding of mixed-plastic pyrolysis,” said Hilal Ezgi Toraman, assistant professor of energy engineering and chemical engineering at Penn State (pictured). “Understanding the interaction effects between different polymers during advanced recycling is very important while we are trying to develop technologies that can recycle real waste plastics.”

The scientists conducted co-pyrolysis of two of the most common types of plastic, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), along with different catalysts to study the interaction effects between the plastics. They found one catalyst may be a good candidate for converting mixed LDPE and PET waste into valuable liquid fuels. Catalysts are materials added to pyrolysis that can aid the process, like inducing the plastic to break down selectively and at lower temperatures.

“This type of work can allow us to provide guidelines or suggestions to industry,” Toraman said. “It’s important to discover what kind of synergies exist between these materials during advanced recycling and what types of applications they may be right for before scaling up.”

LDPE and PET are commonly found in food packaging, which often has various layers of different plastic material to keep products fresh. These are generally difficult to recycle with traditional processes because each layer has to be separated. According to Toraman, pyrolysis can handle the complexity of these materials.

The first step to developing new commercial pyrolysis processes is having a better mechanistic understanding of how plastic waste mixtures decompose and interact.

The scientists conducted pyrolysis on LDPE and PET separately and together, observing interaction effects between them during tests with each of the three catalysts they used.

“We saw products that can be very good candidates for gasoline application,” Toraman said.

The team developed a kinetic model that was able to showcase the interaction effects observed during the co-pyrolysis process. Kinetic models attempt to predict the behaviour of a system and are important for better understanding why reactions are occurring.

“Systematic and fundamental studies on understanding reaction pathways and developing kinetic models are the first steps toward process optimisation,” Toraman said. “If we don’t have our kinetic models right, our reaction mechanisms accurately, then if we scale up for pilot plants or large-scale operations, the results won’t be accurate.”

Toraman would like the research to lead to better environmental responsibility in the recovery, processing and utilisation of Earth’s resources.

Image credit: Penn State University

source http://sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/waste/case-study/from-mixed-plastic-to-fuel-improving-the-process–671025853