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IBM to implement waste mgmt system in Kochi

As a part of the Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program, IBM on Thursday announced four projects for Kochi. The projects will be implemented in partnership with India@75, Local Economic Development Society (LEDS), Kara Ventures and Navabharath Foundation.

A team comprising of 12 IBM employees from nine different countries (France, Canada, Sweden, Brazil, USA, Australia, Slovakia, Germany and Spain) will work on these projects over a six month period with one month being spent on location, said a press release.

The team will focus on developing sustainable solutions for the... Read more..

Date : Feb 24
Source: CIOL Network

E-waste Handling Rules effective from 1 May

E-waste Handling and Management Rules 2011 will be effective from 1 May, announced R P S Kahlon, Principal Secretary of West Bengal environment department, here on Thursday.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Eastern Region organized Waste Symposium 2012 on Thursday in Kolkata.

Kahlon, in his special address on waste management, elaborated on the various categories of solid and liquid waste and the major issues that require immediate attention.

According to him, among the hazardous waste that pose substantial threats to human health and environment, the Bio-... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: New Kerala

Shell working to infuse sustainability and responsibility into its operations

Global energy consumption is at an all-time high, and if the experts have it right, the numbers are only headed north in times to come. In fact, recent research indicates that in sight of the rate of population growth and economic development, the world is all set to double its energy demand by 2050-an alarming prospect when you consider the fact that most nations are still largely dependant on traditional, fast-depleting fossil fuels for power.

Further compounding an already complicated challenge is the growing burden of carbon emissions, which governments are working to address by... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Economic Times

Enough fossil fuels to last for 100 yrs

Any pathbreaking technologies in the energy sector is most unlikely to happen in the next 50 years, as there are enough fossil fuels that can last for another 100 years at least, said panelists at a discussion on ‘transformative technologies’ at the ongoing Emtech India 2011, in the City on Wednesday.

There is plenty of conventional fossil fuel resources available globally, which is enough to meet the energy needs of the world for the next 100 years, even if the rate of consumption is doubled, said panelists at the conference on emerging technologies.

The panel comprised Dean... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Deccan Herald

Sweden hopes to sign up more cities for waste-to-gas projects

Having signed an MoU with the Delhi Government for setting up India’s first Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant to convert waste into CNG, Sweden is likely to sign similar agreements with two more cities, according to Mr Lars Olof Lindgren, Sweden’s Ambassador to India.

Mr Lindgren said the Scandinavian country may sign agreements with Visakhapatnam and Pune, and was willing to extend help to other cities.

Last year, an MOU was signed between Indraprastha Gas Ltd, KG Renewable Ltd, and the Delhi Jal Board for biogas upgrading and distribution with support from the Government of... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: The Hindu Business Line

Suzlon Bonds Slide Most Since 2009 as Default Risk Increases: India Credit

Suzlon Energy Ltd. (SUEL)’s convertible bonds are falling at the fastest pace since 2009 after India’s biggest wind-turbine maker signaled it will fall short of funds to repay debt maturing this year.

Prices on the $35.6 million 7.5 percent notes due in June fell 16 percent this month, driving yields up by 82 percentage points to 119 percent, Nomura Holdings Inc. data show. Similar- maturity equity-linked debt of Tata Motors Ltd. advanced 2.9 percent and those of Tata Steel Ltd. rose 0.2 percent. Yields on the 2013 non-convertible bonds of South Korea’s Unison Co. slid 15 basis... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Bloomberg

Green drive makes Coca-Cola & Pepsi see red once again; new bottles from cola cos to be 30% biomass-based

The next time you take a swig from a Coca-Cola bottle, it may well be 'green' - not in colour or content, but in composition. Coke will soon launch new bottles that are 30% biomass-based, said Asim Parekh, vice-president (technical), Coca-Cola India.

Instead of petroleum, Coke will use ethanol, a derivative of molasses, to make part of the PET bottle. Molasses is a byproduct generated in large amounts by sugar mills.

Industry sources said archrival Pepsi has similar plans for India, but the company remained tight-lipped. Last year, PepsiCo globally unveiled a 100% recyclable... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Economic Times

Cairn India comes out tops at Blue Dart CSR Awards, India

Cairn India, one of the country’s leading upstream oil and gas company, won the Blue Dart Global CSR Award for ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practice Overall’ at a glittering ceremony on 18th February 2012 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The Hon’ble Union Minister of Corporate Affairs, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily presented the global CSR awards, which was part of the 1st World CSR Day.

With the theme of CSR – A Way forward & Public- Private Partnership for a Greener Planet, the Global CSR Awards recognized the organisations that have made a significant and positive impact on the... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: CSR Digest

Nanobiotechnology Research Centre opens in Gurgaon

The Nano-biotechnology Research Centre which has been set up here by the Deakin University Australia and The Energy and Resources Institute of India (Teri) was inaugurated on Wednesday.
The $7.5-million facility located at the Teri campus on Faridabad Road will have all Indian
faculties. The centre will tackle agricultural, biomedical and sustainability issues “This outstanding facility is strategically located near IGI Airport, making it accessible to the researchers from across the globe, said Louise Asher, the minister for innovation, services and small business, Australia,... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Hindustan Times

Solar energy powers people’s lives

Retired Indian Army major general K.K. Tewari, 89, is a convert now: He is gradually changing from conventional electricity to green, solar energy to operate electronic gadgets in his house.

Interestingly, the catalyst for change was the destructive cyclone Thane. When Thane uprooted power poles throughout Puducherry and neighboring Cuddalore and put the neighbourhoods in darkness, only Auroville, the international spiritual township, had its lights on.

Many families in Auroville carried on with their chores as if nothing had happened thanks to their solar energy... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Deccan Chronicle

India's Soaring Energy demands strain national grid

As the “Third World” races to industrialize, rising population demands for reliable energy place increasing stress on a country’s power generating capabilities, and nowhere is this more evident than in BRIC nation India.

“Energy from anywhere” seems to be New Delhi’s motto, as the cost of India’s energy imports is proving a significant drag on the otherwise explosive growth of the nation’s economy. India, the world's fourth largest oil importer, ships in 80 percent of its oil requirements. The detrimental effect on India’s balance sheet is underlined by the fact that the value of... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Oil Price

Use new frontiers in nano-technology'

The new frontiers in nano-technology, for precise and result oriented delivery systems, can help us, in many specialized areas of agriculture and health.

Issues like environmental safety and sustainability, through integrated pest management approaches are very important.

Awareness required

“Increased global awareness, and trade-linked compulsions on good agricultural practices, is required for Global gap standards, for our farmers and entrepreneurs alike,” said Mr.Harish Rawat, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Food processing Industries and Parliamentary... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: The Hindu

State govt seeks report on horticulture sector

The state government has asked officials of the agriculture department to compile a detailed report of the horticulture sector in the state. The report, once ready, would act as a supporting document for the Union agriculture ministry while drafting a policy for the sector. Maharashtra has about 6.13 lakh hectare land under horticulture, the highest in the country.

The year 2012-13 is being observed as the 'horticulture year'. As part of the year-long programme, a policy will be drafted for promoting horticulture, bringing more land under horticulture and imparting knowledge about... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Times of India

Biogas plants in hostels, hotels to save fuel

Most of the hotels, Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Government Medical College and Hospital-32 (GMCH) and all hostels on the Panjab University (PU) campus will have to generate their own energy through biogas plants, according to the master plan of the city.

The master plan committee that is preparing a comprehensive plan for the futuristic development of city has received feedback from the department of science and technology that biogas plants using kitchen wastes of these institutions would results in saving... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Times of India

Floating Solar Trackers Boost Efficiency and Slash Costs

From a floating solar power plant in India to floating solar cucumbers, we've seen plenty of promising projects that site solar arrays over water bodies. Besides circumventing land-use issues, these designs often utilize water as a cooling element, improving the efficiency of the solar panels themselves.

Sonia Logre over at Discovery News reports on a system of floating solar trackers designed by Italian engineers Scintec which, they say, could dramatically improve efficiency and reduce installation costs:

Scintec says its system costs 20 percent less than ground-based... Read more..

Date : Feb 23
Source: Tree Hugger

IndianOil bags Sustainability Performance Award

IndianOil, India's largest commercial enterprise and the highest ranked Indian company in the Fortune 'Global 500'listing, has bagged the coveted Corporate Sustainability Vision Award 2012. Instituted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, this award recognises IndianOil's excellent performance in the area of sustainable development. Hon'ble Minister of Urban Development, Govt. of India, Mr. Kamal Nath, presented the award to IndianOil recently in the presence of Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Hon'ble Minister of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India, during the India Corporate Governance &... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: 4 Traders

ARI to discuss clean energy options and nuclear safety

At a time when there are concerns over building of nuclear reactor facilities, city-based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) has organised a serious of discussions on clean energy options and nuclear safety, this week.

The ARI is holding discussions as part of National Science Day programme on the theme 'clean energy options and nuclear safety'. Among those who will speak on the theme include G M Pillai, director general, World Institute of Sustainable Energy, Pune, Dr Satishchandra Ogale, scientist, Physical and Materials Chemistry, National Chemical Laboratory and Dr A K Dhuss.... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Indian Express

Can’t do without N-energy: Banerjee

India cannot renounce nuclear energy without adverse impacts on the economy, environment, and human health, atomic energy commission chairman Srikumar Banerjee said today, amid concerns that public misperceptions may slow down nuclear power growth plans.

India’s economic growth is likely to slow down without nuclear power, Banerjee said, in a keynote address on challenges in managing public perceptions about nuclear power at a conference of the World Nuclear Association, a body of nuclear suppliers.

Public opposition appears to have stalled the Nuclear Power Corporation’s... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Telegraph India

Trade war ready for take-off

A trade war is looming over the European Union's move to impose charges on airlines on the basis of the greenhouse gases they emit during the planes' entire flights into and out of European airports.

Many countries whose airlines are affected - including China, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil and the US - consider this to be unfair or illegal or both.

Since their protests have not yielded results, officials of 26 countries are meeting in Moscow this week to discuss retaliatory action against the EU.

The EU's move, which took effect on January 1,... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: The Nation

BIA uses bio-fuel for ground support

The Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has become the first airport in India to adopt bio-fuel in its operations.

To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) on Tuesday announced its partnership with Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) for its operations at BIAL.
Through this partnership, BIAL will migrate to operations of its ground vehicles to bio-fuel supplied by KSBDB. “We’ve consciously taken this decision to implement and develop BIA into a green facility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Daily News and Analysis

Six polluting textile units demolished

As many as six polluting textile dyeing units which were found to be unauthorised were demolished on Monday. Officials said 21 dyeing units had been listed for demolition and the stringent action against unauthorised units will continue.

The action was taken by the pollution control board along with the TNEB. The polluting units were near the Erode railway station, Kollampalayam, Karungalpalayam and Rasampalayam and were identified for destruction as they were operating without proper consent from the government. They were also found to be polluting the Noyyal river basin. The... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Times of India

Harmful UV radiation to be displayed at various chowks

Besides pollutants in atmosphere, soon, you will be able to find out how much harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation you are being exposed to daily.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) will put up display boards that will give out information on UV radiation at various chowks in the city. This will be the added feature of the System of Air Pollution Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which will display the air quality through these boards. Some forms of UV radiation can be harmful for the human skin and may lead to skin cancer.

Display boards would help give... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Express India

Sri Sri Academy spreads 'green' message

Sri Sri Academy on Tuesday celebrated its second Founder's Day by organizing the annual exhibition, Prithvi Prayas - II, which focused on environmental concern.

Dr Nirupam Bajpai, director of Columbia Global Centers and senior development advisor at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York, graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated the two-day programme. He also delivered a speech on "Sustainable Development in India - How can we grow and develop in the midst of climate change", explaining how every individual can contribute towards fighting global warming... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Times of India

Inter-ministerial groups to fine-tune India's climate change stance

In a consolidation of the Durban results, the environment and forests ministry has notified inter-ministerial groups that will advise on key elements of India's stance on climate negotiations for future.

The groups, with officials from various ministries including power and renewable energy, will advise and guide the negotiating team through issues which are to be taken up through the year and at the full meeting of all countries in Qatar.

The groups have been formed on three critical areas - on actions that reduce climate change, the carbon trade mechanism, reporting... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Times of India

Involve women in climate change

Women need land and resource rights to implement progressive forestry or agricultural practices.

A year after much-touted climate change summit in Copenhagen, country negotiators from around the world are together again to work out an international response to climate change. While many believe we should lower our expectations for this year’s climate change summit underway in Cancun, this would be a mistake. As global temperatures rise, so do the challenge’s for the world’s poorest citizens — women, especially those living in developing countries.

Women are living on the... Read more..

Date : Feb 22
Source: Deccan Herald
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