Building Automation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_automation)
Building automation is one of the latest trends in creating environmentally efficient ICT solutions. Put shortly, building automation is the process of creating an integrated, computerized and intelligent network of electronic devices within a building. As a result, the building can be monitored and controlled automatically, increasing efficiency in lighting, air conditioning, alarm systems etc.
The market for Building Automation System (BAS) is currently dominated by large actors such as, Honeywell, Siemens and Johnson Control; but these are increasingly pressured by upcoming smaller companies, e.g. Cimetrics and Adura Technologies, mainly due to their swift ability to adapt. http://www.greentechmedia.com/green-light/post/in-building-automation-a-quiet-giant-awakens/
More Building automation info: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/a-green-building-market-overview/
PAS 2060- The new British Green ICT standard
In October, it was announced (www.bsigroup.com/PAS2060) that the British Standards Institute (BSI) that a new standard was being developed. The new PAS 2060, built upon existing ISO 14000 and PAS 2050 standards, is aimed at providing a consistent approach to assess carbon-neutrality claims. Currently, companies can ‘greenwash’ themselves by making false carbon-neutrality claims since the definition is anything but clear: “Carbon neutral means that – through a transparent process of calculating emissions, reducing those emissions and offsetting residual emissions – net carbon emissions equal zero”. (http://www.thegreenitreview.com/2009/10/carbon-neutrality-standard.html)
The BIS not only believes that PAS 2060 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to encourage broader actions toward climate control and carbon reduction management. The draft was up for public review in November and is now being processed for publication.
A Vertical Solution to World Hunger
Even restrictive projections calculate that the world´s population will have grown by about 3 billion people to 2050; this will obviously stress the already pressured food supply. One possible solution to the problem is thought to be Vertical farming (http://www.verticalfarm.com/); Skyscraper greenhouses designed to grow crops.
Not only would such indoor farming bring the food closer to the people who eat it, but farming efficiency could be increased. However, this will require new, intelligent technological solutions that can effectively emulate a natural environment.
Smart Grid Trials Underway
Two major Smart grid trial projects have been launched in the US; the first in July (http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10291215-54.html) and now a second in November.
The most recent project has a funding of $1.6 billion in total, of which $620 million is stimulus funds from the DOE (http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10404375-54.html). The launched project will aim at developing communications in the grid by installing in-home energy displays, two way meters and sensors.
Europe’s first large scale urban trial of a Smart grid system is currently underway in Stockholm, Sweden (http://www.m2mmag.com/news/articles/article.aspx?ID=8060). Taking place in the new Stockholm Royal Seaport area, the project is a collaboration between Fortum (Sweden www.fortum.com), Espoo (Finland http://english.espoo.fi//default.asp?path=32373) and ABB (Switzerland www.abb.com) and is set to test the concept of a low-emission power network. Stockholm Royal Seaport is designed to become an ecologically sustainable district, providing housing for 10,000 families and 30,000 office spaces and implements the latest technology in eco-friendly transport, waste management and energy use.
Developments in Green ICT are moving fast, with new innovations continuously springing to surface. Below are some of these recent trends and progresses listed.
Building Automation
Building automation is one of the latest trends in creating environmentally efficient ICT solutions. Put shortly, building automation is the process of creating an integrated, computerized and intelligent network of electronic devices within a building. As a result, the building can be monitored and controlled automatically, increasing efficiency in lighting, air conditioning, alarm systems etc.
The market for Building Automation System (BAS) is currently dominated by large actors such as, Honeywell, Siemens and Johnson Control; but these are increasingly pressured by upcoming smaller companies, e.g. Cimetrics and Adura Technologies, mainly due to their swift ability to adapt.
More Building automation info can be found here.
PAS 2060- The new British Green ICT standard
In October, it was announced that the British Standards Institute (BSI) that a new standard was being developed. The new PAS 2060, built upon existing ISO 14000 and PAS 2050 standards, is aimed at providing a consistent approach to assess carbon-neutrality claims. Currently, companies can ‘greenwash’ themselves by making false carbon-neutrality claims since the definition is anything but clear: “Carbon neutral means that – through a transparent process of calculating emissions, reducing those emissions and offsetting residual emissions – net carbon emissions equal zero”.
The BIS not only believes that PAS 2060 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to encourage broader actions toward climate control and carbon reduction management. The draft was up for public review in November and is now being processed for publication.
A Vertical Solution to World Hunger
Even restrictive projections calculate that the world´s population will have grown by about 3 billion people to 2050; this will obviously stress the already pressured food supply. One possible solution to the problem is thought to be Vertical farming; Skyscraper greenhouses designed to grow crops.
Not only would such indoor farming bring the food closer to the people who eat it, but farming efficiency could be increased. However, this will require new, intelligent technological solutions that can effectively emulate a natural environment.
Smart Grid Trials Underway
Two major Smart grid trial projects have recently been launched in the US; the first in July and now a second in November.
The most recent project has a funding of $1.6 billion in total, of which $620 million is stimulus funds from the DOE. The launched project will aim at developing communications in the grid by installing in-home energy displays, two way meters and sensors.
Europe’s first large scale urban trial of a Smart grid system is currently underway in Stockholm, Sweden. Taking place in the new Stockholm Royal Seaport area, the project is a collaboration between Fortum (Sweden), Espoo (Finland) and ABB (Switzerland) and is set to test the concept of a low-emission power network. Stockholm Royal Seaport is designed to become an ecologically sustainable district, providing housing for 10,000 families and 30,000 office spaces and implements the latest technology in eco-friendly transport, waste management and energy use.
