Important Innovations

  3-Story Plane that Can Seat 775 Passengers Source:  Oscar Vinals Green, Luxurious, Sustainable Flying AWWA Sky Whale is a brand-new plane concept, loaded with the latest in aviation technologies, that promises to deliver ultra-luxurious and much greener passenger flights that offer sustainable flying and the ultimate in aviation performance.   AWWA is a three-story, hybrid electric, solar powered plane, capable of carrying 775 passengers with some in luxury hotel accommodations.  It is the brilliant and intriguing concept work of Barcelona-based, aviation designer Oscar Vinals that was just unveiled at a prestigious exhibit on the future of transportation in Kuwait.  The new technologies behind this new flying machine are absolutely awesome and provide a fascinating glimpse at the potential future possibilities of flying in upcoming decades. Brand New Aviation Technologies This new passenger plane is going to be a flying platform for cutting-edge new aviation technologies.  The aircr

  "Engineered Wood" as the Most Sustainable, Superior Building Material Source: Iceland FABRIC, Portland's Sideyard Apartments, Maine's Ecology School, London's Dalston Works Apartments, Zurich Airport Terminal Purpose:  Fight Climate Change & Fires Future cities built of high tech, fire-resistant, non-combustible, lightweight wood could help reduce the ravages of Climate Change and be the best defense against destructive fires.  That is the startling but growing conclusion among numbers of global architects and engineers.  There's a growing belief that wood, specifically cross laminated timber (CLT), is a superior and more sustainable building material than the concrete and steel that are currently used.  One of the biggest proponents of this new thinking is the prestigious Potsdam Institute for Climate Change Research in Germany.  There are increasing global examples of CLT buildings including Iceland's mix use FABRIC, Portland, Oregon's Sideyard

  Electric Car is Built with Recycled Materials                                                     Source:  BMW i Vision Circular E-Car is Recycled When Its Use Is Over BMW is making a strong commitment to fully electric, sustainable auto-making.  It is promising that within 20 years, all of its vehicles will be made of recycled materials and at the end of their use, the vehicles will be recycled to create new vehicles.  To underscore the point,  BMW has unveiled a unique, 100% environmentally friendly electric car, called the i Vision Circular Concept.  BMW says the EV is "circular" to save the planet.  By 'circular" BMW is referring to the fact that the electric vehicle is built with totally recycled materials and when its use is over, it can be recycled to create a new car.  The Vision is a 4-seat hatchback concept that BMW says "looks ahead to a compact, all-electric car for 2040 that is squarely focused on sustainability and luxury.  The EV goes on forever

  From Barcelona, the Naboo - Sustainable Luxury                                   Source:  Naboo by Hidden Portside 164 Foot Yacht with a 3-Story Vertical Garden Barcelona based design studio Hidden Portside has created a magnificent, sustainable, zero emissions, electric, 164 foot, electric superyacht concept.  It is called Naboo and combines a sleek and elegant futuristic design with electric propulsion and eco-friendly furnishings.  And uniquely the yacht has a 3 story vertical garden that beautifully connects its 3 decks.  Hidden Port calls the Naboo "sustainable luxury....relying on the innovations of the future." Inspired by Star Wars Naboo the superyacht is inspired by Star Wars' fictional planet Naboo that is filled with lush greenery.  The yacht contains a beautiful, sumptuous array of various greenery. Hidden Portside used what they call a "ring concept" to create a more rounded sense of flow onboard the yacht rather straight linear lines. The yacht i

Squad Mobility's Solar Cars to Debut in Europe Source:  Squad Mobility Green, Sustainable Driving Amsterdam-based Squad Mobility has invented a solar powered, 2 seat mini electric car.  Called the Squad Solar City Car, it's getting ready to go on the market in Europe.  The vehicle comes in two versions.  A L6e model can go up to 28 mph.  And, the L7 model can accelerate up to 50 mph.  These electric vehicles are not designed for highway driving.  They're designed for driving city streets and country roads. Roof Top Solar Panels The solar panels are mounted on the roof so charging can be done inexpensively or even for free with sunshine only.  The company is taking pre-orders.  The price is $6,330.  First deliveries will start in late 2021.  The vehicle size is 21.5 square feet.  4 of the EVs can fit into a parking spot designed for a SUV.  The vehicle has seat belts, a roll cage for additional safety, air conditioning and removeable doors.  The company says i

Volvo Owned Company Debuts at 2020 Geneva Auto Show The Polestar Precept is a highly advanced, all electric vehicle that's being called "the EV of the Future".  Polestar is a Volvo owned company that is just starting to establish its brand,  The Polestar Precept will be unveiled at the upcoming 2020 Geneva Auto Show.  The 4-door grand tourer concept contains eye tracking technology, a highly advanced digital interface and a uniquely sustainable interior. Environmentally Correct The all electric vehicle has interior panels and seat backs made of a flax based natural fiber. The fiber results in a 50% reduction in weight and an 80% reduction in plastic waste.  The car seats are made from 3D knitted recycled plastic bottles.  The carpets are made from recycled fishing nets. Digital Interface There's a 15 inch touchscreen in the center of the cabin.  And, there's a 12.5 inch display in front of the driver. Smart sensors monitor the driver's eyes a

UK's EasyJet's & US Wright Electric Partner on Commercial Electric Plane Source:  Wright Electric Proposed E-Aircraft Green Partnership, Aggressive Time-Line Low cost airline group EasyJet of the UK has announced plans to collaborate with US electric plane startup Wright Electric to develop an electric engine for a 186 passenger electric commercial aircraft. Their goal is sustainable, electric commercial flight that ushers in an era of emissions free, cheaper and environmentally friendly flying. Their time frame is aggressive.  In 2023, they plan to test flight the electric motor and in 2030 fly the new aircraft. London to Paris by Sustainable Flights Wright is developing electrical systems big enough to carry 186 passengers, the crew and a 1.5 megawatt electric motor(s) on its electric aircraft. The Wright 1 plane will be able to fly an hour on a charge.  It's designed for short haul travel such as London to Paris.  Electric planes have zero to very low

No Heavy Metals, Plus Rapid Charging, Cheaper, More Efficient, Good For Environment Source:  IBM IBM and Mercedes Partner to  Commercialize IBM has created a revolutionary battery that replaces the heavy metals in the cathode with 3 elements extracted from seawater.  They are also utilizing a  new type of liquid electrolyte.  It's a safer, more "ethically sourced" and highly efficient new type of battery.  The standard heavy metals used like nickel and cobalt are very harmful to the environment and pose humanitarian risks in mining.  IBM says this new seawater battery outperforms lithium-ion batteries in major respects. Already Going Commercial This battery invention has the potential to be a blockbuster and is worthy of being tracked by investors.  IBM says the battery can be optimized to surpass the capability of lithium-ion batteries in terms of lower costs, faster charging time, higher power and energy density, stronger energy efficiency and lo

Important Space Research:  Sustainable Energy for Lunar Bases European Space Agency's Lunar Bricks This is important space research from the European Space Agency ESA.  Space bricks composed of the surface of the Moon that can store lunar energy and then convert it into electricity and heat.  The team at the ESA are developing this and think it will enable human habitation of the Moon and beyond by eventually using local resources on the Moon.  For more details, go to my journalist colleague Ed Kane, at Important Innovations Collection: Sustainable Lunar Bases - Lunar Soil : Human Bases on the Moon Powered by Available Lunar Materials Source:  Stock Image of  Future Lunar Bases Fascinating Research by the E...

3D Printed Wood - Alternative to Forrest Based Products Green Packaging, Green Furniture, Green Paper Products This new 3D printing technology from Sweden could revolutionize the manufacturing of green, forest based products.  It's breakthrough, 3D printing technology that uses wood ink to create a substance that mimics the cellular architecture of wood.  For a great news blog on this new technology, go to Important Innovations Collection: 3D Printed Alternative to Forrest Based Products : 3D Printing Wood Source:  Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden Revolutionizing the Manufacture of Green Products A breakthroug...

United Airlines' Eco-Skies Source:  United Airlines Green, Clean Flying United Airlines called yesterday's Chicago to Los Angeles commercial flight "the Flight for the Planet" and a world first.  For the first time on a single, commercial flight, four eco-friendly components were utilized:  sustainable aviation biofuel, efforts to achieve zero cabin waste, operational efficiencies and carbon offsets. Commitment to Sustainable Flying from the Top United Airlines President Scott Kirby is  personally committed to finding innovative ways for a more sustainable flying future.  His goal is to establish United as the world's most environmentally friendly airline. Flying Green Yesterday's flight was 30% powered by aviation biofuel.  Kirby wants all United flights eventually powered by biofuels.  To cut fuel burn while on the runway, the pilots used one engine instead of two.  The pilots also used a continuous rather than stepped descent to land at LAX

World First:  Converting Eggshells into Electrodes Source:  KIT, Germany Potentially New, Better Batteries This is a breakthrough discovery by an international team of scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.  It's the first time that bio-waste - discarded eggshells - have been converted into electrodes.  The innovation can lead to green energy storage systems and better, new batteries.  For a news blog on it, go to Important Innovations Collection: Eggshells -Green Sustainable Energy Storage : World First - From Biowaste to Electrode Source:  KIT Better, New Batteries This is a world first.  A sustainable green energy storag...

Sustainable Breweries Source:  Stock Photo A Toast to a Cleaner Environment Beer, especially craft beers, are a growing, energy intensive industry.  The number of US breweries grew 200% in the past decade and production has increased 12% per year. Saving the Planet Per 6-Pack To cut greenhouse emissions and save energy, a growing number of breweries are investing in sustainable production technologies.  But will it pay off?  New research by Indiana University says yes it will.  A majority of US beer drinkers are willing to pay the extra cost.  In fact, according to the University's survey, 59% are willing to pay extra.  On average, sustainable beer production practices tack on an extra $1.30 per 6 pack. Sustainable Innovation Innovative, energy saving, sustainable practices now being implemented by a growing number of breweries include solar power, onsite wastewater treatment plants, insulated brewery vessels and recaptured steam from the brewing process.  Beer is one

Burgers from the Lab, Not the Farm Source:  Stock Photo of Cultured, Lab Grown Beef Pattie More Sustainable, Energy & Environmentally Friendly Meat It's the future of food.  Experts believe a big change in food production is cooking.  Your burger of the future will be an eco-burger.  It will come from the lab, not from the farm. Food Innovation Eco-burgers are being developed in vats by using animal stem cells, feeding them nutrients and growing them into meat.  The process may not sound tasty but the potential is. Sustainable Meat Sources for a Growing Global Population The world needs to increase food production by 50% to feed the global population by 2050.  Lab grown meat could be part of the solution as animal production currently uses 80% of the world's agricultural land. Benefits, Opportunities & Costs Lab grown meat, also known as cultured or clean meat, doesn't use slaughtered animals.  It also requires 200 times less land, 30 times less

Could Hot Springs Be the Future of Agriculture? Pagosa Springs Geodesic Greenhouses Powered by Geothermal Energy A Grand Experiment: Geothermal, Renewable, Sustainable Farming A small Colorado town Pagosa Springs is using its hot springs to grow food for the community year round.  It's a 5 year experiment by the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, a non-profit, volunteer organization that's pushing innovation with great potential. Geothermal Energy 24/7/365 The group is turning the world's largest and deepest geothermal hot spring into a lot more than a tourist destination.  They're using the renewable energy source that's available 24/7/365 to grow food year round for the community. Geothermal Farming Geothermal energy is energy harnessed from the earth's heat.  Geothermal farming is something new,  different and very promising.  The reason is geothermal energy is abundant in the US and could provide a renewable energy source for farming.  The Color

Hotter Than the Core of the Sun Source:  Tokamak Energy   Tokamak Energy In the United Kingdom, a private nuclear fusion company has heated a plasma of hydrogen to 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.  The company is Tokamak Energy.  Their achievement is a world first.  They hope to be the first to produce electricity from nuclear fusion commercially by 2030. Next Test Tokamak's new nuclear fusion reactor will be put to the test again in 2019.  They're going to heat the plasma to 180 million degrees Fahrenheit.  That will put the reactor within the operating temperature needed for controlled nuclear fusion. Star in a Jar Nuclear fusion reactors are called Star in a Jar.  The reason is the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium is the main nuclear reaction that keeps the stars and sun burning for billions of years.  There are a number of companies in the US, Europe and Canada working on fusion reactors to provide power to the grid. Nuclear fusion is renewable energy. There

Celtic Renewables Driving on Whiskey Source:  Celtic Renewables - World's 1st Whiskey Powered Car No Engine Modification Needed It's called biobutanol.  It's a whiskey powered biofuel that's sustainable, renewable with no CO2 emissions.   And, it works.  Celtic Renewables, the startup behind the breakthrough biofuel, has demonstrated its viability by fueling a car with it and taking it for a spin. That was the world's 1st drive powered by whiskey biofuel.  It's a case of Scotch whiskey powering Green transportation with no engine modification needed. Scottish Ingredients for Spirited Biofuel The biofuel was created in Edinburgh at Napier University by an Irish Professor Martin Tangney.  His company Celtic Renewables works with a large distillery.  The biofuel is produced from draff, the sugary barley kernels that make fermentation happen.  Another ingredient is pot ale, the liquid loaded with yeast after the distillation of whiskey.  It's an all-na

Crop Harvest That's Good for the Environment The technology was first introduced in 2010. Singapore is the site of the world's first vertical farm. In 2018,  China and Japan dominate this technology.  They also have the world's most vertical farms. Researchers think that vertical farming will become the predominant mode of agriculture by 2025. Here's why:  yields, eco-friendly, sustainable. Big Yield Bonanza With vertical farming, you can produce more than 300-times of the same crop on the same sized land acreage. New York City Just 150 vertical farms at 30 stories tall could supply New York City with a reliable and sufficient food source.  Consider the same for major cities around the world. Pollution and Transportation Costs Dramatically Cut Transportation costs and pollution are greatly cut as the food is sold at the vertical farm where it's grown. Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Everything at vertical farms are re-cycled from water to o