A successful circular economy for valuable metals needs more than just effective recycling technologies, as a new study shows. The research, which explored the governance of recovering vanadium from steel-industry waste, revealed that industry stakeholders feel the prospect of financial gain, or reduced costs, through recovery is too distant at present. This perception could hinder a circular economy for critical materials from industrial residue, the study warns.

The potential of recycling aluminium scrap in Austria has been modelled in a new study. A surplus of mixed aluminium scrap is expected by 2045 if no advanced sorting technologies are applied. Increased demand for wrought aluminium alloys could mean this surplus occurs sooner. New methods to intensively sort aluminium could prevent this excess and contribute towards REACH1 recycling and climate targets.

The EU-27 have committed to a strategic goal of developing an innovative economy based on biotechnology and renewable resources — a so-called ‘bioeconomy’. To achieve this, however, the EU must successfully mobilise resources such as residual biomass — or waste products from organic matter resources. A new study1 has quantified the potential of key residual biomass streams in the EU-27. The results show that residual biomass has a theoretical energy potential equivalent to the annual energy consumption of Italy and Belgium combined, with straw and forestry residues comprising the two most productive potential sources. The findings also reveal specific opportunities for regions including Paris (France) and Jaen (south-central Spain).

Improving the energy efficiency of homes could have positive economy-wide impacts, recent UK research suggests. It would allow householders to spend the money they save on energy on other products and services. Although this additional demand and the associated production in non-energy sectors would partly offset the energy saved in the home, this ‘rebound effect’ does not completely outweigh the household energy savings.

An economic analysis of 14 common categories of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) has highlighted the economic value of bringing e-waste streams into the circular economy. The overall worth is calculated as €2.15 billion to European markets, with a potential rise to €3.67 billion as volumes increase.

A circular economy (CE) is one in which materials retain their value and are reused, minimising waste. Cities and councils could act as CE trailblazers by embedding this approach whenever possible into their public purchase of products, services and works. This study explored different approaches to circular public procurement (CPP), and identified possible opportunities to promote CE via appropriate procurement policy and criteria.

In the real-time economy, the demand for cloud services keeps growing with the hybrid cloud as the optimal architecture for handling the inevitable complexity of the agile company’s IT infrastructure.

Vehicle fuel economy has markedly improved, but there are other factors that influence fuel consumption and transport emissions, according to new research on the EU, USA and Japan. Changes in vehicle size and power also play a role indicating that, if fuel prices do not keep rising, policy focus may need to shift to managing vehicle use.

Around 40% of the platinum used in EU catalytic converters is not recovered for recycling and is therefore ‘lost’ forever, indicates a new study. A more circular economy for platinum is essential to reduce imports of this critical raw material to the EU and minimise its damaging effects on the environment, the researchers argue. Better collection systems for end-of-life catalytic converters and tighter regulation of waste exports could help close the loop on platinum.

Many countries have recognised the need to promote the 'green' economy and integrate its principles into a number of different areas of policy. New research has indicated that the design, timing and coherence of the measures required for this integration play a crucial role in their success in supporting a green economy.

Adopting the Green Economy approach will reap greater environmental, social and economic benefits, compared with a society that focuses on economic growth as the measure for future development, according to a recent UN report. Using two per cent of global GDP to ‘green’ key sectors could be enough to trigger the transition towards a green economy.

A new report highlights the connections between climate change risks and opportunities, sustainable development and climate change adaptation, to provide a useful guidance for business and policymakers in creating a green economy. It suggests that businesses are an essential partner in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change.

A recent study has analysed trade unions’ understanding of the relationship between environmental protection and jobs. It identified four reoccurring themes from interviews with union representatives, which provide insight into how trade union environmental agendas could develop under a greener economy.

The extraction, trade and consumption of materials, such as biomass, minerals, metals and fossil fuels, are the main drivers of most global environmental problems, according to a new report. Action must be taken now to achieve the policy target of a global ‘green economy’.

The extraction, trade and consumption of materials, such as biomass, minerals, metals and fossil fuels, are the main drivers of most global environmental problems, according to a new report. Action must be taken now to achieve the policy target of a global ‘green economy’.

A recent study has provided support for an alternative means of tackling the unsustainability of resource-intensive economic growth. Using examples of best practice, it upholds a model of moderate growth in GDP combined with a significant increase in the environmental technology market and greater resource-efficiency across all industries.

Green taxes could boost economic growth and reduce the 'cash-in-hand' untaxed shadow economy, according to new research. The study modelled green taxes' effects on Spain's economy and suggests the revenue from these taxes would increase economic activity and employment if it was used to reduce income tax.

A more circular economy could reduce global levels of raw material extraction by 10% by 2030, a new study suggests. It could also drive a slight increase in overall employment levels, but the types of jobs available would change significantly, moving away from low- and medium-skilled work in the manufacturing and mining sectors and opening up more opportunities for medium- and high-skilled jobs in the service sector.

Scientists have published findings from the largest and broadest survey on sewage resource recovery conducted in Europe to date. Researchers surveyed more than 600 waste-water treatment plants (WWTPs) in Italy, which represent approximately 25% of the country’s total load of treated sewage. The findings provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of sewage resource recovery in WWTPs, revealing that just 40% of plants perform some form of material or energy recovery, and identifying several of the important driving forces behind implementation. This research provides valuable information and insights for policymakers and WWTP managers aiming to improve WWTP sustainability and close the sewage resource-recovery loop.

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), said only 8% of its members have funds to pay salary next month since 90% of all apparel retail is still at physical stores.

The updated iPhone SE will start at $399, or less than half the price of its leading flagship devices and be available as of Friday.

Biodegradable waste, or bio-waste, from urban areas is being used to produce a bio-based material to replace plastic — this is relevant to the sustainable development of a circular economy (CE), which requires the innovative use of waste materials. Understanding public attitudes to such materials, and the drivers influencing their uptake, is key to their viability. This study explores how consumers respond to products made from regenerated bio-waste.

The real-time economy requires instant processes in an increasing number of business functions.

The post Mining to help dig economy out of COVID-19 hole appeared first on The Lead SA.

Will bookable-by-the-hour private garden spaces encourage more cooped up urbanites to step outside?

From sustainability as a means of innovation to envisioning a prosperous, peaceful future free of oil, coal and nuclear energy, these five books are taking care

Massive wind farm is Britain's latest entry in move away from fossil fuels toward alternative, renewable clean energy sources.

Was the Gulf oil spill actually good for the region's economy? Maybe in the short-term—but the Gulf needs a long-term restoration economy, says Conservancy sc

Journalist Heather Rogers maintains that we can't buy our way out of the crisis our planet is experiencing.

A little over a year ago, in a very different world, three economic titans issued "The Carbon Principles," a list of investment guidelines for electric power pr

A trio of U.S. financial giants have teamed up to spell out why the American economy can't afford runaway climate change.

The new fuel economy labels include a smog rating, greenhouse gas rating and more.

In her first speech as EPA administrator, Gina McCarthy argues 'climate change isn't an environmental issue. It's a fundamental economic challenge.'

Soft-spoken and unassuming, this speaker, teacher, and author might not seem like a rabble-rouser or revolutionary.

Here's a status report on the nation's commuters.

A new report hints at the growing economic clout of renewable energy.

Companies like Airbnb and Uber are feeling the pandemic pinch, but neighborly sharing is on its way up, and that's a good thing.

If your car isn't getting the gas mileage you want or expect, it might be time to put down the carbs and pick up the dumbbells because your body may be the prob

Ford wants you to have a better understanding of how your driving impacts their fuel efficiency.

Carmakers have to reach 54.5 mpg by 2025, but $2 a gallon gas and the popularity of gas guzzlers might change that rule.

But a new University of Michigan poll reveals huge gender gaps in car knowledge.

Study shows fuel efficiency hasn't changed much since 1923, but emissions are way down.

The moon is surprisingly rich in water, nuclear fuel and rare metals, which is why humans are interested in mining it.

Air travel could continue to get cheaper but it could also get a lot less comfortable, as seat sizes shrink and the differences between classes gets wider.

Scientists have learned out how much energy bees use to fly when carrying heavy and light loads, and they learned about a new ability along the way.

Gain the Confidence to a Become Bold, Proactive Investors.

Younique has been rated as one of the top Gig Economies