Recycling of excess heat, via ‘district heating’, has the potential to improve energy efficiency in Europe. This study mapped excess heat and demands for heat in EU27 Member States to identify regions suitable for the large-scale implementation of district heating. The authors identified 63 ‘heat synergy regions’, generally large urban zones, which generated almost half of all excess heat generated in the EU27.

Pioneering methods used in the Netherlands combine remediation of brownfield sites with the use of groundwater for heat cold storage (HCS, or ATES: Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) to achieve both low-cost remediation and sustainable use of energy.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physical and chemical properties, but their increasing use in technological innovations has raised concerns about possible risks to the environment and human health. A new Chinese study has assessed the effects of NPs on plants and ecosystems. The findings indicated that NPs restrict wheat growth and damage soil ecosystems, which may have implications for the environment, agricultural productivity and human health.

A new study has examined the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles on plants. Using a range of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, the researchers demonstrate how silver nanoparticles can reduce the growth of wheat, as well as interfere with genes that help the plant deal with pathogens and stress.

Fine particles in the air produced by road transport trap more radiation in the earth's atmosphere than previously estimated, and therefore may contribute more to global warming than realised, according to new research. In contrast, the impact of particles from shipping appears to reflect more radiation than previously thought, whilst the effect of particles from aviation is comparatively small.

Predicting the effects of changing levels of atmospheric gases on agricultural crops is vital to ensuring food security under global environmental change. As well as yield, impacts on the nutritional value of crops must be considered. A new study has now shown that increased ozone decreases yields and increases the proportion of protein in the grain. Conversly, elevated levels of CO2 boosts wheat yields, but it also reduces protein proportion in two different ways.

Russia comes to Radlett for Radlett Musical Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

You’re never too old to fall in love is the heartwarming message of the Company of Ten’s next production, Ladies in Lavender.

A museum’s new exhibition will feature work by one of the most influential British book illustrators.

Police would like to speak to two men following investigations of fraudsters scamming an elderly woman.

The post ‘Golden goose’ of salt tolerant wheat varieties to begin field trials appeared first on The Lead SA.

Wondering if your spouse is cheating on you? Check to see how comfortable they are with sex, or how happy they are in the relationship.

Far from the frosty climate of the Arctic Circle, this adorable family is making do in the summer heat with a brand new swimming pool.

A geothermal loop will keep a fancy new elephant house toasty with the captured heat generated by the cooling system in the polar bear habitat.

Whole wheat beats white bread sales for the first time.

Decorate your table with this inexpensive, natural arrangement that also happens to be compostable.

Trying to stay cool while obeying his own stringent vehicle idling restrictions, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg enlists security detail to install a full

A new system created by a French energy firm heats about 6 million square feet of office space, creating no emissions in the process.

NYC announces a scheme in which organic food waste will help to boost production of methane-rich biogas at the city's largest wastewater treatment plant.

From one of the world's top pistachio-producing regions, comes a not-too-entirely nutty idea: Burning waste shells to heat buildings.

Radiators, radiant floors or hot air? It’s complicated.

New research finds that exposure to mildly cooler temps may be the key to shedding pounds.

The cloud wastes an awful lot of energy as heat. One company is putting it to good use.

Temperature records across the continent continue to fall as Europe buckles under heat wave. At least seven deaths have been attributed to the heat.

President Obama’s oil spill commission has released its final report on the disaster, and those who put the analysis together certainly had a few interesting

Study finds you may be better off moving your workout indoors.

How does an all organic vodka hold up at a neighborhood cookout?

Not that you need a reminder, but the high season of heat cranking and thermostat tweaking is upon us. Energy Star shares a few basics on how to reduce home hea

World leaders have pledged to limit the rise to 3.6 degrees, but a new study finds global temperatures could increase 10.8 degrees by century's end.

Wood that bounces sunlight back into the atmosphere could be a game-changer for buildings.

Tesla Motors gets some high-powered competition.

LEDs, photovoltaic arrays and motion sensors are helping cinemas save money while lessening their impact on the planet.

Looking for the best gear for summer running? Here are some eco-friendly fashion tips so you can hit the trails in style.

Watch as 15-year-old Ann Makosinski explains how she figured out the voltage and circuitry necessary to facilitate her design.

As parts of the country enter day three of a heat wave, it's time to consider breaking out the big guns: Ice straws and stainless steel popsicle molds.

The Minewater system pulls geothermal heat from flooded abandoned coal mines.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a blend of the old and the new. An ecologically and financially-efficient option.

Iceland's ION Luxury Adventure Hotel isn't so much about the hotel itself but about the stunning, otherworldly landscapes that surround it.

Yellowstone National Park closed a popular road on July 10 after geothermal heat cooked the asphalt.

A heads-up to parents about Disneynature's newest release follows the story of two feline families struggling to survive in the African savannah.

It would be safe to say that Brooklyn's Big Green Theater — an eco-education program where kids create plays performed by adult actors — isn't what most f

Brighter Living with Jill Cordes: Making sure your home keeps the heat in during the winter months is vital to keeping electricity cost down.

These photos of service dogs went viral after part of their training took place at a play at the Stratford Festival in Canada.

Take the chill off with these top-performing picks for staying warm.

NREL’s new Research Support Facilities basement maze will help cut energy use by two-thirds.

Virtually sulfur-free biodiesel fuel is available in blends for home oil burners.

Cassandra Lin and her classmates provided enough biodiesel to heat 210 homes in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Climate change could affect our food supply at the same time that global population is increasing.