Circular economy stories
Projects saving time, money and emissions were among eight winners at the 2021 IPWEA NZ Asset Management Excellence Awards.
Europe’s energy security has been exposed by Russia’s invasion, strengthening calls for a rapid shift to renewables and digital twins.
Plastic pollution in rivers, oceans and wastewater systems could finally face tougher global rules after nearly 200 countries backed a UN treaty.
Poor sanitation and water management are emitting methane, while better policy could help cut climate pollution and expand clean energy.
The capital will use a US$1 million grant to expand its Digital Twin, helping planners test climate adaptation options over three years.
Climate pledges made at COP26 could speed up investment in clean energy, EV charging and low-carbon materials, despite weak deadlines.
Industry leaders say the draft 30-year plan could give New Zealand clearer funding, planning and delivery for vital infrastructure.
Poor maintenance is costing firms billions through outages, water failures and transport disruptions, the G20 says in a new policy agenda.
Record spending is exposing poor productivity, rising insolvencies and risk in Australia’s construction sector, industry leaders warn.
Food makers could cut energy use and recycling headaches with a one-step natural coating made from wood waste or shrimp shells.
New recycling methods could cut EV battery costs by 60% and ease reliance on cobalt, nickel and China, researchers say.
The Government has until 31 December to decide whether to adopt a plan that could cut GDP by 1.2% in 2050, or do less.
Facial recognition and reward points are being trialled to lift China’s recycling rate as waste volumes outpace the US by 2030.
Digital twin tools could help cut costly delays and emissions, as 90% of infrastructure projects are still late or over budget.
Wastewater plants could cut costs and emissions by generating surplus heat and power, as Copenhagen and Turku already show.
Plastic waste could cost EU taxpayers or shoppers more as Brussels moves to levy EUR €0.80 per kilogramme on unrecycled packaging.
The system won a global innovation prize after promising onsite treatment that could cut costly sewer networks and tanker transport in Lebanon.
A global push to cut plastic pollution would need at least one billion volunteers just for clean-ups, researchers warn.
A new Australian process could cut tyre waste and supply low-sulphur oil, carbon and steel for refining and manufacturing.
Even an ideal recycling system would cut plastics-sector emissions by only 14% by 2050, leaving major producers still far from net zero.
