Day: December 8, 2020

Walsall College launches electric/hybrid vehicle training courses…

Reesources that have been designed for academics and students to build knowledge and stimulate dialogue around the circular economy.

Nonprofit XPrize has teamed with ASPIRE to launch its new ‘Feed the Next Billion’ competition, one that offers up $15 million to develop realistic and…

Sewage effluent is a major global driver of freshwater pollution, but conventional treatment technologies to mitigate sewage pollution are energy intensive, expensive and frequently provide sub-optimal pollutant removal performance. In this regard, integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) have emerged as a potential alternative, cost-effective, natural treatment for sewage effluent, but major questions remain about their seasonal effectiveness and long-term ability to capture, retain and cycle nutrients with sufficient efficiency to reliably replace conventional treatment technologies. Furthermore, there is growing environmental concern regarding the inability of conventional treatment process to remove endocrine disrupting plasticizers and laundry microplastic fibres, and research is required to assess whether ICWs have increased potential to mitigate these plastic pollutants. Integrating hydrological, biogeochemical and analytical sciences, the student will investigate the potential of ICWs to provide an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment technologies for the reduction of nutrients, plasticizers and microplastic fibres in sewage effluent. This field and laboratory intensive project will see the student lead on a comprehensive 18-month field sampling campaign, collecting water, sediment and plant materials from across numerous operational ICWs and their neighbouring river channels at hourly-to-monthly resolution. In the laboratory, the student will be trained in the operation of a wide range of state of the art analytical equipment, enabling them to deliver a novel, comprehensive and quantitative evidence base on the effectiveness of ICWs at treating sewage effluent. The student will gain extensive and highly valuable data analysis experience as well as opportunities to engage with a wide range of water, environmental and industry stakeholders. The professional training gained will provide rewarding career opportunities in conservation, regulation, research and industry organisations.

A historic and effective instrument of EU cohesion policy, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is back in service for 7 years after the agreement reached today between the Council and the European Parliament. Always at the disposal of its traditional local partners, the ERDF has been deeply reformed in order to help to introduce the environmental objectives of the Green Deal in EU territories. 30% of the funds will thus be intended to promote a clean and fair energy transition, the circular economy or adaptation to the needs of the climate. Infrastructure works will only be subsidised if they improve the carbon footprint. Another priority of Renew was to support the competitiveness, research and innovation capacities of SMEs, with special attention given to rural areas, in terms of training and connectivity, so that all European regions could reap the benefices of the digital economy. A new system will grant specific support to areas inhabited by less than 12.5 inhabitants / km2 or facing demographic decline. However, the ERDF remains attentive to sociological changes and the appropriations intended for city policy will increase by 8% in order to finance sustainable urban development projects. Finally, the application of ERDF has been simplified in order, on the one hand, to respond to emergency situations, such as the current pandemic, by supporting sectors in crisis such as tourism and culture, and, on the other hand, to empower local authorities in the management funds, thanks to more flexible rules allowing a greater number of projects to be carried out and facilitating better absorption of funds. This new ERDF will enter into force as soon as an agreement is reached in the European Council on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. Susana SOLÍS PÉREZ (Cuidadanos, Spain), spokesperson for Renew Europe for the ERDF amid the Parliamentary…

Good for the planet. Good for business. We are working to minimize environmental impact and operate more sustainably because it is the right thing to do—for our employees, our customers, our business, and our planet. From production improvements designed to conserve water to efforts that recycle nearly 100% of the plastics used in production, CooperVision is prioritizing environmentally responsible practices across four key areas: water, energy, recycling, and people. Saving water Working continuously to reduce consumption, increase conservation, and protect vital resources. Learn more » Conserving energy Finding ways to minimize energy consumption, utilize clean energy resources, and share best practices with like-minded companies. Learn more » Reducing, reusing, recycling Minimizing our impact by using less and recycling more of the materials needed to make and distribute our products. Learn more » Empowering people Supporting our employees and local communities through programs that encourage individual stewardship and promote an environmentally conscious workplace. Learn more » Earning Prestigious LEED Certification in Costa Rica Our 100,000 square-foot contact lens manufacturing facility in Alajuela, Costa Rica has been awarded the prestigious LEED Silver certification for its environmentally-conscious design and operation. Learn more » BREEAM Certified in the UK Our United Kingdom facility is rated “Excellent” by BREEAM UK, a third-party certifying body that recognizes sustainable and socially responsible places to work. Our goal is simple: Do better every day. From award-winning conservation efforts in Puerto Rico, to earning sustainability certifications in Costa Rica, Spain and the UK, to operating with 100% renewable electricity resources at three Rochester, NY area sites, we’re making sustainability a priority in the many places where we do business. CooperVision sustainability measures may vary from facility to facility, owning to site-dependent external and internal factors.

Learn Sustainable Development Goals facts for kids…

We take on responsibility. Through prudent business practices, conservation of environment and resources, and in dealing with employees, customers and society….

Agreement follows a years-long Justice Department investigation into claims that some stations don’t accommodate wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

WWE has settled a lawsuit with a man claiming he was denied equal access to the WWEShop website.