Technology and development might not be what first comes to mind when we think of sustainable progress, but the reality is that those innovations have been paving the way as we look to solve key climate-related issues.
In fact, the technology and scientific industries have played a crucial part in creating a greener future and alleviating the damage already done to the environment, as the urgent need to reduce emissions and cut down the global carbon footprint has never been more evident.
We take a look at scientists, engineers and who are helping make the world more sustainable in their own weird and wonderful way…
Could dead flies be used for sustainable packaging?
A recent experiment at the American Chemical Society saw scientists explore whether deceased insects could be isolated, purified and transformed into bioplastics.
The larvae of the flies contains proteins and nutrients which are useful for animal feed, but the adult flies are often discarded after their short life span is over.
The experiments found that chitin (a fibrous substance) was a main source of the dead flies. The team were able to isolate the non-toxic chemical, which is used to strengthen the shell or exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects.
They then found that they could make a hydrogel which can absorb 47 times their weight in water. Next they are hoping to make bioplastics like polycarbonates and polyurethanes, which are generally made from the petrochemical industry.
A double shot: From coffee to concrete
Researchers at RMIT university in Melbourne have found that sustainable coffee grounds can be used to make concrete stronger.
In a study published in the ‘Journal of Cleaner Production’ the engineers found that they can turn waste coffee grounds into biochar using a low-energy process without oxygen.
The scientists collected coffee grounds from a local café and tested out whether the material could be used to replace some of the sand that is used in concrete.
“The inspiration for our work was to find an innovative way of using the large amounts of coffee waste in construction projects rather than going to landfills – to give coffee a ‘double shot’ at life”.
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Making cement more sustainable
Scientists at the University of Aberdeen are using funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe programme to explore whether substitute materials could make cement (a crucial component for the building industry) more ecological.
They will examine whether supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash, furnace slags and silica fume (which are used in conjunction with Portland cement) can reduce the carbon emissions from production.
The process of turning limestone and clay into cement releases high levels of C02 – in total concrete, a crucial ingredient in the property sector, is said to be responsible for between 4 – 8% of the world’s C02 emissions.
X-ray silver jewellery
In a partnership with Betts Metal, the Royal Mint has sourced silver from x-ray films to help reduce its reliance on mined materials.
To create the silver jewellery, a ‘comparatively low impact’ hydrometallurgical process was used instead of traditional methods which would usually involve burning the film. Betts Managing director Charles Betts told the Financial Times that it extracts about two and five grams of silver from each kilogram of x-ray it processes, meaning that to make a silver wedding band would require around 50 sheets of x-ray film.
Sailing to a more environmentally friendly future
The shipping company Cargill recently chartered the world’s first wind-powered cargo ship on its long maiden journey from China to Brazil.
The vessel is fitted with two large wind sails directed by Yara Marine Technologies – which open up to 37.5 metres tall when they are in open water. The sustainable WindWing innovation is expected to help generate sustainable fuel savings of up to 30% on new build vessels.
With the shipping industry responsible for around 3% of global carbon emissions, it could be a gamechanger.
Levelling up Google Maps to share climate data
Google Maps have created a new update which will use AI and machine learning to provide up-to-date imagery and environmental data about solar potential, air quality and pollen levels.
It uses mapping and computer resources to share detailed data from sustainable solar panels located atop more than 320 million buildings across 40 countries, permitting businesses like solar installers to see how much sunlight buildings receive before visiting an area.
