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Scientists just figured out how to turn CO2 back into coal

Adele Peters

February 28, 2019 |

FastCompany |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Australia, Melbourne, Victoria

Researchers in Australia have discovered a way to capture CO2 from the air and turn it back into solid carbon. The new method uses liquid metal and electricity to process the CO2 and store it at room temperature – something that until now had not been possible. Scientists say it shows potential for large scale use – in combination with sustainable energy – as the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change.

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Going Dark to Reconnect to the Night Sky

Tim Lydon

February 28, 2019 |

Yes! Magazine |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Dripping Springs, Texas

Light pollution threatens access to nature and its views of the stars, but it also negatively impacts health by disrupting sleep and human circadian rhythm. The International Dark-Sky Association has been working for years “to protect naturally dark sky,” educate others, and increase engagement with the stars.

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You can now ski on top of a $670 million power plant in Copenhagen

Akshat Rathi

February 27, 2019 |

Quartz |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

Amager Bakke is a powerplant in Copenhagen that is designed to get residents of the city engaged in a conversation about where waste goes, all while burning up to 400,000 tons of waste a year, powering 60,000 homes, and heating 160,000 homes. In 2013 the local plant was redesigned to burn the city's waste and encourage interaction by building a ski slope atop the plant, a hiking trail, and an elevator that introduces education about waste management. Amager Bakke is still new and experimental, so its long-term success is still unclear, and it is not completely emission-free yet.

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From Shampoo To Breast Implants To Airplanes, This Startup's Lab-Grown Spider Silk Could Go A Long Way

Amy Feldman

February 26, 2019 |

Forbes |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Germany, Planegg

Bringing in bio-manufactured materials can make existing commercial supply chains more sustainable. The German company AMSilk has created a plastic-free alternative to synthetic and farmed silk. By growing biodegradable silk proteins and selling the plastic-free, bio-manufactured material to other companies, AMSilk has implemented sustainable practices across multiple consumer sectors.

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With no upfront costs, this innovative financing tool makes energy efficiency affordable to all

Nate Berg

February 26, 2019 |

Ensia |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Aulander, North Carolina

North Carolina’s Roanoke Electric Cooperative is helping members bring down energy costs. Because the energy costs in this area is due to a lack of energy efficiency, the cooperative offers tariffed on-billing to help homes offset expenses like insulation and new heat pumps. The tariffed on-billing uses federal loans to pay for said expenses, and then the customer pays the tariff charge in their bill – which ends up being lower because of the energy efficient upgrades.

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Could New Mexico go solar? Bill provides tax relief for those giving it a shot

Adrian Hedden

February 15, 2019 |

Carlsbad Current-Argus |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Mexico

The state of New Mexico has its sights set on going solar and the state government is incentivizing those who are willing to try. “In a state that ranks second for solar potential nationwide, it’s crucial that New Mexicans have an easier path to installing solar on their own homes and businesses,” the state's governor explains.

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FGCU's geothermal air conditioner reduces impact on the environment

Jaryd Brady

February 06, 2019 |

Changing Florida |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Fort Myers, Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University utilizes a cooling plant that serves as the primary air-conditioning unit for multiple buildings on campus. This plant uses geothermal energy, which compared with traditional air conditioning units, has less of an impact on the environment and saves the university money on its power bill. FGCU currently has 146 total thermal storage tanks producing over 23,000 tons of cooling capacity for its academic buildings.

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Rooftop gardens: the coolest roofs around

Emily Loewinger

February 06, 2019 |

Changing Florida |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Naples, Florida

An ecologist is installing a rooftop garden on a home in Florida and early results suggest that the green roofs have helped moderate indoor temperatures. While the initial cost of these gardens can be high, these green rooftops can be beneficial for the environment and can even provide a longer lifespan for the roof.

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Smart Grid Experiment Saves Participants the Equivalent of One Electric Bill Per Year

Lynne Peskoe-Yang

February 04, 2019 |

IEEE Spectrum |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Turkey, Istanbul

Gamifying energy-efficient behavior can help consumers adjust their habits. Project GresBAS (Grid Responsive Society through Building Automation Systems) incentivizes consumers by allowing them to compete against their own personal records, as well as their neighbors. The Project has piloted studies in Turkey and Portugal, signaling the broader possibilities of gamifying user interactions with smart grid technologies.

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You Flushed the Toilet. They Made Some Bricks.

JoAnna Klein

January 31, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Australia, Melbourne, Australian Capital Territory

A civil engineer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia is converting biosolids, or disinfected leftovers from the water treatment process, into bricks for building. He claims they look, smell, and work the same as conventional fired clay bricks, but with an added benefit of saving land and energy and reducing carbon emissions.

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