World Environment Magazine, Issue 5 by Andrea Tucci

No 05 / April 2010 WORLD ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE www.worldenvironment.tv

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

OUT OF TIME? |

ARE WE

RUNNING

WORLD ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

Number 05 | April 2010

CHAIRMAN Andrea Tucci a.tucci@worldenvironment.tv EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Cathy Chami Tyan c.tyan@worldenvironment.tv

Global Warming >8

EDITORIAL PROJECT COORDINATOR Marc Wiliam Lowe m.lowe@worldenvironment.tv

Sustainable Development >42

CONTRIBUTORS Alya Kebiri, Steffen Lehmann, Frederico Niglia, Gabriella Porilli, Mai Samaha Elsa J. Sattout, Cathy Chami Tyan.

Energy >36

CONCEPT & DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY Aero Sekur, AFD/FFEM, Anter Park, Cida De Aragon, Cityförster, myclimate, Steffen Lemann, Shark Alliance, Simon Rogerson, Solar Impulse. SALES AND ADVERTISEMENTS adv@worldenvironment.tv SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscription@worldenvironment.tv PRINTING RAIDY | www.raidy.com

Biodiversity >64

Editorial: >1

Running Out of Time

From Hopenhagen to Flopenhagen What Really Happened in Copenhagen? Post Copenhagen UNFCCC Starts Receiving List of Government Climate Pledges Addressing Climate Change and Food Security Together Germany: the Rise of the New Environmental Power Carbon Offsetting: High Quality Climate Protection

>10 >16 >20 >26

ISSN 17379229

>56

A Team of Young Architects Wins the Europan 10 Competition for the Site of Heidelberg in Dennmark

>76

Tens of Thousands of Europeans Come Together in Support of a Stronger EU Shark Finning Ban Snapshots on 18 Months of Achievements AFD/FFEM Project “Appui Aux Réserves Naturelles du Liban”

Global Warming:

PUBLISHED BY World Environment Group COPYRIGHT The articles become part of the magazine’s archive. Further publishings on other issues must be authorized by the editor following the author’s consent.

Eco-Living >88

Biodiversity:

>80

Ecoliving: >88

Energy: >36

“Solarimpulse” Inventing the Future: Around the World in a Solar Airplane

> 93 >102

Sustainable Development: >42 >50

The Future is Green A Conversation Between Two German Architects in Sydney Controlled Environment Agriculture: One Small Step For Aero Sekur

>112 >118

Program of the Ministry of Environment of Lebanon for 2010-2012 Many Heavens, One Earth: Faith Commitments for a Living Planet Corporations & Responsibility, Where Do We Stand? The Mozambican Rural Women Forum Stars Foundation Expands Prestigious Impact Awards into Middle-East, East Asia and Pacific Regions

WORLD ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE’s policy is to use papers that are natural, renewable, recyclable and made from wood grown in sustainable forests. This item has helped slow down global deforestation, which amounts to 15 million hectares annually. In addition, all waste is sent for recycling.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE is available online at www.worldenvironment.tv

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

April, 2010

Running out of time

he year 2009 ended in a pessimistic note. Copenhagen did not meet the expectations of those who relied on world leaders to take the world in the right direction through a legally binding, just and fair deal to all. Yes time is running, yes we need to stop over consumption, yes we need to control the way we endlessly use the earth resources. For all these reasons, I would like to dedicate this issue to all the people who work tirelessly for the sake of humanity, dedicating their time, genius and passion to change the fate of the world. Nothing can be better expressed, and with as much passion as in “Home” a breathtaking movie, by Yann Arthus Bertrand and Luc Besson, that I invite you all to watch. The movie is about the wonders of the world and the vulnerability of our home planet Earth. In Conclusion, we need to remember, as they say in the movie, that: “The atmosphere is heating up. Transport, industry, deforestation, agriculture; these activities release gigantic quantities of carbon dioxide. Without realizing it, we have upset the earth climatic balance. The arctic ice caps are melting; humanity has never lived in an atmosphere like this. By 2050, one quarter of the earth species could be threatened with extinction... All we have to do is look up. It is time to get together. What is important is to save what is left…”

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THE

BOOK REVIEW

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Edit by: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer The extraordinary true story of a Malawian teenager who transformed his village by building electric windmills out of junk is the subject of a new book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Self-taught William Kamkwamba has been feted by climate change campaigners like Al Gore and business leaders the world over. His against-all-odds achievements are all the more remarkable considering he was forced to quit school aged 14 because his family could no longer afford the $80-ayear (£50) fees. When he returned to his parents' small plot of farmland in the central Malawian village of Masitala, his future seemed limited. But this was not another tale of African potential thwarted by poverty.

The Politics of Climate Change

MAGAZINE

An Inconvenient Truth Edited by: Al Gore An Inconvenient Truth—Gore’s groundbreaking, battle cry of a follow-up to the bestselling Earth in the Balance—is being published to tie in with a documentary film of the same name. Both the book and film were inspired by a series of multimedia presentations on global warming that Gore created and delivers to groups around the world. With this book, Gore, who is one of our environmental heroes—and a leading expert—brings together leading-edge research from top scientists around the world; photographs, charts, and other illustrations; and personal anecdotes and observations to document the fast pace and wide scope of global warming. He presents, with alarming clarity and conclusiveness—and with humor, too—that the fact of global warming is not in question and that its consequences for the world we live in will be disastrous if left unchecked. This riveting new book written in an accessible, entertaining style—will open the eyes of even the most skeptical.

Edit by: Anthony Giddens "A landmark study in the struggle to contain climate change, the greatest challenge of our era. I urge everyone to read it." Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America Climate change differs from any other problem that, as collective humanity, we face today. If it goes unchecked, the consequences are likely to be catastrophic for human life on earth. Yet for most people, and for many policy-makers too, it tends to be a 'back of the mind' issue. We recognise its importance and even its urgency, but for the most part it is swamped by more immediate concerns. Politicians have woken up to the dangers, but at the moment their responses are mainly on the level of gesture rather than being, as they have to be, both concrete and radical. Political action and intervention, on local, national and international levels, is going to have a decisive effect on whether or not we can limit global warming, as well as how we adapt to that already occurring. At the moment, however, Anthony Giddens argues controversially, we do not have a systematic politics of climate change. Politics-as-usual won't allow us to deal with the problems we face, while the recipes of the main challenger to orthodox politics, the green movement, are flawed at source. Giddens introduces a range of new concepts and proposals to fill in the gap, and examines in depth the connections between climate change and energy security. This book is likely to become a classic in the field. It will be of appeal to everyone concerned about how we can cope with what amounts to a crisis for our civilisation. 4

Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution Edited by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins In Natural Capitalism, three top strategists show how leadingedge companies are practicing "a new type of industrialism" that is more efficient and profitable while saving the environment and creating jobs. Paul Hawken and Amory and Hunter Lovins write that in the next century, cars will get 200 miles per gallon without compromising safety and power, manufacturers will relentlessly recycle their products, and the world's standard of living will jump without further damaging natural resources. "Is this the vision of a utopia? In fact, the changes described here could come about in the decades to come as the result of economic and technological trends already in place," the authors write. They call their approach natural capitalism because it's based on the principle that business can be good for the environment. For instance, Interface of Atlanta doubled revenues and employment and tripled profits by creating an environmentally friendly system of recycling floor coverings for businesses. The authors also describe how the next generation of cars is closer than we might think. Manufacturers are already perfecting vehicles that are ultralight, aerodynamic, and fueled by hybrid gas-electric systems. If natural capitalism continues to blossom, so much money and resources will be saved that societies will be able to focus on issues such as housing, contend Hawken, author of a book and PBS series called Growing a Business, and the Lovinses, who cofounded and directed the Rocky Mountain Institute, an environmental think tank. The book is a fascinating and provocative read for public-policy makers, as well as environmentalists and capitalists alike. -Dan Ring- This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Principles of Green Urbanism. Regenerating the Post-Industrial City Edited by Steffen Lehmann How can urbanism ever be green, based on ecological principles? The answer is to use energy-efficient, zero-carbon models based on renewable energy sources and renewable building typologies, and the principles of ‘Green Urbanism’. We need to transform and future-proof the post-industrial city through strategies of architectural and urban design. This book presents different models for sustainable urban development, based on the principles of 'Green Urbanism'. Current and emergent forms of urbanism are influenced by climate change, leading to the idea of a new generation of 'zero-emission cities'. These cities are seen as applying new concepts in densification and expansion, designed with energy-efficiency and sustainability as principal criteria. The aim of this type of 'Systems Thinking' is to connect and integrate sustainable design principles with a holistic idea for the future of our cities, to generate future-proof strategies for the revitalization of the urban landscape. The first section of the book clearly explains these principles and how they can be employed, illustrated by clear diagrams for ease of comprehension. The principles as applied are then explored through in-depth case studies of the post-industrial Australian city of Newcastle, which is at an important juncture in its urban evolution. Strategies for ‘Green Urbanism’ are presented that are both local and global in scope and relevance. This is essential reading for urban designers, architects, landscape architects and researchers/students in these disciplines around the world.

The Future of Life Edited by E.O. Wilson The most eloquent, convincing argument yet that preserving our fragile world is a moral responsibility. From one of the world's most influential scientists (and two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning author) comes his most timely and important book yet: an impassioned call for quick and decisive action to save Earth's biological heritage, and a plan to achieve that rescue.

DID YOU KNOW

Idling your car 10 minutes every day can produce over a quarter ton of CO2 every year.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth

About 3.6 billion of the world’s 5.2 billion hectares of useful dryland for agriculture has suffered erosion and soil degradation. In more than 100 countries, 1 billion of the 6 billion world population is affected by desertification, forcing people to leave their farms for jobs in the cities.

There are more than a million animal species. There are 6,000 species of reptiles, 73,000 kinds of spiders, and 3,000 types of lice. For each person there is about 200 million insects. The 4,600 kinds of mammals represent a mere 0,3% of animals and the 9,000 kinds of birds only 0,7%. The most abundant bird species is the red-billed quelea of sub-Saharan Africa, numbering almost 2 billion.

There are about a billion bicycles in the world, twice as many as motorcars. Almost 400 million bicycles are in China. Every year some 50 million bicycles – and 20 million cars – are produced. Although Leonardo Da Vinci drew some rough sketches of a contraption that looked like a bicycle, the Frenchman De Sivrac built the first bicycle-type vehicle in 1690.

The first documented lighthouse was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, built in 200 BC on the island of Pharos by the Egyptian Emperor Ptolemy. Considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is thought to have been 492 ft (150 metres) high – about three times taller than modern lighthouses.

Plant-eating dinosaurs did not eat grass, because there wasn’t any – so it is thought. During the Mesozoic Era, when the dinosaurs lived, conifers – cone-bearing trees and shrubs – dominated the landscape. They included redwoods, yews, pines, palms, cypress and the monkey puzzle tree. Flowering plants and grass evolved only later.

8 9

The largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia Arnoldi, weighs 7 kg (15 pounds) and grows only on the Sumatra island of Indonesia. Its petals grow to 1.6 ft (1 metre) long and 1 inch (2,5 cm) thick.

The highest bridge in the world can be found in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan Mountains. The valley lies at an altitude of about 5 602 m (18,379 ft) above sea level on the India side of Kashmir. Called the Baily Bridge, it is only 30 metres (98 ft) long, and was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.

One can live without food for almost a month but survive no longer than a week without water. Yet, although almost half of the world’s population live in water-scarce countries, there actually is enough of this precious liquid for everyone. The UN recommends that a person needs minimum of 50 litres of water a day for drinking, washing, cooking and sanitation, which over a billion people do not have access to.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

By Alia KEBIRI

FROM HOPENHAGEN TO FLOPENHAGEN WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN COPENHAGEN?

he outcome of the Copenhagen Climate Convention is disappointing and weak. We knew it would be that, but hoped to emerge with a serious framework for real solutions. Formally, diplomatically, legally, we didn't get that. Copenhagen is not just a missed opportunity. It is a collective failure by the world's top political «dignitaries». More than 120 Heads of State and Government made their appearances with powerful eloquence, grand gestures and theatrical demeanor. Not one speech failed to contain the sentences: «Climate change is the greatest challenge of the 21st century.» «The time for talking is over, we must act now. » «What is at stake is nothing less than the future of our children.» «We dare not fail.» After three days and nights of the frenzied gridlock, the 30 mightiest 8

players on the world stage presented the «rest» of the negotiating States with a document called the «Copenhagen Accord». For the purposes of effective climate protection, it can only be described as worthless. Even more ludicrous was that they took note of, then criticized the inadequacy of the very policy declaration they had presented: «It is not sufficient to meet the threat of climate change,» said the US negotiator. How true. Despite the urgent warnings from the scientific community that time is running out, despite dramatic appeals from developing countries and island States threatened with disaster, the world community has ended up with empty hands. Copenhagen failed to deliver on what the 193 countries had already promised and agreed two years ago in Bali: to build further on the Kyoto Protocol, which runs until 2012. If there was still

common will and mutual trust back then, what predominated this time around was selfishness and distrust. During Copenhagen, it became quite clear to the forest industry that the world is not ready for a low-carbon bio-economy, but instead remains stuck on fossil fuels. Renewable natural resources such as wood were still not granted a special status and the work to define the concept of forest sinks remains incomplete. The commitment made in Copenhagen is not in any way comparable to the EU's climate and energy policy commitments. The problem of carbon leakage was not resolved. An equal competitive status for companies from different parts of the world was not guaranteed. The EU's unilateral climate targets still resemble a minor working bee, falling far short of the effort required to clean up the world. European industry needs

Global Warming

«Copenhagen is a betrayal of the poor, a betrayal of the particularly vulnerable countries, a betrayal of our small island States and of all this planet's children and grandchildren.»

a stable climate policy that enables it to anticipate future developments. The EU should establish clear operating prerequisites for clean industry. Industry means doing, manufacturing and producing. The development of European industry must be encouraged in order to supply people with climate-friendly products and services at a reasonable price. This development presupposes an equitable competitive position with the rest of the world. However, the EU and the USA remain worlds apart. The USA lacked any serious readiness to reduce their emissions quickly and drastically. They were unwilling to assume their historic responsibility for climate warming. China does not want to «hamper» its fast-growing economy by means of a climate protection agreement. The rift between industrialized, emerging and developing countries could not

be bridged. Hardly anything was heard in Copenhagen about solidarity and justice. The upshot is that there is no binding agreement that would effectively slow down climate change. Developing countries were promised some dough to help curb climate change, but, as a whole, the negotiations flopped like a pancake. The necessary effort will once again balloon to unruly proportions by the Mexico convention, but matters will hopefully be brought to conclusion in that warmer environment. Once again, the victims are the poor and defenseless people in the developing countries that are already being hard hit by climate change today. The representative of one Pacific island hit the nail on the head when he said: «Copenhagen is a betrayal of the poor, a betrayal of the particularly vulnerable countries, a betrayal of our small

island States and of all this planet's children and grandchildren.» Awareness of the problem on the part of critical and concerned world public opinion is obviously greater than the readiness of politicians to take action. This is why it is so important for civil society and non-governmental organizations, which had strongly advocated a «bottom up» global climate policy in Copenhagen, to keep up the pressure on their governments back home. In any event, we will not discharge the Swiss Federal Council from its responsibility. Switzerland must now pursue a climate policy that represents a genuine contribution to global climate protection. Only in this way will the community of nations still stand a chance of finding the emergency exit, which was written, to no avail, above the main entrance to the Copenhagen conference centre. 9

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

POST COPENHAGEN UNFCCC STARTS RECEIVING LIST OF GOVERNMENT CLIMATE PLEDGES

ollowing the conclusion of the climate change talks in Copenhagen, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has received submissions of national pledges to cut and limit greenhouse gases by 2020 from 55 countries. These countries together account for 78 per cent of global emissions from energy use. “This represents an important invigoration of the UN climate change talks under the two tracks of Longterm Cooperative Action under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol”, said Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. “The commitment to confront climate change at the highest level is beyond doubt. These pledges have been formally communicated to the UNFCCC. Greater ambition is required to meet the scale of the challenge. But I see these pledges as clear signals of willingness to move negotiations towards a successful conclusion”, he said.

Industrialized countries listed their mid-term targets to cut emissions: AUSTRALIA: Australia will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% 10

on 2000 levels by 2020 if the world agrees to an ambitious global deal capable of stabilizing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 450 ppm CO2-eq or lower. Australia will unconditionally reduce our emissions by 5% below 2000 levels by 2020, and by up to 15% by 2020 if there is a global agreement which falls short of securing atmospheric stabilization at 450 ppm CO2-eq and under which major developing economies commit to substantially restrain emissions and advanced economies take on commitments comparable to Australia's.

Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom) acting in common reiterated their conditional offer to move to a 30% reduction by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and that developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities.

CANADA: -17%, to be aligned with

JAPAN: Japan commits to a 25%

the final economy-wide emissions target of the United States in enacted legislation.

reduction, which is premised on the establishment of a fair and effective international framework in which all major economies participate and on agreement by those economies on ambitious targets.

CROATIA: -5% is the temporary target for Croatia. Upon the accession of Croatia to the European Union, the Croatian target shall be replaced by arrangement in line with and part of the European Union mitigation effort. EU AND ITS MEMBER STATES: As part of a global and comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012, the EU and its Member States (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland,

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is prepared to take on a responsibility target for greenhouse gas emissions reductions of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, if there is a comprehensive global agreement. This means that the global agreement sets the world on a pathway to limit temperature rise to not more than 2° C;

Global Warming

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

developed countries make comparable efforts to those of New Zealand; advanced and major emitting developing countries take action fully commensurate with their respective capabilities; there is an effective set of rules for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); and there is full recourse to a broad and efficient international carbon market.

NORWAY: As part of a global and comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012 where major emitting Parties agree on emissions reductions in line with the 2 degrees Celsius target, Norway will move to a level of 40% reduction for 2020. RUSSIAN FEDERATION: The Russian Federation will move to a 15-25%* level of reduction for 2020.

In the range of 17%, in conformity with anticipated U.S. energy and climate legislation, recognizing that the final target will be reported to the Secretariat in light of enacted legislation. The pathway set forth in pending legislation would entail a 30% reduction in 2025 and a 42% reduction in 2030, in line with the goal to reduce emissions 83% by 2050. Developing countries communicated information on their nationally appropriate mitigation actions: 11

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Post Copenhagen UNFCCC Starts Receiving list of Government Climate Pledges

MALDIVES: The Maldives will achieve carbon neutrality as a country by 2020. It is presently undertaking detailed work on implementation of this action and will register a request for technological, financial and capacity building support for implementation. MEXICO: Mexico adopted its Special Climate Change Program in 2009 including a set of nationally appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions to be undertaken in all relevant sectors. The full implementation of the Programme will achieve a reduction in total annual emissions of 51 million tons of CO2e by 2012, with respect to the business as usual scenario. Mexico aims at reducing its GHG emissions up to 30% with respect to the business as usual scenario by 2020, provided the provision of adequate financial and technological support from developed countries as part of a global agreement. INDIA: India will endeavour to reduce the emissions intensity of its GOP by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison to the 2005 level. This proposed domestic actions are voluntary in nature and will not have a legally binding character. Further, these actions will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the relevant national legislations and policies well as the principle

THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA: To reduce national green house gas emissions by 30% from the business as usual emissions by 2020 The next round of formal negotiations is scheduled to be in Bonn, Germany, at the end of May 2010. Several countries have indicated their wish to see a quick return to the negotiations with more meetings than the scheduled sessions. We are seeking further guidance from governments, de Boer added. 12

Global Warming

COPENHAGEN

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

DIRE WINTER TRIGGERS LIVESTOCK DISASTER IN MONGOLIA

21 000 FAMILIES AT RISK

OF FOOD INSECURITY AND POVERTY B

eijing/Ulaanbaatar, 2 February 2010 – Temperatures plunging to -50°C have killed 1.7 million head of livestock in Mongolia, threatening the livelihoods of 21 000 herder families and putting them at risk of food insecurity, FAO warned today. An FAO rapid needs assessment on the impact of the disaster has found that urgent external assistance of some $6 million is needed over the next two to three months to help the herders make it through to spring. A spell of intense cold, with temperatures plummeting to minus 40-50°C

followed a very dry and long summer and autumn which produced insufficient fodder to feed livestock during the winter months. Such extreme weather is known locally as a Dzud.

More deaths feared The ongoing Dzud has resulted in huge livestock losses, with 1.7 million deaths counted as of 31 January. If current conditions persist, the government estimates that losses could reach 3-4 million head of livestock by spring. One third of the population of Mongolia leads nomadic lives and de-

pends entirely on livestock for a living. Their cattle, sheep, goats, horses and camels are the main household asset and are perishing from cold, exhaustion or starvation. Total economic losses so far are estimated at $62 million. Also, substantial numbers of wildlife are dying. Fourteen of Mongolia’s 21 provinces are considered seriously affected. According to the FAO assessment mission, in eight provinces 21 000 herder families owning between 100 and 300 head of livestock each have lost more than 50 percent of their herds.

Food insecurity

Medium-term interventions should focus on disaster preparedness and risk reduction plans and strategies, and FAO is ready to provide assistance to the country as required.

If assistance is not provided soon, the mission warned, spreading poverty will lead to mass migration to the cities later this year.

vestock input support for the most vulnerable herders as a top priority. In parallel, fodder, supplementary feed and veterinary care is urgently needed for weak and stressed animals until mid-April, with funding requirements of $6 million. Detailed project profiles are under preparation for submission to donors.

Medicinal supplement

The FAO mission visited Mongolia from 27 January to 1 February.

The FAO mission stressed the urgent need to strengthen household food security for the most vulnerable families to prevent further loss of their assets, and proposed immediate li-

FAO's Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific has provided 5 000 doses of medicinal food supplement for dairy cows, pregnant heifers and young bulls as immediate assistance.

The affected families face increased levels of food and livelihood insecurity as their cash income rapidly declines and prices of fodder climb sharply compared to last year.

Mongolia covers an area of 1.6 million square kilometers, an area roughly the size of Western Europe.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT: www.fao.org

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY TOGETHER Opportunities in agriculture should not be missed - FAO publishes policy brief

arming practices that capture carbon and store it in agricultural soils offer some of the most promising options for early and costeffective action on climate change in developing countries, while contributing to food security, FAO said in a policy brief prepared for the Copenhagen summit.

Yet agriculture has been largely excluded from the main climate financing mechanisms under discussion in Denmark, the agency said. Agriculture not only suffers the impacts of climate change, it is also responsible for 14 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

But agriculture has the potential to be an important part of the solution, through mitigation-reducing and/or removing a significant amount of global emissions. Some 70 percent of its potential for reducing emissions could be realized in developing countries, FAO said. "We hope the UN summit in Copenhagen will send a clear signal

Global Warming

that agriculture in developing countries should play a vital role in responding to this global challenge," said Alexander MĂźller, FAO Assistant Director-General. "There are strong synergies between climate change mitigation, adaptation and food security that will be captured, if we do this right."

The FAO policy brief being released in December 2009 calls for funding to help "vulnerable" developing nations respond "more comprehensively to the dual challenges of climate change and food security." The brief said such support should reward actions aimed at reducing

emissions and adapting to climate change, while also encouraging agricultural development and improved food security. The policy brief also suggested exploring synergies between Official Development Assistance (ODA) and new, additional climate funding. Ă?

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Addressing Climate Change and Food Security Together

Part of the solution Food production will have to increase by 70 percent to feed an additional 2.3 billion people by 2050, FAO said. Climate change threatens agricultural production through higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, and increased occurrences of droughts and floods, especially in areas that are already prone to climate-related disasters. Poorest regions with the highest levels of chronic hunger are likely to be among the worst affected by climate change, "Agriculture offers readily avai-

lable and cost-effective options for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, and can start to do so now," Müller said. "And climate financing mechanisms targeting agriculture could speed up efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, while helping to reduce hunger and poverty.”

tion agriculture capture carbon and store it in soils. These include no/low tillage, utilizing residues for composting or mulching, use of perennial crops to cover soil, re-seeding or improving grazing management on grasslands and agro- forestry, which combines crops and trees.

In contrast, he added, some other sectors may well require investments in expensive technologies and new, longterm research.

The idea, said Müller, is to disturb the soil as little as possible, keep it covered and mix and rotate crops, so that carbon is taken out of the atmosphere and parked in soils and vegetation. Nearly 90 percent of agriculture's potential to reduce or remove emissions

Certain farming practices, including those used by organic and conserva-

Global Warming Climate change threatens agricultural production through higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, and increased occurrences of droughts and floods, especially in areas that are already prone to climate-related disasters.

from the atmosphere comes from such practices. Beyond soil carbon sequestration, more efficient fertilizer use and management of livestock systems are also promising options that enhance emission removals and reductions. Many of these activities may also reduce deforestation and forest degradation due to their associated productivity gains, which means more food can be produced without expansion of agriculture into forests. FAO stressed that improved farming

practices required for climate change mitigation are often the same as those needed to increase productivity, food security and adaptation, including the restoration of degraded agricultural lands, integrated nutrient and soil management and agro-forestry.

The way forward In addition to calling for funds to be channeled into mitigation and adaptation schemes for agriculture, FAO believes a work programme on agriculture, within the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice could build confidence at the

international level around agriculture's role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Country-led pilot projects could demonstrate how synergies across climate change mitigation, adaptation and food security might be exploited, while building capacity and confidence in the use of technologies, financing mechanisms and methodologies needed to do this.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT: www.fao.org 19

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

By Federico NIGLIA

GERMANY: THE RISE OF THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL POWER 20

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WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Germany: the Rise of the New Environmental Power

he outcome of the last UN conference on climate has been disappointing. Apart from the Chinese decision to allow tracking its emissionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cuts, no other significant achievements have been reached. Probably, at Copenhagen the most unsatisfied European government was the German one. This should not be surprising: in the last years Germany has asserted its own primacy within the EU on the environmental front. The government of Berlin is the main advocate of the transformation of the EU into the most advanced area worldwide, not only for the environ-

mental protection, but also for the implementation of green technologies. The most surprising evidence is in the speed of the German conversion to ecology. Twenty years ago, Germany was still carrying out the process of reunification, implementing series of reforms in order to harmonise two parts of a country divided for more than forty years. On the environmental point of view the situation was similar to other European countries: in the eastern part, moreover, there was a significant predominance of high-polluting industries. From that moment on, Germany implemented a process of reconversion of its economy and society in order to make

them more consistent with the environmental ambition. As a result, the emission of greenhouse gases was reduced by 18% between 1990 and 2005. According to the main literature existing on this issue, such a significant result is based on the joint action of economic, suasive and legislative instruments. Assuasive instruments, like eco-labeling, eco-auditing and environmental agreements, together with the economic ones, like subsidies and environmental tax, have stimulated the voluntary (and conscious) adaptation of the German society and economic actors to the new vision.

Global Warming

This success is also rooted in the specific dynamics of the German political system. A strict connection between the ecologist/environmentalist interests and the political sphere was established from the seventies onward. The environmental groups sought political and institutional representation: since 1979, when the Green party obtained a seat in the parliament of Bremen, environmental issues broke into the political debate of the Federal Republic and later of the reunified Germany. Both Christian-democratic and Socialdemocratic governments have conside-

red, in the last years, the environmental issue as one of the main priorities of the country. During the nineties the interest for the environmental issues rose further on, partially as a consequence of the general elections of 1998, which led to the building of the coalition between the Greens and the Social-democrats. Environmental policy recorded a leap forward during the Gerhard Schröder’s chancellorship: a new economy was created oriented to the production and the development of eco-friendly goods, services and activities. At the beginning of the new millennium the policies for the production of non polluting energies have been further more streng-

thened, supporting the production of electricity with renewable sources. The result, after 10 years from the implementation of the plan, is that the quantity of clean electricity has doubled. Today the challenge not only involves the substitution of the polluting energy sources with other less polluting energies but also and especially the coordination between the different sources of green energy. The ‘integrated energy systems’ consists of the synergy among green-energy producers (wind-power, solar energy but also derivate of natural gas) and allows to provide stable energy supply independently by weather conditions and more stable prices.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Germany: the Rise of the New Environmental Power

Environment and energy represent a continuously increasing field of action of the German international activity. In this way the German government demonstrates to be among the most receptive governments to the issues related to globalisation.

Angela Merkel, in agreement with the liberals of FDP, aims to remark the discontinuity with the previous environmental policies defined as ‘ideological’. Doing this, the government has no intention to damage the leadership gained by Germany in environmental technologies on the international scale. It is not a case that the global economic and financial crisis did not result in Germany – as it happened in many other countries – in the weakening of the environmental commitment. Facing the crisis the chancellor took the occasion to re-launch the stimulus plan on green economy and the production of renewable sources of energy.

In conclusion, it should also be underlined that environmental policies represent a pillar of the German foreign policy. Environment and energy represent a continuously increasing field of action of the German international activity. In this way the German government demonstrates to be among the most receptive governments to the issues related to globalisation. Such attitude has brought the German government to assume a very clear and advanced position on climate change, global warming and sustainable development. Doing this, Germany has often been in opposition to a number of emerging powers but also to such EU members that are more cautious

on this topic. This, however, does not exclude that Germany could represent a model also for the emerging powers within the international community. There is strong evidence of the economic and political benefits resulting from the adoption of a virtuous model of ‘environmental power’. New emerging powers, which are more and more integrated in the global economy, are expected to take a more effective responsibility also in the governance of the international community. In this perspective, the German model may be more attractive than others. Federico Niglia is a Senior Research Fellow at the instituto Affari Internazionali Rome.

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CARBON OFFSETTING HIGH QUALITY CLIMATE PROTECTION

Global Warming limate change is a growing problem which has risen a lot awareness in the last few years: It’s a concern, that in the mean time, almost everyone has in mind and people are willing to contribute in different ways to reduce climate change. As an individual person or a company, one way to engage in climate protection is to cooperate with a climate protection organization and invest in its carbon offset projects. Over the years, innumerable such players, profit or non-profit, have been established. This is the point of time, where quality and reliability of the different foundations start to matter.

“myclimate” Concerning quality, the Swiss nonprofit foundation myclimate, founded in 2002 enjoys a good reputation. Independent studies regularly rate myclimate among the top offset providers of the world: As a leading supplier for voluntary carbon offsetting worldwide myclimate´s carbon offset projects meet the highest international standards (CDM, Gold Standard) and – aside from reducing greenhouse gas emissions – contribute to sustainable development in the project region. One of the myclimate projects has been the first CDM project worldwide to generate emission reductions with the Gold Standard label. myclimate guarantees that at least 80% of the offsetting revenues are directly invested into the carbon offsetting projects.

Project Biomass briquettes and efficient cookers in Uttarakhand, India. Women from the local village are collecting needles of trees to make biomass briquettes.

The high credibility of the organization and the expertise of its employees are reflected in the fast growing customer base, such as Swiss International Airlines, Tui, Lufthansa, Seat, Virgin Atlantic, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and many others.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Carbon Offsetting High Quality Climate Protection

Project Efficient cookers in south-west Madagascar, Madagascan women prepare their food with solar cookers using the energy of the sun.

Carbon neutral with “myclimate” Individuals can fly carbon neutral and offset their car and household emissions. For companies myclimate offers tailored solutions. They can offset parts of their business emissions, like emissions of a product, or the whole company’s emission. “myclimate” calculates the emissions, advises its customers concerning the ideal carbon offsetting strategy and supports them in their communication activities of their engagement.

Emissions which can’t be avoided are offset in well-chosen projects in developing and emerging countries as well as in Europe and New Zealand. myclimate’s funding makes it possible to use renewable energies and energy efficient technologies instead of inefficient fossil fuel technology. By this, emissions are reduced in a sustainable and measurable way and the projects contribute to global climate protection.

More than just carbon offsetting Besides carbon offsetting, climate education is another department of

myclimate which serves clients with capacity building, but also promotes the public dialogue on climate protection, e.g. with exhibitions, interactive teaching in schools as well as with public discussions. The third core competence of myclimate is the systematically analysis and calculation of clients’ emission profiles to deliver information for their resource management strategy. With the results of the life cycle assessment, myclimate enables factbased high quality decision-making at corporate management level.

Global Warming

What Is A Carbon Offset?

Along with these services the Swiss foundation serves its clients with designing individual software for different fields and needs. This wide repertoire of myclimateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high quality climate protection services meets a broad range of different needs of different people and companies who want to help avoiding climate change and who are willing to take responsibility. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT: www.myclimate.org

A carbon offset is a financial instrument aimed at a reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) and may represent six primary categories of greenhouse gases.One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. There are two markets for carbon offsets. In the larger, compliance market, companies, governments, or other entities buy carbon offsets in order to comply with emissions trading (caps) on the total amount of carbon dioxide they are allowed to emit. In 2006, about $5.5 billion of carbon offsets were purchased in the compliance market, representing about 1.6 billion metric tons of CO2e reductions. In the much smaller, voluntary market, individuals, companies, or governments purchase carbon offsets to mitigate their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. For example, an individual might purchase carbon offsets to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions caused by personal air travel. Many companies offer carbon offsets as an up-sell during the sales process so that customers can mitigate the emissions related with their product or service purchase (such as offsetting emissions related to a vacation flight, car rental, hotel stay, consumer good, etc). In 2008, about $705 million of carbon offsets were purchased in the voluntary market, representing about 123.4 million metric tons of CO2e reductions Offsets are typically achieved through financial support of projects that reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in the short- or long-term. The most common project type is renewable energy, such as wind farms, biomass energy, or hydroelectric dams. Others include energy efficiency projects, the destruction of industrial pollutants or agricultural byproducts, destruction of landfill methane, and forestry projects. Some of the most popular carbon offset projects from a corporate perspective are energy efficiency and wind turbine projects. Carbon offsetting has gained some appeal and momentum mainly among consumers in western countries who have become aware and concerned about the potentially negative environmental effects of energy-intensive lifestyles and economies. The Kyoto Protocol has sanctioned offsets as a way for governments and private companies to earn carbon credits which can be traded on a marketplace. The protocol established the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which validates and measures projects to ensure they produce authentic benefits and are genuinely "additional" activities that would not otherwise have been undertaken. Organizations that are unable to meet their emissions quota can offset their emissions by buying CDM-approved Certified Emissions Reductions. Offsets may be cheaper or more convenient alternatives to reducing one's own fossil-fuel consumption. However, some critics object to carbon offsets, and question the benefits of certain types of offsets Offsets are viewed as an important policy tool to maintain stable economies. One of the hidden dangers of climate change policy is unequal prices of carbon in the economy, which can cause economic collateral damage if production flows to regions or industries that have a lower price of carbon - unless carbon can be purchased from that area, which offsets effectively permit, equalizing the price.

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Global Warming

IT'S TIME FOR ACTION

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

It's time for action

or the year 2010, G is launching the campaign CO2010 to rebalance the equation of Lebanon’s environment. The climate’s current state is quite alarming and has drawn the attention of the world’s most influential leaders. As a result, G has set into motion a strategy starting by the year 2010 to address Climate change in Lebanon.

Addressing Climate Change Climate change is inevitable! Global warming has become perhaps the most complicated issue facing world leaders. We could stand by and watch the worst yet to come, or we could take a firm stand to protect our planet. To do so, we need to replace fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere. Climate change’s impact is not limited to a certain city or country or region not even to a continent; it is in fact a global dilemma. There have been numerous attempts to curb the increase of CO2 emission worldwide, as the current emission level is considered as over the limit; yet, not in Lebanon. Even with the drought, desertification, reduction in agricultural production and extreme weather events, awareness and actions are still limited.

100,000 tons less CO2 While so many emission reduction measures exist, tree planting is a win-win solution as people benefit from them in so many different ways. They could play a significant part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in our country. CO2010 Campaign plans to reduce Lebanon’s carbon emissions by 100,000 tons. It is a nationwide campaign, under the patronage of the Minister of Environment. All Lebanese can be involved in this event whether they are businessmen or workers or students or farmers. If an extra 100,000 trees are planted in Lebanon over the next year, it will lock up 100,000 tons of Lebanon’s predicted gas emissions by the end of 2010. This is why CO2010 is being launched today. This campaign’s main goal is to reduce 100,000 tons of CO2 in 2010 by planting 100,000 fruit trees by bringing 15,000,000,000 $ profit to farmers.

Olive Trees: Olive trees are evergreen plants native to the Mediterranean, Asia and parts of Africa. They are the kind of trees that can live for a very long period of time. Olive trees’ trunks are very hard. Also, they are drought-, disease-, and fire-resistant. In addition, their root system is very robust and is capable of regenerating the tree even if the above-ground structure is destroyed.

Apple Trees: Apple trees are one of the most widely cultivated fruits tree. They are usually small and deciduous. Their height ranges between 3 and 12 meters, with a broad, often densely twiggy crown. Apple trees contribute significantly to lowering the atmospheric quantities of carbon dioxide where a mature apple tree can reduce up to 300 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Almond trees: PLANTING TREES Trees and carbon credits are becoming the daily deals of companies and establishments. This is why CO2010 highlighted the top native trees that will assist in getting carbon credits and in offsetting the CO2 emissions for the coming year. The same systems used in Europe, USA and Africa will be adopted on the Lebanese territory to keep up with the global mission to reduce the overall CO2 emissions.

Almond trees are small trees growing 4 to 10 meters in height. They are a species of tree native to the Middle East. Globally, the almond industry is working to develop almond-specific data with research related to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in almond production. Additional efforts are being put through the Copenhagen conference to give carbon credits for growing almond trees.

Global Warming Cherry trees: Cherry trees are flowering trees that bear fruit. They have a very short growing season and can grow in most temperate latitudes. The peak season for cherries is in the summer. Cherry trees are being planted as saplings and harvested according to standard organic principles, the method that will increase the CO2 offsetting and fasten the tree’s growing process..

Pear Trees: The pear is a fruit tree of genus Pyrus and also the name of the tree’s edible fruit. Pear trees are being used around the world now as a model of true ecotourism. Not only do these trees help in reducing CO2 emissions, but they also play a very important role in cooling the air and bringing down the heat.

Apricot Trees: It is a small tree, 8–12 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter and a dense, spreading canopy. In France, Armenia and many other countries in Europe, apricot trees are playing a major role in reforestation aiming at CO2 reduction. Apricot trees grow fast, and can be considered native to almost any country. Not only that, but also, apricot trees carry a large return of fruit for the farmers, and as well needs adequate water and heights.

G is a Lebanese green consulting and carbon offsetting firm committed primarily to provide environmental consultancy and effective solutions for businesses and organizations in order to promote a healthier environment, cleaner earth, and a more sustainable future. It is genuinely targeted towards protecting our planet by trimming down climate change threats, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting high-quality carbon offsetting solutions. Such solutions include reforestation programs, green buildings, recycling and reduction of paper use, effective water use, sound environmental legislations and public outreach to individuals and governments at large. Carbon Neutral: Carbon Neutral is a comprehensive carbon strategy which involves a rigorous assessment of the businesses direct and indirect carbon emissions. It also engages in means to avoid and reduce these emissions. Finally, this strategy seeks methods and recommendations for the emissions that cannot be reduced further, offsetting them by investing in emission reduction projects which have prevented or removed an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere. Reforestation One of the main greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide (CO2). As trees grow they absorb CO2 from the air. When the wood dies the CO2 is returned to the air. Forest clearance and wood burning is increasing the latter half of the process, adding to the CO2 in the atmosphere. Deforestation is now out of control. The loss of the forests also means that there are fewer trees to absorb CO2. That is why G has set tree-planting projects that are related to local sustainability and alleviation of poverty. To become Carbon-Neutral, planting trees is recognized as a potential offsetting method. G Reforestation strategy first step includes assessing the quantity of carbon emissions that your business is causing. Our auditors will calculate the amount of trees you need to plant in order to offset your carbon footprints. Legislation: In Lebanon there has been a general discussion about the government’s environmental policies and how our lifestyle is leading to climate change. G is committed to update the current Lebanese environmental laws that have not been amended since the year 1943 by promoting new regulations that can encourage sustainable development. We are also committed to lobby the Parliament to decrease taxes for companies who are applying environmental standards. Green Building: Going green is a social movement that resulted from increased awareness and recognition of the danger our planet was put in. G is committed to address Global Warming hazards by encouraging organizations and businesses to respond to the problem by building Green Buildings. G is the only NGO in Lebanon that provides LEED Green Building Rating Systems consultation. As a sustainability and green building consulting firm, G guides high aspiration organizations that want to use sustainability as a competitive driver. G has partnered with U.S. based company ECS (Environmental Consulting Services) that was founded in 1995. They offer a full spectrum of professional services to industrial, commercial, and governmental clients. Their team consists of a wide range of environmental consulting professionals, registered engineers, scientists, geologists, CIS analysts, LEED APs. 33

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

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THE 1

What's the best way to reduce CO2 emissions from a car?

a) Buy a car with a catalytic converter (converts gases into less harmful substance) b) Drive less and buy a more fuelefficient car c) Drive very slowly

What percentage of household water use does the bathroom account for?

a) 10-15% b) 30-35% c) 70-75%

MAGAZINE

QUIZ

A) 1.35 million B) 10.8 million C) 22.7 million

A) The innermost portion of the storm which is calm with little or no wind B) The centre of the storm C) The area with the most concentrated level of activity or intensity

How many barrels of petroleum were consumed per day in the U.S. in 2009?

Which of the following factors have an effect on UV (ultraviolet ray) levels?

A) Clouds B) The ozone layer C) Snow D) All of the above

What is the "eye" of a hurricane?

Switching from a large SUV (sport utility vehicle) to a compact car can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly: A) 30 kilograms per year B) 300 kilograms per year C) 3,000 kilograms (3 tonnes) per year

ANSWERS ON PAGE 128

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SOLARIMPULSE INVENTING THE FUTURE:

AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR AIRPLANE

«Meeting a challenge of this magnitude is possible only by taking maximum advantage of solar energy. Every watt counts, and we are looking to track down every way we can save energy. Only the most advanced solutions, most of them never applied before, will permit this. We believe we have found them by combining the experience and summing the potential of every team member.» André Borschberg

n December 3, 2009 the Solar Impulse HB SIA, the first airplane designed to fly day and night without fuel, left the ground for the first time. The results of the ground tests conducted these last few weeks to verify numerous parameters (the prototype’s controllability, acceleration, braking paths and, engine power) had been overwhelming positive, thereby leading the team to give

the go ahead to Markus Scherdel, the test pilot, to take the prototype up to its take off speed. As the aircraft gently took up speed, the huge wing of the Solar Impulse gradually rose into the air under intense admiration of the project promoters, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. After some 350 meters of flight at an altitude of one meter,, the prototype graciously landed on the centre of the runway, triggering

a frenzied applause from the team. On the one hand I find it terrific to see a dream come true. For over ten years now, I have dreamt of a solar aircraft capable of flying day and night without fuel and promoting renewable energy. Today, our plane took off and was airborne for the very first time. This is an unbelievable and unforgettable moment! On the other hand, I remain humble in the face of the difficult journey still to be accomplished – it’s a long way

Energy der and CEO of Solar Impulse. At this stage the solar panels have not yet been connected. With the positive conclusion of this initial “flea hop”, the Solar Impulse HB SIA will now be dismantled and transported to the airfield at Payerne (VD). Starting in early 2010 onwards, the aircraft will be making its first solar test flights, gradually increasing flight duration until it makes its first night flight using solar energy

NIGHT FLYING THANKS TO THE SUN: THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE

Two men, both pioneers and innovators, both pilots, are the driving force behind Solar Impulse: Bertrand Piccard, psychiatrist and aeronaut, who made the first non-stop round-theworld balloon flight, is the initiator and chairman. André Borschberg, an engineer and graduate in management science, trained as a fighter pilot and a professional airplane and helicopter pilot, is the CEO. The former’s avant-gardist vision and the latter’s entrepreneurial experience are an ideal combination.

Trajectory

Vision

Solar Impulse continues a long tradition of exploration, adventure and scientific development. By initiating this challenge, Bertrand Piccard is continuing his family’s tradition of adventure, from the exploration of the stratosphere and the ocean depths to his own round-the-world balloon flight. Joining him in this adventure is a team headed by André Borschberg, whose competence guarantees the success of the project, and partners who are also keen to invent the future. The challenges of our world can only be met by those with a pioneering spirit who go looking for new solutions outside our current habits and certainties.

Solar Impulse believes in the force of symbols. By writing a new page of aviation history with solar energy, by way of a round-theworld flight without fuel or pollution, Solar impulse is determined to actively promote the cause of renewable energies and the energy efficiency that new technologies are offering. The Solar Impulse initiative is both scientific, with all the research it implies, and philosophical, by virtue of its concern to stir society in order to be sparing of our planet’s energy resources.

An epic in stages

between these initial tests and a circumnavigation of the world”, commented Bertrand Piccard, initiator and President of Solar Impulse. This is the culmination of 6 years of intense work by a very experienced team of professionals! This first “flea hop” successfully completes the first phase of Solar Impulse, confirming our technical choices. We are now ready to start the next phase – the actual flight tests, said Andre Borschberg, co foun-

A tandem at the controls

After 6 years from the first concept to the finished prototype, the HB-SIA solar aircraft will need to be put through its paces, before starting out on its 36 hour flight, which is a major objective of the project. From fleahops to circuits, several months will be needed before undertaking the first night flight. A second aircraft will then be built and, starting in 2012, will retrace, using solar energy, some of the great firsts in the history of flight. After the crossings of the USA and the Atlantic, the culminating point will be the tour of the world in five stages.

Challenge To produce an aircraft which will take off and fly, under its own power, both day and night, entirely propelled by solar energy, is an unachievable challenge without drastically reducing energy consumption. Solar Impulse’s 50 engineers and technicians, supported by a hundred or so experts and advisers, have had to apply totally new aeronautical solutions. Whilst not the first solar aircraft project, Solar Impulse is certainly the most ambitious: the HB-SIA prototype should be the first aircraft to come close to perpetual flight.

AIRPLANE With the giant wingspan of an Airbus A340 and its proportionally miniscule weight, the HB-SIA prototype presents construction and aerodynamic fea- Í 37

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Solarimpulse Inventing the Future Around the World in a Solar Airplane

Ă?

tures never before encountered. Carbon fibre structure, propulsion chain, flight domain and instrumentation, everything has been rethought and designed to save energy, resist high altitude factors hostile to both materials and pilot, and to combine the constraints of weight with the imperatives of resistance.

Tests and virtual flights Calculations, tests and simulations are an integral part of each step of the construction process. Wing charge and vibration tests have served to fine-tune the models developed by the engineers, and move forward 38

step by step in a totally unknown field. To control an aircraft with such totally new features, the pilots are having to adapt to a flight behaviour very different to that of other aircraft types. A simulator has been specially developed to familiarize them with the aerodynamics and flight mechanics of the HB-SIA. The pilotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capability has already been tested during a 25 hour virtual flight in the tiny 1.3m3 cockpit.

Energy capturing and storage The 11,628 monocrystalline silicon cells, each 150 microns thick, have

been selected for their lightness, flexibility and efficiency. At 22%, their energy efficiency could have been higher, but the additional weight would have penalized the aircraft during night flight. In this, the most critical stage, the major constraint of the project is storing energy in the lithium polymer batteries. At the present stage, the maximum energy density is 220 Wh/kg. The accumulators needed for night flight weigh 400 kg, equal to Âź of the total weight of the aircraft. Success is therefore possible only by maximizing aerodynamic

Energy

Technical data sheet Wingspan 63.40 m, Length 21.85 m, Height 6.40 m. Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines Solar cells 11,628 (10,748 on the wing, 880 on the horizontal stabilizer) Average flying speed 70 km/h, Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft) Weight 1,600 kg, Take-off speed 35 km/h

performance and optimizing the energy chain.

profile these two layers and give the body its aerodynamic shape.

Structure and materials

Propulsion system

Attaining a 63.40 m wingspan with the necessary rigidity, lightness and flight controllability and with just 1,600 kg take-off weight is a challenge that has never before been met in aeronautics. Solar Impulse is built round a carbon fibre-honeycomb composite using a sandwich structure. The upper wing surface is covered with a skin of encapsulated solar cells, and the undersides of the wings with a high resistance flexible film. 120 carbon fibre ribs placed at 50 cm intervals

Beneath the wings are four gondolas, each containing a 10 HP motor, a lithium polymer battery set and a management system controlling charge/discharge and temperature. The thermal insulation has been designed to conserve the heat radiated by the batteries and to keep them functioning despite the 40°C encountered at 8,500 metres. Each engine is fitted with a reducer that limits the rotation of each 3.5 metre diameter, twin-bladed propeller within the range of 200-4,000 rpm.

Energy resources At midday, each m² of land surface receives the equivalent of 1,000 watts, or 1.3 horsepower of light power. Over 24 hours this averages out at just 250 W/m². With 200m² of photovoltaic cells and 12% total efficiency of the propulsion chain, the aircraft‘s engines achieve on average just 8 HP or 6 KW – roughly the amount of power the Wright brothers had available to them in 1903 when they made their first powered flight. And it is with this energy, optimized from the solar panel to the propeller by the efforts of an entire team, that Solar Impulse is striving to fly day and night without fuel! 39

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

PLAYING IN THE FUTURE The Anter Park in Tuscany is the first European example of a theme park dedicated to Renewable Energies. It is a path towards a sustainable future available to families, children and students as well as to the neighbooring university which will be in charge of its scientific update.

enewable energies are not a game, but may become so. They can become a ludic and fun way to reach an important goal, through teaching to young people the respect of the environment and to become more knowledgeable of new sources of energy. In this perspective, Anter Park is aiming to become the first park in Europe and the main center for teaching renewable energies in a ludic way. The playful learning park project, developed by Anter and signed by Michelangelo Brachi, has already taken its model drawn by Elena Danti and Simona D'Andrea it has already been submitted to the city of Prato, Tuscany where the park should be built. Loca-

ted near the center of natural sciences and the Galceti Park it will be perfectly integrated to the greenery and the nature of the region. Anter Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to spread, especially among the youngest generations, a new awareness of all energies. The first objective is to create an attraction park made of small power plants capable of generating energy from different energy sources that will not cause any environmental impact on the climate, but be rather harmonized and naturally integrated with the environment. Visiting the park would mean making a path towards the sustainable future of

energies of the XXIst century. Throughout the path the kids, and their parents, will find several examples of renewable energy sources: a photovoltaic system, a thermal top of two bioclimatic greenhouses, a small wind turbine, a transparent hydroelectric mill, a geyser field and a volcano reconstruction to explain geothermal energy. To the entire structure an auditorium will be added, which will have a sitting capacity for 100 attendees. While Saturdays and Sundays will be open to families the teaching structure will be reserved to schools' visits during the week. The Anter Park should not only be seen as a playground for children and teenagers, but rather as the labo-

Energy

ratory place for current advanced technologies; an area of research and study empowered by the University of Prato. Its president, Professor Maurizio Fiorava, presented the project, and confirmed his university role in the renewable energies field. The Anter Park will be the first step of a more ambitious plan to launch a cultural renaissance of the Prato region, by creating new job opportunities, and creating “a city of sciences” where the former Banci exhibit center use to be. The track to be followed is similar to a successful project which has already been achieved in the city of Naples: a complex system composed by an inter-

active science museum, an area dedicated to training, territorial development, and to the creation of new entrepreneurship, this in addition to a number of new areas dedicated to events, congresses and conferences. “The city administration, said the vice mayor and environment councilor Goffredo Borchi, watches with great interest the drafts of Anter Park which fits perfectly into the city’s sustainable and durable development plan which recommends the use of renewable energies and encourages businesses and consumers to innovate and use ecological materials in order to steer the market in the recommended direction.”

“The educational park designed by Anter, said Maurizio Fioravanti president of the University of Prato, is tightly in accordance to the University’s goal to spread a better knowledge of the new renewable energy sources and to encourage the use of those energies. By partnering with the Anter Park the Prato university will contribute in this way to the environmental education of the younger generations and ultimately to contribute to qualify the Town of Prato as the headquarter of research and teaching excellence in the environmental field.”

Courtesy of Anter

Park

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.anter.info 41

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MAGAZINE

By Steffen LEHMANN

THE FUTURE IS GREEN A Conversation between two German Architects in Sydney

(photos: Cida de Aragon, 2009)

ince the foundation of his practice Ingenhoven Architekten in 1985, Christoph Ingenhoven (born 1960, as son of an architect) is an advocate of sustainable design and lowenergy architecture. He is considered Germany’s most successful architect of his generation and a leader in the application of sustainable design concepts using an ecological approach. Conversation between Christoph Ingenhoven and Steffen Lehmann Main themes that stand at the centre are: future work environments, ecology, mobility, and ning the design competition for a new rope, which Ingenhoven designed in urban landscapes. Conceptual stratehigh rise tower in Sydney’s central bu1991 and completed in 1997, was one of gies and realization of innovative sosiness district in 2006, his new ‘Space’ the first ecologically orientated highlutions, an integrated approach and high rise office tower (to be completed rise buildings that – with its double fadedication to optimize and implein 2011; ground breaking was in May çade technology – allows each floor to ment it on all levels, is visible. It is ob2009) and his recent involvement with be naturally ventilated. vious that Ingenhoven is influenced the urban and architectural design of by the work of other modern German the Barangaroo waterfront develop The Lufthansa Headquarters at architects, such as Egon Eiermann, ment, brings him to Australia on a reFrankfurt Airport completed in Frei Otto, Thomas Herzog, and Guengular basis. The Australian city will 2006, which requires only one-third ther Behnisch, which understood so gain a prominent addition to its skyof the energy of a conventional ofwell the relationship and tension betline with this new 6-star Green Star fice building. ween architecture and engineering. rated office tower on Bligh Street. The new Main Station in Stuttgart, Christoph Ingenhoven is involved in to be built over the next ten years, Other major works include: projects all over the world and is in The RWE Tower, a cylindrical high which was awarded the Gold Global creasingly involved in the design of Holcim Award in 2006 for its sustairise headquarters in Essen, for one of major buildings in Australia. After winnable design. As carbon-free and zero the biggest energy suppliers in Eu-

Sustainable Development energy railway station, it will require no heating, cooling or mechanical ventilation (described as ‘the 21st century underground version of a 19th century railway cathedral’; Walsh, 2008). German architect, Steffen Lehmann, who holds the Chair at the University of Newcastle (NSW) and the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban Design for Asia and the Pacific, met with Christoph Ingenhoven in Sydney in 2009, to discuss the future of green design. Here are excerpts from their conversation.

Public space, and the city as a whole, are always much more important than a single building. If we think about sustainability as a necessity, it’s still very complex but not impossible, to build city districts entirely without CO2 emissions and zero waste to landfill. Mixed-use is hereby one of the most important aspects, because it is a prerequisite for achieving social sustainability. Christoph Ingenhoven

> Steffen Lehmann (SL) Christoph, at the beginning I would like to talk with you about the challenges of designing sustainability at an urban scale – let’s say for the Barangaroo waterfront development in Sydney, but also more generally. I feel we have moved on from the scale of the individual building or from the sophisticated façade solution, to a broader scale that deals with the entire city. Discussing sustainability on the scale of districts and neighbourhoods, rather than on the eco-facade scale, means that we can focus on potential strategies that you might bring to Sydney projects in the light of the huge challenges we are facing. For instance: How can we best address the broader requirements for the necessary transformation of cities and their energy landscape?

> Christoph Ingenhoven (CI) Public space, and the city as a whole, are always much more important than a single building. If we think about sustainability as a necessity, it’s still very complex but not impossible, to build city districts entirely without CO2 emissions and zero waste to landfill. Mixed-use is hereby one of the most important aspects, because it is a prerequisite for achieving social sustainability. For example, at the new university campus in Dublin,

which we are currently planning, we are incorporating a series of existing buildings in the master plan. New campus structures will have large sophisticated roof shells with buildingintegrated photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. These buildings will provide more energy than the campus will need to operate.

the city centre. Efficient public transport will play a major role in this transformation process. For Barangaroo, we developed the idea of ‘energy islands’, where much of the required energy is generated locally onsite, or at least as close-by as possible, using solar-PV and wind turbines along the harbour. The idea of autonomous energy production with small units onsite is very interesting, and we also propose to reuse an existing wharf building that is already there. Our concept for Barangaroo hopes to extend the CBD by improving and complementing the setting, and reduce the energy needed for this new district by having the right volume, exposure, façade and, of course, by having the right systems in place. A better life-cycle and potential reuse, allowing for changes of structures in future, means more flexibility. Barangaroo is Sydney’s great chance to be one of the sustainable 21st century cities.

> SL: What exactly is your involvement with the Barangaroo waterfront development in Sydney?

- CI: We have been invited to be part of a large international team, with JPW and landscape architect Peter Walker, Leighton Properties, MIRVAC and Macquarie Bank, and we are competing here with the team of Richard Rogers. I see the Barangaroo project as Sydney’s last chance to significantly expand and transform its CBD through genuinely mixed-use sustainable strategies. Sydney will need to keep up with changes to stay competitive with other cities such as Singapore or Shanghai. At the same time, Sydney needs a very good, longterm plan which improves its sustainability performance. The city must continue to evolve in order to remain competitive, by integrating density in commercial and living spaces, bringing people back to live in

> SL: A lot of your design work is research-led and based on in-house knowledge that you have built up from one project to the next, an aspect not dissimilar to the practices of Norman Foster or Renzo Piano, where we can find technologically focused details, with a constantly expanding knowledge base that is nurtured inside the office, for instance in the fields of prefabrication and façade technology. One project builds on the previous one. Given that you are now involved in projects from Osaka to Sydney to Luxemburg, how do you feel about exporting this German know-how globally?

- CI: It seems to me natural to export this know-how. I think German architecture has been very committed to green buildings for a long time, and this has presumably something to do what others call ‘German angst’, which

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

The Future is Green a Conversation Between Two German Architects in Sydney

Ingenhoven’s new 6-star Green Star rated office tower on Bligh Street in Sydney.

Façade details

could also be described as being scared about the environmental pollution and destruction, health issues and security problems, which we can see everywhere today. This development started around 25 years ago, but it is more than just a question of technology or detail – it has grown to a unique approach and attitude. I do not think it is possible to export the solution, but it is possible to bring a philosophical approach and commitment to another place, never the solution as such. The final solution emerges from climatic considerations and the local contextual circumstances, which in every project need to be carefully analyzed at the beginning.

> SL: Sustainable design is always about holistic approaches, about seeing things systemically and with regard to all the connections – and implications – of what we do, exploring and understanding the variety of solutions that are usually available to any problem. You frequently use large 44

glass panels to achieve transparency in your designs, even in hot and humid climates such as Singapore or Osaka. Wouldn’t it be more helpful to use prefabricated concrete panels to reduce the amount of heat gain? There are many ways to avoid heat gain. One is by choosing appropriate materials and surfaces, but a glass tower might lack thermal mass. I know that you do not use glass wherever you build, but there is clearly a desire to build transparency, similar to the early modernists. Where does this urge come from?

- CI: This desire for transparency has to do with the human experience. Humans used to live constantly outside before we started to settle, and for me, this has something to do with an instinctive wish to live outdoors, directly experiencing the change of seasons and sunlight. Yes, transparency is difficult to achieve, because it’s a question of energy saving too, but even in a building like the Osaka tower, if you calculate the

amount of glass, it’s less than 50 per cent, because you have the metal cladding and core areas which are closed. We are always restricted by orientation and views, trying to keep out the steep summer sun with sophisticated sun shading devices. For instance, at the Bligh Street tower, the naturally-ventilated atrium is completely oriented to the south, shielded from the sun. To ensure energy-efficiency, we provide a double-skin façade with efficient sun shading in the space between. I don’t want to be ideological about the question of materials and transparency. We have done wooden facades and brick facades. For instance, the university building in Duesseldorf is nearly closed on the colder façade; only the sunny side is open, using passive design principles, and wide cantilevering roofs keep the summer sun away. The traditional house, with verandahs around them, is actually quite transparent too. If you think of the traditional examples

Sustainable Development in Singapore, these provide flexible envelopes.

Steffen Lehmann

> SL: So the double-skin façade is

FORTHCOMING BOOK

a modern interpretation of the traditional verandah? That’s quite a poetic way to look at it.

(to be launched mid 2010)

- CI: Maybe it’s more like the modern

The Principles of Green Urbanism. Regenerating the Post-Industrial City

interpretation of a multi-layered window. I remember I was very impressed as a kid when I visited, with my father, an old house on Lake Geneva, an area which has a mild climate. An old villa there had shutters outside the window for security reasons, then the window itself, which they called a ‘winter window’, had an inner window, and in-between these two wooden framed windows was an inside shutter for glare control. In addition, they had two different layers of curtains on the inside one translucent and one for blacking-out. So, they ended up with six layers.

How can urbanism ever be green, based on ecological principles? The answer is to use energy-efficient, zero-carbon models based on renewable energy sources and renewable building typologies, and the principles of ‘Green Urbanism’. We need to transform and future-proof the post-industrial city through strategies of architectural and urban design. This book presents different models for sustainable urban development, based on the principles of 'Green Urbanism'. Current and emergent forms of urbanism are influenced by climate change, leading to the idea of a new generation of 'zero-emission cities'. These cities are seen as applying new concepts in densification and expansion, designed with energy-efficiency and sustainability as principal criteria. The aim of this type of 'Systems Thinking' is to connect and integrate sustainable design principles with a holistic idea for the future of our cities, to generate future-proof strategies for the revitalization of the urban landscape. The first section of the book clearly explains these principles and how they can be employed, illustrated by clear diagrams for ease of comprehension. The principles as applied are then explored through in-depth case studies of the post-industrial Australian city of Newcastle, which is at an important juncture in its urban evolution. Strategies for ‘Green Urbanism’ are presented that are both local and global in scope and relevance.

> SL: And you have only three! - CI: Exactly! (laughs) But you see the technology is quite old. You can find it in vernacular architecture in the Alps, for instance at old farmhouses. These frequently have so-called ‘winter glasses’, and they just put these in as is necessary.

> SL: I want to talk with you about the question of density in urban design, and the idea of high rise. Does the notion of ‘green high rise tower’ actually exist, and can a high rise ever be truly green?

- CI: They have to be green! In future there will be no modern city without high rise. Many German cities are shrinking as population is in decline; they don’t need high rise buildings. But globally, Asian cities are rapidly growing, and we find there they have hundreds, even thousands, of high rise buildings for working and living – just think of Hong Kong. We need high rise towers on the global scale. So, why shouldn’t we develop better high rise

This is essential reading for urban designers, architects, landscape architects and researchers/students in these disciplines around the world. Approximately 600 pages, with over 600 color illustrations. 235 x 172mm Paperback. edition: ISBN PB 978-1-84407-817-2 £29.95. Publisher: Earthscan, London www.earthscan.co.uk Hardcover edition: ISBN HB 978-1-84407-834-9 £85.00. Í

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

The Future is Green a Conversation Between Two German Architects in Sydney

models? The denser city is certainly the better city, but this doesn’t depend on high rise. Take, for example, Houston in the US, which has high rise but an appalling low overall density. It depends on the whole city scale. Sydney has an extremely low density and is one of the biggest energy consumers per capita. On the opposite side, the city of Copenhagen, which has no high rise at all, is one of the best cities in terms of energyefficiency. What does this all tell us? It’s not about high rise, but about other elements; for instance the extensive use of the automobile has become a major problem, and it is essential to understand the need for more public transport and mixeduse neighbourhoods. Even in the European context, a single person commuting every morning and evening alone in a car uses more energy as a 4-person family in a house. Sustainable urban design depends on the right mix of uses, the right densities, and efficient public transport. We can reduce the energy consumption of a city by combining living and working, and by reducing the distances in between and therefore reducing traffic.

> SL: But all buildings you design are large mono-functional ‘machines’. For instance, the Lufthansa Headquarters is a huge complex – and I know the brief has asked for this. Are there any new mixed-use typologies that are emerging? In this regard, what is, then, the future of Asian cities that are currently experiencing rapid urbanization? - CI: The city needs to be planned in a way that reduces dependence on the automobile. The land use in the city and public transport needs to be intensified. We need to upgrade on all

“Beauty is the logical consequence of necessity, logic, truthfulness, efficiency, simplicity and minimalization.” Christoph Ingenhoven “Sustainable design is always about holistic approaches, about seeing things systemically and with regard to all the connections – and implications – of what we do, exploring and understanding the variety of solutions that are usually available to any problem.” Steffen Lehmann

levels, from new bus-based routes, to light rail networks and cycle paths, if we seriously want to enhance mass transit. Of course, it’s still very difficult to do a real mixed-use high rise typology. The bigger a single building is, the more difficult and unsafe it becomes. To be honest, the better solution might be to have office high rises and residential towers side-byside, not mixed in one building. Structure and service-wise it’s really difficult to do an environmentally sustainable project for both users. I would like to be realistic, it’s not about a single piece of architecture, it’s about the city’s overall structure and intensification of use.

> SL: Barcelona has been looked at as a robust model, where walking is very pleasant and well supported by a memorable public space network. However, Barcelona has about double the population density per square kilometer compared to Sydney. We don’t build new cities from scratch. So, what should we do with the existing cities and existing building stock? And what should we do with the suburbs? A lot of new research indicates that compact 4- to

6-storey buildings are more likely to deliver social and environmental sustainability. For instance, Thomas Herzog can be quoted to comment, that if there is a black-out, a 30-storey building is dysfunctional, but a 5-storey building can still be used.

- CI: We need to increase the density, compactness and intensity in the suburbs too, maybe even give some of it back to nature by demolishing inefficient suburbs. The city is about being able to deal with technology on many levels. A smaller grain of decisions and function is much better than large complexes. I agree that we need a clear step towards compactness. > SL: Many planners predict that the suburb is an outdated model and urban sprawl will soon outrun and stop by itself, as no one wants to live in isolated, far-out houses anymore. - CI: This will require a shift in public thinking. At the moment, most of us live in the suburbs, which are still growing into the landscape, consuming precious landscape and agricultural land. But I agree, the ineffectiveness of low-density suburbs makes it an outdated model. Several developers, who used to develop suburbs, are now talking to us about inner-city residential buildings and ways to make their products green. To communicate good green design and to convince the client is not the problem. You can always explain things. The main problem is that the public is not yet really behind it. There is a lot of public desire for sustainable architecture, but I often find that people are not really interested.

> SL: It seems today, a building’s sustainability rating correlates to its letability and therefore to its value on

Sustainable Development the real estate market. I would like to talk about the new tower in Bligh Street, a building hailed as a ‘benchmark building’ in integrative environmental design and construction in Australia, even before it’s completed. It’s an elliptical tower, similar to Harry Seidler’s cylindrical ‘Australia Square’ tower from 1961, which, in fact, is just next door. How can you ensure it is a truly a new generation of green high rise, without knowing the tenants and their fit-out plans?

- CI: The Bligh Street tower – also known as ‘Space’ – will feature a transparent elliptical shape, with 29 storeys and is around 140 metres high.

provided by the double-skin façade. The building will capture great gap views to Circular Quay, and there is a whole range of things we have introduced that will make the project work well. For instance, the façade will allow us to have a 100 per cent shading solution and glare protection, with perforated internally adjustable blinds within the 600mm doubleskin cavity. The sun protection is very efficient, while maintaining the views, so we can use non-tinted glass on the outer skin. This makes the building extremely transparent and will offer the user a different experience. The

ventilated outer skin is made of clear glass, which will ensure a highly transparent building. The treatment of water has also been made a priority: There’s the on-site black-water treatment of 25,000 litres of sewage and recycling. In addition, we’re tapping into the city sewer and will be treating another 75,000 litres a day and using the water for landscape features, such as the green walls in the ground floor plaza, and also for toilet flushing. In addition, there is a gas-fired cogeneration plant in the basement, and solar tubes with absorption chillers are used for creating solar cooling. Í

It has a range of progressive environmental design features, including a double skin façade with potential for natural ventilation, an atrium and a range of energy and water initiatives. Our work is based on innovative and holistic solutions in terms of energy, sun shading and thermal comfort. The use of regenerative energies and resources, like geothermal energy and rainwater, plays an important role in all our building concepts, and so does the intensive integration of daylight, as well natural cross-ventilation. With a minimum consumption of energy and resources we aim for the highest degree of user comfort. Our first eco-high rise was the RWE Tower in Essen, twenty-five years ago, which was all about the building’s envelope. Since then, we have done over 40 buildings with dual glass skin facades, and the technology has greatly evolved over this time. The Bligh Street tower will be the first high-rise to receive a 6-Star certificate on the Green Star rating system. This tower will be equipped with a real double-skin façade and will be ventilated by an atrium stretching the whole height of the tower. 50 percent of the ventilation will be

Prof. dr. Steffen Lehmann Professor Dr. Steffen Lehmann holds the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban Development for Asia and the Pacific. He is also the Chair, Professor of Architectural Design at the University of Newcastle (Australia), and Founding Director of the s_Lab Space Laboratory for Architectural Research and Design. He has been building green buildings and realizing green urbanism since 1993, in Germany, London, Tokyo and Australia. Over the last 15 years he has presented his research in green urbanism at over 250 conferences in 23 countries. For further information: www.slab.com.au

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

The Future is Green a Conversation Between Two German Architects in Sydney

The tri-generation system uses gas and solar energy to generate cooling, heating and electricity. 500 sqm of roof mounted solar panels will provide energy to directly power the absorption chiller. Solar cooling is great new technology, invented in Germany. Free heating is provided by in-slab pipe work supplied with the heat that is normally rejected through the cooling towers. A hybrid air conditioning system consists of chilled beam cooling for the façade and a low temperature variable air volume (VAV) system for the central zones. Also in regard to construction methods, we will exceed the standards: The concrete which will be used contains a much higher percentage of recyclable materials than usual, site amenities are solar powered and 90 per cent of the rubble from demolition would be put back into the site.

> SL: Interestingly, the tower has a compact single shape. Frei Otto, the pioneer of light building, used to say that the human eye perceives those shapes, which are the product of a successful natural evolution towards the most optimal form, as especially beautiful. You can be quoted by saying that ‘beauty is the logical consequence of necessity, logic, truthfulness, efficiency, simplicity and minimalization’ (Ingenhoven, 2005). It seems to me that the building’s highly refined elliptical shape – a distorted circle in plan – deals well with the diagonal shift that occurs here in the main city grid, the angle of Bligh Street and the curve along Bent Street. In addition, the flattened shape maximizes harbour views form offices inside. I read that the tower’s elliptical plan is 12 per cent more efficient than a rectangular building in its façade to 48

“We need to increase the density, compactness and intensity in the suburbs too, maybe even give some of it back to nature by demolishing inefficient suburbs.”

balconies projecting into the atrium, creating social spaces and opportunities for interaction between tenancies. Sustainability has also a strong social component, and this part is about creating human public spaces and healthy working spaces.

> SL: What are the other challenges with this project, for instance, the ‘unknown’ user requirements?

Christoph Ingenhoven

floor area ratio – so it also delivers economic efficiency. It’s interesting what you propose for the ground floor. The office floors are pushed up to provide an open public space on the ground floor, with the tower above. This publicly accessible urban undercroft will make it easier to relate to the street level and surrounding context, and allow more responsible city-making, I suppose.

- CI: Exactly. Maximizing the view, while eliminating solar gain. The atrium is hereby another key element of the building and it allows natural light to penetrate deep into the floor plate. Ventilating through the atrium also means that the offices stay noise protected. It creates a social hub for office workers and has balconies that project into the atrium void to provide naturally ventilated break-out spaces, which is important when we think of the next generation workspace.

> CI: With rental office buildings there is often a disconnect with the end user of the offices, the unspecified tenant that will occupy the building. This has the disadvantage that we cannot communicate with the future users during the design phase, and need to make decisions based on assumptions. We try to predict future tenant requirements and focus on indoor environmental qualities and energyefficiency. Of course, the performance of the design is also dependent on the fit-out and how the tenants will operate the building. While the tower has the potential to be fully naturally ventilated, it depends on the final fit-out from the tenant. Much of the cooling will be provided passively, by activating the thermal mass of the concrete slab. If realized to a high standard, our double-glazed façade concept will allow naturally ventilated floor space for high rise offices, something that is possible even in extreme climatic conditions – like during summer in Sydney, when the temperature outside can reach 35 degrees Celsius.

> SL: Christoph, thank you for the conversation.

What interests me first and foremost is how people will prefer to work in the next decade and how they envision an optimal work environment. Each floor in this tower will have

CHRISTOPH INGENHOVEN’S WEB SITE: www.ingenhovenundpartner.de

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Aero Sekur is investing heavily in work in the fields of aeroponics and hydroponics to grow plants in a controlled, non soil-based environment. 50

Sustainable Development

Aero Sekur’s greenhouse crop production solution creates energy via solar cells and bio mass created by the decomposition of the non edible parts of the plants.

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE:

ONE SMALL STEP FOR AERO SEKUR A n Anglo-Italian company that specialises in safety systems and advanced flexible structures for the aerospace and defence markets is investing heavily in work in the fields of aeroponics and hydroponics to provide a solution for growing plants in a controlled, non soil-based environment. Additionally, through technology transfer, the company is working on developments to aid space life support through its bio plant regeneration initiative. In this article for World Environment Magazine, an insight is given into how Aero Sekur is

working with an international expert in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and how this knowledge is being combined with the company’s expertise in developing low launch weight inflatable structures to produce a lunar greenhouse. Details are also given of a terrestrial greenhouse – a parallel initiative playing a key part in a project entitled ‘BaoLab’ which, as a self-sustaining method of producing plants, offers major environmental advantages. Before providing project details, an introduction to the science of hydroponics

is given and background provided of Aero Sekur’s pioneering work in the field of inflatable planetary and orbital structures. Finally, Aero Sekur’s commitment to this area of work is confirmed with an insight into how the company is championing a biennial agrospace workshop and new courses to provide the first formal opportunity to educate aerospace engineers in agronomy.

Hydroponics at the heart of the solution: The science of hydroponics is at the heart of Aero Sekur’s solution which, by

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

One Small Step For Aero Sekur

Marzia Pirolli addresses colleagues at an open day at Aero Sekur’s facility in Aprilia, near Rome.

cultivating plants in water rather than soil, and without the use of pesticides, is considerably cleaner for the environment, and for the food crop process, than traditional growing methods. Aero Sekur has recognised that hydroponic culture is a highly efficient, environmentally friendly and culturally advantageous method of growing plants. However, the company has observed that engineers have never been educated in the subject. Additionally, interest in this alternative method of plant growth has been somewhat stopstart since the mid 90s. However, with green issues now seriously on most Government’s agendas, and with considerable advancements in space exploration, Aero Sekur recognises that it is timely to be at the forefront of a self-sustained solution for growing plants. And, with inflatable planetary and orbital habitation structure experience for space and earth applications, Aero Sekur is well placed to spearhead developments in this field.

Technology track record: The ambitious SME organisation has a track record in pushing the boundaries in its areas of expertise. The company has a long history of producing flexible shelters, including NBC tents, and the skills required for this area of work are central to producing a controlled environment greenhouse. The company also has considerable expertise in producing systems to filter against biological contaminants for military applications. Examples of Aero Sekur’s space initiatives that demonstrate the company’s advanced development capabilities include a re-entry module that will support applications including returning samples to earth and use as a space lifeboat (SPacecrew EMergency module - SPEM). Additionally, a vented airbag system from Aero Sekur is being produced as part of the ESA ExoMars programme: designed to bring payloads, including Mars probes, safely to rest the system ensures that orientation is maintained on uneven or sloping surfaces.

Aero Sekur is also addressing the space industry’s need for low launch volume, low weight habitation systems. The company’s advanced inflatable structures offer an alternative to conventional rigid structures, with the added benefit of simple erection. With Thales Alenia Space Italia as prime contractor, and materials design & application expertise provided by Aero Sekur, an inflatable (IMOD) module for ESA and an inflatable Flecs Module for ASI (Italian Space Agency) are being produced that will provide a flexible and lightweight alternative to aluminium solutions.

Lunar Greenhouses-Technology transfer at Aero Sekur: Regarding the ‘lunar greenhouse’, one of Aero Sekur’s principle goals is the transfer of technology skills and adoption of expertise in inflatable solutions to provide an environment for the production, transformation and stabilisation of foods that are light, transportable and integrated in a BioRegenerative Life Support System. Aero Sekur’s development team is

Ae is let

Sustainable Development also in tune with the emotional and psychological aspects of its projects and is aware of the advantages of being able to grow plants in space or in challenging terrestrial environments – much like an oasis in the desert, the team is clear that anyone undergoing a long-term, predominantly solitary existence, benefits from sharing their environment with another growing life form. While the lunar greenhouse might sound like a story-line for Star Trek, it is in fact a reality as a serious development project for Aero Sekur, with the company’s President championing the initiative. Dott. Ing. Rossignoli is a rare combination of engineer and visionary who inspires the company’s research team at its principal R&D facility located at Aprilia near Rome, Italy. An impressive career history for Rossignoli includes CEO roles for Performa, Emmepi and Fiar. Rossignoli and his management team have recruited a pool of highly talented young engineers with production experience. The importance of looking outside the company and working with world leading partners is also recognised at Aero Sekur and this is seen as a key contributory factor in the company’s success in pushing development boundaries.

The BaoLab project: Aero Sekur is working alongside a dozen specialised companies, research centres and Universities on the BaoLab project that addresses environmental issues for a terrestrial, selfsufficient unit in terms of energy and water to foster plant growth.

Aero Sekur has been successful using aeroponics and hydroponics and the company is cultivating a number of species including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries and basil.

Commenting on the advantages of the solution, Rossignoli says: “The advantage of cultivating plants in a controlled environment is that a significant amount of water is saved and there is improved disease control. With disease kept out of the cultivating environment, pesticides aren’t required and, without pesticides, cleaner plants are produced.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

One Small Step For Aero Sekur

“Energy is generated through the use of solar cells and through the use of bio mass created by the decomposition of the non edible parts of the plants. Additionally, the process of molecular dissociation generates additional CO2 that is pumped into the greenhouse to dramatically increase the plants’ production capabilities.” The BaoLab project draws on plant growth techniques developed for space life support, in particular: Water recovery from plant transpiration water / air filtration and revitalisation CO2 for the enhancement and control of plant growth aeroponics and hydroponics Another important space technology transfer adopted for the BaoLab project cited by Aero Sekur is the use of solar concentrated GaAs triple junction solar cells used in the system’s CPV solar arrays. Rossignoli reports that the BaoLab initiative was designed to illustrate how the concept could be applied to three distinct environments namely space,

Expertise in Controlled Environment Agriculture is being combined with Aero Sekur’s inflatable structures skills to develop greenhouses which provide a self-sustaining method of producing plants.

urban communities and desert applications. He reports that it has been successful and that it is now cultivating a number of species including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries and basil.

Controlled Environment Expert: Dr. Gene Giacomelli, Director for Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) and Professor in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona is a greenhouse horticultural engineer assisting the team at Aero Sekur. Eminent in his field, Giacomelli teaches Controlled Environment Systems which is an introduction to the technical aspects of greenhouse design, environmental control, nutrient delivery systems and hydroponic crop production. Giacomelli’s work in CEA has included development of an enclosed food growth chamber for the US-NSF South Pole Station in Antarctica through to greenhouse hydroponic food systems for commercial production of food crops in modern automated agriculture.

Dawn of a new engineering era: Giacomelli has been mentoring Aero Sekur staff in greenhouse and hydroponic skills to aid the company’s work in the field of bio-plant regeneration. As a result, Marzia Pirolli, at the age of 29, is destined to become the world’s first agro space engineer. As part of her work for Aero Sekur, Marzia has established a plant nursery and, overseen by Giacomelli, she has built a greenhouse based on the bioregenerative system. The opportunity presented to Pirolli is viewed as highly significant by Rossignoli as it symbolises the dawn of a new generation of engineers. Another young engineer at Aero Sekur also has specialist knowledge in the subject gained from a thesis in Aeronautical Engineering at Rome’s La Sapienza University. A thesis, produced by the engineer while working at Aero Sekur, assesses an International Space Station (ISS) based Orto Botanical System.

Sustainable Development Dr. Gene Giacomelli from the Univer-

sity of Arizona who is mentoring Aero Sekur staff. Photograph, courtesy of the University of Arizona-CEAC, shows a mature crop of leaf lettuce produced in a lightweight hydroponic system designed for Mars.

Silvio Rossignoli, President of Aero Sekur: an engineer and visionary who is championing the company’s work in bio plant regeneration.

Rossignoli observes that there are no specific educational routes dedicated to this field of work. As a result, he is ensuring that Aero Sekur assists in plugging this gap for young aerospace engineers. The company is therefore developing strong links with La Sapienza University, which has a faculty in aerospace engineering. Aero Sekur has been invited to give the first lectures in agro space engineering at La Sapienza in 2010, when Giacomelli and Pirelli will be responsible for introducing agro space technology to the world’s first generation of agro space engineers.

Aero Sekur hosts international agrospace forum: Aero Sekur also hosts a biennial agrospace conference which has received global acclaim: the company’s fourth conference will be held in May 2010 in Sperlonga, close to Aero Sekur’s Italian facility. The forthcoming agrospace workshop will capitalise on the successes within the Space research and development community for Controlled Environments. It will also embrace the recent increase in CEA developments on earth.

The objectives of the workshop are to improve the knowledge base of interested parties, to create greater user awareness and to help promote economic developments for industry that will feed both our current world and our worlds of the future. Aero Sekur’s event will be an important forum to address capabilities ranging from traditional farms with greenhouse controlled environments to the systems for urban and space agriculture that are under development. The workshop will also look at the expectations for these solutions and how these have increased in response to consumer demand for high quality, locally grown, safe foods with efficient use of controlled inputs and reduced outputs to the environment.

A significant step towards a self sustained solution: Concluding this report for World Environment magazine, Rossignoli reports that Aero Sekur’s work is a significant step forward towards a bio regenerative system for growing plants in space and, through technology transfer, the company is offering an exciting, environmentally beneficial solution for self sustained plant growth on earth.

And this isn’t science fiction. The company says that, in just 15 year’s time, it could be possible to grow plants on the moon. In the shorter term, Aero Sekur has its eye firmly on the opportunity to provide the ISS with an inflatable greenhouse facility to support a fresh food diet for astronauts. The improved emotional strength provided to astronauts by close proximity to plants and ‘interaction’ with green life form is an important additional benefit highlighted by Aero Sekur. Aero Sekur reports that it is keen to exploit every possibility of building flexible greenhouses for the space environment. In the meantime, the company is assisting the future of life on earth through the BaoLab project through work with its local (Latina) province where it is seeking to demonstrate its hydroponic plant growth capabilities. AERO SEKUR LTD, FOWLER AVENUE, THE HUB, FARNBOROUGH BUSINESS PARK, FARNBOROUGH GU14 7JF, EMAIL SALES@AEROSEKUR.CO.UK WWW.AEROSEKUR.COM 55

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A TEAM OF YOUNG ARCHITECTS WINS THE EUROPAN 10 COMPETITION FOR THE SITE OF HEIDELBERG IN DENNMARK

artin Sobota (Cityfรถrster), Thomas Stellmach (Uberbau) and Marc Ryan with Artur Borejszo have won the Europan

10 competition for the site of Heidelberg in Dennmark. Europan is a biannual, pan-European

competition that aims to promote the realization of innovative ideas by young architects and urban design professionals.

Sustainable Development

The winning scheme ‘The Red Ribbon’ redefines the waterfront of Heidelberg’s University Campus, the Neuenheimer Feld. The project gives the Campus an appropriate presence within the context of the city and establishes a coherent, public and accessible river frontage. Besides the landscape design for the riverfront it proposes a reorganization of the urban layout of the Campus and the addition of 3 key buildings to the site: Römerlawn, Neckar Island and Biodiversity Centre. A total set of 23 autonomous yet complementary actions supports a phased and flexible implementation. The Campus Neuenheimer Feld is hidden behind a layer of vegetation at one of the most spectacular sections of the lower Neckar. The Wieblinger Wehrsteg, a pedestrian bridge, indi-

cates the end of the urban section of river Neckar. The project strengthens the western end of Heidelberg’s urbanized area with a modern counterpart of the Heidelberg’s Schloss, the Neckar Island. The Island is conference and congress centre, a symbol for the innovative research of the University, public beach, exhibit of the natural forces of the river and its diverse flora. It links the campus on the northern shore of the Neckar to the historic and modern centers of the city in the South. On the northern shore of the Neckar the Campus opens towards the riverfront and shows a new face towards the city. The present bio–systems are enhanced and exhibited. The waterfront becomes the place where stu-

dents and visitors meet, a place for a Sunday stroll as much as an integral link in the larger scale bicycle network. A rich variety of lawns and terraces along the Neckar provide situations which range from intimate to open, from urban to natural. The links across the river and along the northern shore are improved and stage the transition between the domesticated and the wild Neckar. Along the river the ‘Red Ribbon’ manifests literally as a 3 km long thread of the traditional red sandstone connecting the Schloss with the University. It is a multipurpose element, to be used as a bench, as an information board, or as a sidewalk. The Wehrsteg bridge is upgraded to provide viewing terraces as well as a dedicated bicycle lane with an access level integrated into the topography. It will be the new main link to the city centre. 57

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

A Team of Young Architects Wins The Europan 10 competition for the site of Heidelberg in Dennmark

The Project:

The Red Ribbon, a nearly 3 km long red sandstone line, a multipurpose element — sometimes bench, sometimes information board, sometimes sidewalk— that connects the Schloss with the University.

The Bike line integrates local and regional cycling routes. At pinch-points near the Zoo, the bike line is diverted to a dedicated bicycle route.

The Water Gardens serve as a demonstration site to illustrate the functional power of biological processes as a strategic tool to clean storm water and revive the biotopes of the river ecology.

The Campus Boulevard is guided to the water at its southern end and strengthened in its urban character by framing buildings on both sides.

The Römerlawn, a 2-way tilted green plane and stage towards the city and broader landscape, hidden beneath an urban building.

The University Plaza, square and green backbone of Poplar trees defining the main pedestrian entrance to the University Campus.

The Max Planck Terraces introduce multiple levels for pedestrian movement through re–graded topographies that are enhanced as a new green landscape.

The Upper Garden Terraces at the Surgical Hospital expand upon the existing private gardens and extending a series of colorful public parterre gardens that descend to the river.

The Boulevard Balcony opens the view to the city at the southern end of the Campus Boulevard. It is the new lively meeting point of citizens and students with a rich public program at the waterside.

The Glass Tower frames the Boulevard Balcony and houses the student centre and educational programme of the University.

Sustainable Development

The Neckar Island is conference and congress centre, a symbol for the innovative research of the University, exhibit of the natural forces of the river and its diverse flora.

12 13

The Water Taxi connects the Neuenheimer Feld and the Neckar Island with the university areas in the old centre of Heidelberg.

The Neckar Theatre, public beach and a terrace for open air events, bridges formally and symbolically the two sides of the river, city and university.

The Bicycle Bridge is an extension of the ‘Wehrsteg’ on its east side to add a dedicated bicycle connection and facilitate crossing. The northern landing is lengthened to provide level access for cyclists. 15 The Neckar Falls are a series of 6 terraces with a magnificent view over the Alt-Neckar on the western ‘Wehrsteg’ side. 16 The Zoo-Satellite is an outlet of the zoo — for example an aviary with exotic birds — next to the southern Wehrsteg landing, transporting the Zoo to the city.

The Glasshouse Patchwork proliferates the glass house structures found in the botanical garden as a architectural identity for the university on the riverfront. The transparent structure creates a campus for all seasons, including student centre, study rooms, and community functions.

The Diversity Hills are planted as a collection of native dry meadows serving as part of a system of connected habitats. These native landscapes offer a satellite of the Botanical garden and mark the separation of the promenade and bikeline.

The Biodiversity Centre offers a new entrance to the Zoo and ties it and the Botanical Garden together. The public roof cafeteria is accessible via the diversity hills which slope towards the rock-like building.

The Aviary Passage is an elevated walkway which folds through the aviaries and savanna sceneries, offering surprising perspectives to the animals on different levels.

The Neckar Loop provides a panorama over the Alt-Neckar’s islands native habitat and vegetation without disturbing the sensible habitat.

The Giraffe Walk creates an eye-to-eye confrontation with the giraffes of the zoo and links the zoo extension to the existing path network.

The Amazon allows to witness the emulated Amazon’s habitat above and below water level.

The Team: Cityförster is an international network consisting of eleven designers, architects and urbanists. Martin Sobota is head of the Rotterdam branch of the network. Cityförster deals with the city in all its dimensions and scales — a complex system which functions by the variety and interaction of its components. Based on pragmatic and subtle strategies Cityförster compiles innovative projects aiming for a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development of the built environment. Cityförster is engaged in various residential and mixed use developments in the Netherlands, Denmark, Albania and Germany, as well as a conversion strategy for Tegel airport in Berlin. Uberbau (in the course of formation) is the Berlin-based practice of Ali Saad and Thomas Stellmach that specializes in research-based strategic urbanism, urban design and planning as well as architecture. Uberbau focuses on context, density, flexibility, mixed-use, phasing and transformability, which are the as prerequisites for any sustainable approach. Uberbau will shape an urban vision for the future of Aleppo, the second biggest agglomeration in Syria, and is busy imagining the future of road infrastructure in Europe. Marc Ryan is a landscape architect and urban designer who brings an acute understanding of the contemporary city with a focus on the relevance of landscape. He has evolved an integrated view of landscape and urbanism that reflects a synthesis between ecology, infrastructure, and public realm design a philosophy that is at the core of his work. Marc’s professional experience includes practice in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands where he has led diverse design teams and worked on large scale urban projects, often related to waterfront redevelopment. Artur Borejszo is currently employed at Maxwan a+u in Rotterdam and specializes in computer-aided design and visualization. He works for Maxwan on various mixed use and residential projects in the UK, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

MAGAZINE

By Mai SAMAHA

INNOVATION IN ABU DHABIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW HUB: THE HELIX HOTEL

eeser Architecture, an internationally recognised firm, recently won an invited competition for a five-star luxury hotel in Zayed Bay in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Named the Helix Hotel for its staggered floor plates, it rests in the bay, partially floating in the water. The Zayed Bay will be setup as a comprehensive development built along a new road, and the site will in-

clude office buildings as well as condominiums and retail along the water and the Helix will be the focal point of this new development. Poised on the edge of the Persian Gulf, the hotel will feature a helical floor space which wraps unevenly around a central void. Though the void seems to offer unmitigated vi-

sibility, there are enclaves for private meetings and guest privacy. Guests will be able to look up at, and down on, various public areas, including the rooftop deck with a glassbottomed swimming pool. There are 208 guest rooms, every room has a slightly different view and the cork screw spiral design of

Sustainable Development

In the sub-lobby, a dynamic glass wall will be built from the base of the second floor down into the water. The wall acts as a curtain would, opening when the weather is cool enough and closing when it is too hot for exposure to the desert air.

the building keeps foot traffic flowing nicely from residential to retail and from saunas to hotel suites, It is designed so that one activity feeds into the next rather than affecting sharp separations between each activity.

or underneath the hotel, is situated instead under the bay. Cars are literally driven into the water. As guests make their way up to their suites, remarkable views out onto the Zayed Bay become even more dramatic on the upper floors.

On the luxury side of vacation culture, there are playful elements that make the hotel a designer destination in an iconic setting. From the outset, it is as much a showplace for the abundance of opulent life as it is a fully incorporated urban experience. For example, the building has a functional reverse fountain, which drops water from the ceiling down through the void to the lower lobby.

At the top of the Helix, the rooftop pool deck features a full sized swimming pool with a glass bottom, with the water and swimmers visible from eight floors below at ground level. In the restaurant below the lobby, the bay’s waves are so near to the floor plate that they lap up onto the edge of the restaurant inside of the glass curtain wall.

At the entry, valets drive clients’ cars into the car park, which, rather than being predictably aboveground

While focusing on unique design, Leeser Architecture is also committed to sound sustainability practices and worked with consultant Atelier

Ten to determine the best possible conditions and materials for heat and energy conservation that would suit the UAE’s climate in long term. The interior temperature will be maintained by a retractable glass door which will allow cooling sea breezes to enter the building. In the sub-lobby, a dynamic glass wall will be built from the base of the second floor down into the water. The wall acts as a curtain would, opening when the weather is cool enough and closing when it is too hot for exposure to the desert air. Whilst an indoor functional reverse fountain drops water from the ceiling down through the void to the lower lobby allows for the accumulation of heat inside the hotel to be minimal by filtering cool water back up into the system as it falls Í 61

WORLD ENVIRONMENT

Innovation in Abu Dhabi’s New Hub: The Helix Hotel

GROW employs thin film photovoltaics with piezoelectric generators and screen printed conductive ink encapsulated in ETFE fluoropolymer lamination.

through the void this will also help to keep the interior cool and reduce humidity levels. Portions of the outside surface will be clad in panels made of a new material called GROW, which has both photo voltaic and wind harnessing capabilities. These panels are made from 100% recyclable polyethylene that will be installed on the exterior and will collect energy from both the sun and the wind. (Polyethylene is a type of polymer that is classified as a thermoplastic, meaning that it can be melted to a liquid and remoulded as it returns to a solid state, it does not readily biodegrade but diligent recycling significantly reduces future problems). The team at Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT) des-

igned the GROW panels with the environment in mind this was first realized as an Industrial Design Thesis project at Pratt Institute in Spring 2005 by Samuel Cabot Cochran. GROW employs thin film photovoltaics with piezoelectric generators and screen printed conductive ink encapsulated in ETFE fluoropolymer lamination. GROW is designed to utilize emerging technology of the photovoltaic and piezo industry. Based around a modular brick system, it is composed of a small number of different parts. Each brick has five solar leaves which have a very flexible piezo generator at their stem. The manufacturing of these bricks could happen in a roll to roll printing process where PV, conductive ink, and piezo generators can be

layered quickly and efficiently. The leaves are available in a variety of colors and opacities and are 100% recyclable. The various opacities of the leaves can be optimized for their heat gain, light transmission and view. The rolls can then be stamped and formed to create leaves and connection points. Each brick is designed so that at the end of their life cycle the valuable components, i.e. photovoltaic and piezo, can be stamped out and up cycled while the reusable material, i.e plastic, can be up recycled back into the production stream. The Helix Hotel project will be presented at the Cityscape developers’ conference in Abu Dhabi early next spring.