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"In Norway - and I think everywhere - we have a lot of these poor-performing 1970s office buildings", says Siv Helene Stangeland, founding partner at Stavanger-based Helen & Hard, architect for the renovation. In time, however, Sverdrupsgate 27 lost its luster, the Petroleum Directorate moved on, and, by 2018, when the current owner, the development company Smedvig Eiendom, acquired the building, it had dwindled into an underperforming, energy-inefficient candidate for demolition - or complete overhaul. FOCUS ON WOOD IF, IN 1978, a Corbusian villa had migrated to Norway, fully embraced Brutalism, and tried to fit in as an office building, it might have turned out something like Sverdrupsgate 27, the headquarters for the then newly established Norwegian Petroleum Directorate in Stavanger. [Extracted from the article]

In response to scientific research demonstrating the impact of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, governments, nonprofits, and corporations have pursued various climate mitigation strategies, which often include ambitious emissions reduction targets. Both the private and public sector have increasingly turned to renewable natural gas (RNG) as one mechanism for effectuating these goals, along with other long-term economic and geopolitical objectives related to reducing costs and dependence on foreign oil. While RNG cannot be the sole solution, proponents suggest it can serve as a "bridge" while other greener technologies are developed-particularly because of its compatibility with existing infrastructure, better net outcomes for the environment, and industry support. Allowing RNG to reach its full potential will require a deeper understanding of overlapping government regulations and incentives, closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, and clear government policies that foster innovation and expansion of this critical renewable energy source. To that end, this article provides a comprehensive examination of the legal developments in RNG-primarily in the United States but also internationally-and how they intersect with the rapidly growing private sector interest in RNG. This article explores the background and benefits of RNG, describes relevant legislation and regulation, and summarizes recent private sector investment in RNG. Based on this synthesis of the public and private RNG landscape, this article also provides recommendations for deal structuring, investment, and policy that would foster the growth of RNG both within and outside of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with Salma Samar Damluji is presented. She discusses her lifelong passion for earth architecture, particularly in Yemen. She highlights the importance of preserving the architectural knowledge and vocabulary of Yemeni builders. She also discusses the need for sustainable architectural practices in the face of desertification and environmental challenges in the Middle East, while also addressing the role of politics and resource extraction in ongoing conflicts in the region.

The article presents the discussion on RAIC was thrilled to host its first in-person Congress on Architecture in Whistler, BC, on World Architecture Day in early October, 2023. Topics include success of the first in-person RAIC Conference in three and a half years (held in Calgary just a few months before), the organizing team was empowered to deliver an engaging two days for delegates; and update on the climate action plan process, and finally, national inter-professional.

The article offers the views of ASME's Executive Director Thomas Costabile, on the Society's unique approach to climate change, leveraging its position as a credible global standards developer and neutral convener. Topics include ASME's role in enabling engineers to develop sustainable climate solutions, supporting global climate science consensus, and fostering communication among policymakers, industries, and academia.

The article discusses the COP28 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates in December 2023. Topics include the record number of attendees at the conference, comments from Pascal Chalvon Demersey, chief sustainability and government affairs officer at Solvay, and expectations of chemical makers on the meeting at COP28.

To reduce the carbon footprint of the DEEP facility, the plans call for 40% cement replacement in the structural concrete mixes with a high-quality ground glass pozzolan - a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) made from 100% recycled post-consumer glass. The ground-glass pozzolan product for this project is considered a safe, sustainable, and high-performing pozzolan that dramatically reduces embodied CO2 emissions in concrete. Cutting-edge building projects must use durable materials that also help reduce carbon footprint. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights England's Stockport's climate goals, its Climate Action Now strategy, and community engagement initiatives to curb emissions, emphasizing the significance of effective communication in driving climate action.

The article reports the ways pioneered by Africa to reduce electronic waste (e-waste) through policy, regulation and legislation. Topics discussed include extended producer responsibility (EPR) of South Africa, need of different recycling treatments for e-waste and mitigating the impact of mining on the climate, health and the environment.

The article offers information related to the United Nation's 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) climate summit held in Egypt in 2022. Topics discussed include climate finance to low-income countries to compensate for the destruction of climate by developed nations, finance for South Africa to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.

The electrification and automation of construction sites will trigger a revolution in the future. This is the topic of an interview with Markus Plassmann and Peter Bleday from Danfoss. Electrification enables climate-neutral or low-emission autonomous functions and connected machines. There are already projects such as the fully electric pile driver from Junttan and fully electric excavators from Doosan that reduce CO2 emissions and generate less noise. The company Danfoss offers a wide range of hydraulic products for the construction of construction machinery, including pumps, motors, valves, and control solutions. They have also developed electric machines that aim to reduce CO2 emissions and increase efficiency. Danfoss also offers an autonomy program that supports OEMs in the development of autonomous functions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses commitment of architects to designing sustainable buildings that contribute to waste minimization and the zero waste philosophy. Topics explored include the municipal solid waste generation in the U.S. based on the U.S. Environmental Protection and Agency (EPA) data, the climate change mitigation and waste reduction targets of various U.S. cities, and the infrastructure-related strategies that allow waste recovery for recycling or reuse.

The article focuses on criticizing Climate Emergency UK's climate scorecards, highlighting their disproportionate impact on rural authorities due to primarily metropolitan criteria. Topics include concerns about the lack of meaningful measurement in assessing rural councils' climate action efforts, discrepancies in scoring criteria that may increase carbon emissions in rural contexts, and the need for future versions of the scorecards to adopt a more accurate and context-specific approach.

Apple has published its annual environmental report, highlighting its progress towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The company is investing in wind and solar power, recycling technology, and sustainable product designs to achieve this goal. Apple is also working with suppliers to ensure they use renewable energy and recycled materials. The company aims to use 100% recycled rare earth materials in its products and reduce the demand for conflict minerals. While Apple relies on carbon credits as an interim solution, it acknowledges the need for transparency and improvement in carbon offset projects. The company is committed to working towards high-quality standards and building solutions for carbon removal. Overall, Apple's report demonstrates its dedication to addressing climate change and the urgent need for action. [Extracted from the article]

The author comments on the Council Climate Action Scorecards they have launched in October 2023, the first ever holistic assessment of all United Kingdom (UK) local authorities' climate action. Topics discussed include one sector where councils are lagging behind, importance for councils to get serious about decarbonising transport in their area, and reason Manchester and Bristol city councils only have seven school streets across their whole area.

The article focuses on North Kesteven District Council's efforts to address the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency by delivering environmentally friendly social housing. Topics discussed include North Kesteven District Council's achievements in building affordable and environmentally conscious social housing, the use of local labor for construction, and the positive impact on both housing needs and climate resilience.

The article presents the discussion on petrostate might seem like an odd host for a UN climate conference. Topics include petrostates have enough power to delay climate action if they choose to and turbocharge it if they leverage their technological expertise; and climate change-related disasters, tripling renewables, tripling nuclear, and reducing methane.

Givaudan, a global company, has received its fifth consecutive CDP double A score for its efforts in climate action and water security. This recognition places Givaudan among a small group of companies that achieved a double 'A' out of over 21,000 organizations evaluated. Givaudan's score demonstrates its commitment to corporate transparency and environmental action. In addition, Givaudan reported on its efforts to address deforestation for the first time in 2023, earning an A- score. The CDP is a widely recognized organization that assesses and scores companies' environmental impacts. Givaudan's achievements in sustainability have also been acknowledged by other organizations, including the WBA Nature Benchmark and EcoVadis. The company's CEO emphasizes the importance of continuous action and improvement in these areas. [Extracted from the article]

Record NEWS FOR TWO intense weeks in early November, leaders and delegates from 196 countries convened for the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. Notably, more than 70 of the largest architecture, engineering, planning, and construction firms, collectively responsible for over $300 billion in projects annually, along with two dozen industry organizations, issued the 1.5°C COP Communiqué challenging governments to step up their built-environment targets. Also required are a 50 percent reduction in steel and concrete GHG emissions by 2025, zero steel and concrete emissions by 2030, and zero embodied carbon for new construction by 2040. [Extracted from the article]

The best time to do something about climate change was 20 years ago. The Boston-based, woman-owned office has a broad practice, working at various scales around the globe in landscape, urban design, and sustainable place-making. - Madeleine Para and Marc Favreau, of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, after Congress passed a major bill with $370 billion for climate mitigation The Farrar Pond Garden, with its mossy paths and sculptural Cor-Ten fence, winds through a three-acre hardwood forest in Lincoln, Massachusetts, not far from Walden Pond. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a snapshot of critical global issues: the unprecedented warming of Earth, accelerated retreat of Greenland's glaciers due to human-influenced climate change and the environmental impact of e-waste, emphasizing the substantial amount generated and its hazardous components when improperly disposed of.

The article highlights the acceleration of glacier retreat around Greenland's coast, revealing a rate double that of the previous century, directly linked to human-influenced climate change. This accelerated retreat is a testament to the substantial impact of human-induced climate shifts on glacier dynamics in the region.

The article discusses BayWa r.e., a German renewable energy developer, securing 6.5 million Euro in funding from the European Union's LIFE Programme to develop six solar photovoltaic (PV) projects supporting agriculture in five European countries. Topics include the commercial viability of "Agri-PV," combining solar power generation with agriculture, with a focus on climate adaptation, circular land use economy, and reducing carbon emissions from farming operations.

The article focuses on climate action as a workforce opportunity, highlighting the need for innovative ideas and skilled workers capable of implementing solutions. Topics include training engineers and technological workers to turn climate solutions into reality and addressing challenges in engineering education to meet the demands of advancing climate initiatives.

A new report from the Institute for Local Government and the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment highlights the role of local and county governments in implementing climate policies in California. The report found that most cities and counties in the state have adopted or are developing Climate Action Plans and are active in areas such as transportation, land use, energy, and buildings. The report also emphasizes the importance of state investment, the need for support in climate equity and resilience, and the barriers faced by local governments in implementing climate mitigation strategies. The efforts of local governments are integrated into various planning documents and involve collaboration with neighboring agencies. However, there are challenges such as limited staffing, funding, and institutional or political support. The report concludes that local government readiness and willingness to advance climate solutions will be crucial in realizing the potential of future investments. [Extracted from the article]

Chattanooga, Tennessee is making significant progress towards achieving its sustainability goals, according to Erik Schmidt, the city's director of sustainability. The city has reduced its energy demand by 27% and has implemented plans such as One Chattanooga, the Parks and Outdoors Plan, and the Climate Action Plan. Chattanooga has received recognition for its sustainability initiatives, including winning the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge in 2019. The city is also partnering with various organizations to leverage resources and pursue funding opportunities. Chattanooga has set ambitious goals for carbon-neutrality and is taking steps to reduce emissions from fleets and facilities. The city is also investing in public green spaces and prioritizing equity in its sustainability efforts. The procurement team is working to boost sustainability by reducing waste and inefficiencies in purchasing practices. Chattanooga is using tools like the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager dashboard to track and address energy use issues. The city is also considering strategies such as LED lighting and building automation control systems to reduce energy consumption. By implementing these measures, Chattanooga aims to make meaningful changes and savings while minimizing the impact on capital budgets. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides information on the U.K. government's decision to delay various climate-related goals, such as the phase-out of petrol/diesel vehicles and gas boilers, and its commitment not to ban new oil and gas development in the North Sea.

The article focuses on the United Kingdom government's weakening of green policies, which has raised concerns among local authorities striving to meet ambitious climate targets and deliver green initiatives. Topics discussed include the importance of local leadership, cooperation, and the need for a balanced approach that doesn't pit economic growth against environmental goals, as it hinders communication with communities and creates uncertainties for local councils.

The article focuses on the recent government decision to scrap or delay several net zero targets, including the phaseout of petrol and diesel cars, leading to condemnation from various stakeholders. It explores the greatest barrier to decarbonization and economic opportunities is the lack of a proper industrial strategy, with a need for long-term planning and investment to achieve meaningful progress.

The article offers information on IChemE's new position statement on climate change and the consultation process through which it was established. Topics include IChemE believes that we should make use of best available techniques to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, and IChemE will continuously work to ensure that the fundamental principles of sustainability, social responsibility and ethics are embedded in the education and training of chemical engineers.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including climate change, carbon capture, renewables, nuclear power, and energy efficiency improvements.

The article reports on the "The Economics of Climate Change" conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco on December 16, 2019. Topics include the implications of climate change on financial sector's economy, investigations regarding economic and financial consequences and related risks of climate change; and implementation of apt policies.

The article discusses about the addition of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) in 2020 by South Africa. It states that new EPR regulations requires all producers to register with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to establish and implement an EPR scheme.

Decarbonization is becoming firmly entrenched in utility business strategies to address risks and opportunities posed by climate change. But setting out a sound plan amid so many uncertainties poses a number of challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear power provides carbon-free electricity for a warming world. But is its use still practical, can it still be economic, is its promise still achievable, and is nuclear a key to combating climate change? So far, nuclear power has fallen short of those goals. Looking at advanced nuclear technologies, it's not certain that will change. INSET: The Advanced Nuclear Playlist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that actor and climate activist Arnold Schwarzenegger emphasizes the need for collective action and collaboration, including with coal, oil, and fossil-fuel companies, to combat climate change, while Kit Harington and Rose Leslie join the Make My Money Matter campaign.

The article focuses on the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (COTE), a Knowledge Comunity working for architects, allied professionals and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. Information is provided about COTE's annual Top 10 awards program for sustainable design excellence and the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. A list of the 10 principles for evaluating submissions to the AIS Design Excellence Awards program is presented.

This section offers news briefs from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Society as of June 2023 concluding the appointment of Brian Wall as secretary of the AIA and the AIA annual Conference on Architecture to be held in San Francisco, California on June 7-10, 2023.

The article offers information on the Campus Energy 2020 conference at the International District Energy Association's (IDEA's) 33rd annual Campus Energy event, February 10-14 in Denver, Colorado showcased how American universities are adjusting to a decarbonized future. Topic include discussion focused on the power of change, specifically examining the changing structure of institutional campuses, the evolving needs of utilities, policy and regulatory paradigms, and the role of climate change.

The article reports on the public awareness and acceptance of new technologies including carbon capture and utilization and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Topics include the need to educate people of the benefits of Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) and its benefits for countering climatic change. People's current knowledge on both CCU and climate change are discussed.

The author describes the possible role of libraries in promoting sustainability and the need to reduce or prevent climate change. She discusses the selection of "climate emergency" as Oxford's 2019 word of the year and its identification of a Word of the Year shortlist circling around issues related to the current climate emergency. She also commends several libraries certified through the New York Library Association's Sustainable Libraries Certification Program.

Elsewhere in the United States, Boston, which started its curbside composting program last year, collected 500 tons of organic waste through the initiative. On the heels of a successful 3-month-long pilot program in Queens, New York City has announced the largest curbside composting program in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the current state of government action on climate change, highlighting disjointed policy-making and a lack of funding and resources. Local governments are encouraged to take action themselves, using their current powers and resources to create sustainable communities and work towards net-zero emissions. The importance of individual responsibility and investment in green skills is also emphasized.

The article presents views of Andrew van Zyl, managing director (MD) of mining consultancy SRK Consulting South Africa, related to need to utilize the risk-mitigating technology by mining companies to mitigate its environmental impacts and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The article reports on the 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report demanding that emissions should peak by 2025 and reduced by 50% in 2030 to achieve the 1.5 degree Centigrade (C) global warming target. The report also called for major cuts in fuel use and rapid deployment of mitigation technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Also cited is the comment of IPCC's Jim Skea on the report.

The article reports on IChemE's increased involvement in policy consultations. It mentions alignment with IChemE's position statement on climate change and the importance of emissions reduction; and also mentions work with the NEPC on technical projects and diversity and inclusion; and also mentions actions in the sectoral climate change action plans.

The article presents steps to improve your climate action plan and how assessment of the commitments of every council in the United Kingdom has helped identify clear themes for success. It mentions that Climate Emergency U.K. has created the council climate plan scorecards, the first ever assessment of all the council climate action plans (Caps) in the U.K.