Low carbon stories
Companies can cut climate risk and sharpen decarbonisation budgets now by following five practical steps towards balancing emissions.
The funding will create hundreds of jobs and lift freight reliability as ageing locomotives and wagons are replaced nationwide.
Rail firms can now plan further ahead, but experts warn the fund will be stretched as electric vehicles erode its core revenue base.
Waste from cartons and soft plastics will soon be turned into low-carbon building boards in New Zealand, diverting 4,000 tonnes from landfill a year.
Wellington has cut net emissions by 7% in 20 years despite 26% growth, as EV chargers and car share schemes reshape transport.
Wastewater plants could cut costs and emissions by generating surplus heat and power, as Copenhagen and Turku already show.
Clean energy stocks may stutter in 2021 even as investment, EV sales and solar and wind capacity all hit fresh records.
South Australia’s push to export renewable energy will add 40,000 tonnes of ammonia a year, backed by GBP £37 million for Port Bonython.
Carbon-negative concrete could cut road-building emissions by as much as 70%, with one kilometre absorbing CO2 equal to 100,000 trees a year.
Householders could cut power bills sharply as lenders and developers back solar, batteries and greener builds to meet demand for lower-emission homes.
Global cooperation and heavy state intervention would favour low-carbon infrastructure, while fossil-fuel projects and greenfield builds are marginalised.
Domestic travel spending could help cushion the sector as international arrivals slump and businesses await the effect of a new campaign.
Its climate potential for steelmaking could help cut coal use, as researchers uncover a zero-carbon way to make iron using hydrogen.
Timber towers are moving from experiments to major city landmarks, with projects in Toronto, Oslo, Rotterdam and Tokyo set to test the limits.
The material could cut construction emissions and reduce supply headaches by making blocks that heal themselves and use waste inputs.
Mass timber is opening up faster, cheaper projects across Australia, with new code changes and local supply widening its use beyond niche builds.
Rural farms could cut power bills and earn extra income as a new on-site biogas and solar system turns waste into electricity and fertiliser.
Larger office buildings could cut heating and cooling costs as revolving doors curb air loss and drafty chimney effects, experts say.
The Texas plant could help slash emissions from electricity generation if its carbon-capture system proves cheap enough for mass adoption.
Auckland’s rail link has cut construction waste and emissions sharply, showing big infrastructure can hit sustainability targets while easing congestion.
