opinions Archives – Page 3 of 4

January 1, 2015

2015: The Year of the LED

If there is one technology that is likely to trend in 2015, then it is LEDs.

LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, have been around for many decades.

However, recent years have seen both a huge reduction in manufacturing costs of LEDs, and impressive enhancements to their lighting output.

While early LEDs were first seen in pocket calculators and watches, they are now cheap and powerful enough to begin replacing existing lighting – and even to create new lighting options.

December 2, 2014

How Elon Musk is Changing the World

“Sustainable energy is the fundamental problem the world faces.” – Elon Musk

Every generation needs a pioneer who can transform industries and societies.

Elon Musk certainly fits this mold.

Musk, 43, was a co-founder of PayPal, who after selling his holdings in that company, looked for ways he could help the world through green, innovative and futuristic businesses.

You may not know his name, but it is likely you have heard of Tesla – his increasingly successful electric car company.

Musk is also the CEO of SpaceX, who is developing the tools and technology to allow us to live in space. And finally, he is the Chairman of SolarCity, his renewable-energy company specializing in Solar Power for both homeowners and businesses.

Musk is such an important figure in the way our future is developing that it is worth looking in more depth at each of his major commercial offerings.

October 5, 2014

10 Green Websites You Should Know and Use

Are you interested in green-living, sustainability and renewable-energy?

If yes, then we have put together a list of 10 superb websites that will keep you informed of all the latest green news and developments.

August 10, 2014

Welcome to the City of the Future

Would you like to take a glimpse into the near future?

Join us as we explore some of the exciting and innovative technologies that are set to make our cities cleaner, greener and safer.

First up…

July 28, 2014

The Transforming Power of Living Walls

Be amazed and inspired by the natural beauty of living walls.

Also known as green walls, this innovative design approach is transforming indoor and outdoor spaces around the world.

Before we take a look at some examples, first some great benefits of living walls:

Improved indoor air quality
Energy savings in both hot and cold climates
Natural building protection
Mental and physical health benefits for occupants
Reduction in noise pollution
Increase in property values

As the below images testify, living walls demonstrate a perfect blending of nature and design…

July 22, 2014

13 Things Fracking Companies Won’t Tell You

Fracking appears to have been a major success in the US, but are the industry claims consistent with the facts?

And as fracking companies look to expand their operations into Europe and Asia, are they really giving decision-makers and the general public the full economic and environmental story?

1. The fracking boom is temporary

Despite promising decades of continuing economic benefits, a peak in US shale oil production is likely to be reached this decade. Once the peak in production is reached, sharp year-on-year declines are to be expected.

2. The economic case is dwindling

Remember the tech bubble? Well, the fracking industry is beginning to show very similar signs. Already there is a heavy reliance on debt, with revenues from production failing to cover operating costs. Early investors may well have profited, but the returns for later investors look set to be far less rosy.

June 15, 2014

Solar Charging Stations Set To Help Electric Cars & Bikes

As electric bikes and cars continue to gain in popularity, charging options have become increasingly important.

French company AdvanSolar has developed an innovative and exciting range of solar charging stations.

Two of their key products are designed to charge electric bikes and cars from the power of the sun.

Let’s take a look…

SunPod Cyclo

June 7, 2014

7 Compelling Reasons To Go Electric

Are you fascinated by electric cars but unsure if they are for you?

Many people feel like this. Electric cars appear very exciting.

But what about range, charging points and cost?

Let’s cut through the confusion and look at 7 reasons that might convince you why electric cars are indeed for you.

1. They are greener

Running exclusively on an electric motor and batteries, electric cars have no combustion engine. This means no petroleum or diesel fuel needed. If charged from renewably-sourced energy (solar or wind for example) they are significantly greener than a conventional car.

June 1, 2014

The Pros & Cons of Life in the Cloud

Could moving your personal computing into The Cloud help or hinder you?

We aim to answer this question for you in this short article.

But first…

What Exactly Is The Cloud?

The Cloud is a generic term for data, services and applications that are hosted and stored remotely on network servers. Your access to these is via the Internet.

For example, Facebook is a Cloud-based social media site. There is no application to install. Your profile, posts and comments are all stored on Facebook’s network servers. You can login from any PC and you will have all your settings and data available immediately.

So far, so good.

Now let’s take a look at some of the great benefits of The Cloud that you are sure to enjoy.

May 14, 2014

Solar Secrets of South-Facing Houses

To gain the maximum energy benefits from the sun, you need to live in a South-facing house.

While it is well known that the sun reaches its midday peak high in the Southern sky, you may not realise the significant renewable-energy differences that can be gained from having a South-facing house or roof.

Let’s take a look now at familiar domestic solar-energy technologies and designs, but with special emphasis on seeing how a South-facing house optimises their benefits.