Water-based paints may create less of a stink, but some still contain chemicals flagged as potentially hazardous, according to new research. Water-based paints have emerged as “greener” and less smelly than solvent-based options. And they are often advertised as containing little-to-no VOCs. But a new study of these paints shows many of them do contain compounds that are considered VOCs, along with other chemicals of emerging concern. The study was published in the American Chemical Society publication Environmental Science & Technology Letters in April. Paint consists of four ingredients ..read more

Cloud ‘engineering’ could be more effective for climate cooling than previously thought, because of the increased cloud cover produced, new research seems to show. In a study published in Nature Geoscience, researchers found that marine cloud brightening (MCB), also known as marine cloud engineering, works primarily by increasing the amount of cloud cover, accounting for 60-90% of the cooling effect. Previous models used to estimate the cooling effects of MCB have focused on the ability of aerosol injection to produce a brightening effect on the cloud, which in turn increases the amount of su ..read more

A group from the University of Nottingham say they have found a way to transform metal waste into a highly efficient catalyst to make hydrogen from water, a discovery that could make hydrogen production more sustainable. A team of researchers from the University’s School of Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering have found that the surface of swarf, a byproduct of the metal machining industry, is textured with tiny steps and grooves on a nanoscale level. These textures can anchor atoms of platinum or cobalt, leading to an efficient electrocatalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen ..read more

The Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) has revised and relaunched its internationally acclaimed Ex Repair course for individuals involved in repairing electromechanical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. This was in response to feedback from previous delegates, said the group. The revised course builds on the success of the Association’s Ex Theory, Ex Hands-On, and Ex Refresher courses, consolidating the learning into one new course designed for both those new to Ex equipment repair and those looking to refresh their knowledge – either online or in perso ..read more

The High Court has given the green light for a judicial review of Michael Gove’s policy on green homes. Campaigners say the barriers he is putting in the way of the next generation of housing are unlawful, blocking efforts to tackle the climate emergency and cost of living crisis. Good Law Project is supporting Rights Community Action to take Michael Gove’s levelling up department to the High Court. The claimant, Rights Community Action, is challenging the written ministerial statement, published in December 2023, which limits councils setting higher energy efficiency standards for new housin ..read more

Carolynn Bernier, Research Engineer at CEA, and the consortium coordinator of the CIRPASS project. Europump (the European Pump Association), which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe, has now finalised the programme of talks and presentations for its 2024 Annual Meeting, which takes place in Windsor, UK from 22nd – 24th May. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG – a world leader in motor, drive, and asset management systems technology – this key event for the international pump sector will deliver a comprehensive program ..read more

The sensor can be used for on-site analysis. A startup developing specialized biosensors, Grapheal, and the EDYTEM laboratory*, have announced the fine-tuning of a portable device for monitoring water-borne PFAS pollution. Made up of miniature sensors, this device provides in situ direct measurements of pollution linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. Grapheal and EDYTEM co-developed the portable water monitoring device through their joint laboratory ‘Fluorograph’, under the ‘LabCom’ program supported by France’s National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherch ..read more

Home hydrogen heating concept. Without clear evidence on hydrogen’s role in home heating, the development of other low-carbon alternatives could be delayed, according to a new report from energy consultancy Cornwall Insight. The Hydrogen Index1 report urges the UK government to ramp up research to conclusively determine whether hydrogen is a viable option for domestic heating, with the clarity essential to efficiently target decarbonisation efforts in the home heating sector. Some in the energy industry have voiced concerns about the viability of hydrogen as a replacement for gas in home heati ..read more

London Gatwick is using the geospatial platform to support its Biodiversity Action Plan. London Gatwick has created a new geospatial platform, said to be already making engineering and construction works safer at the airport by reducing accidental strikes on buried utilities and enabling better management of its biodiversity. The platform uses Esri’s GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to support multiple operational areas at the airport, including engineering and environmental services. The geospatial platform contains critical infrastructure information spanning the 70-year histo ..read more

(left to right): Guy MacGregor Binn Group Head of Business, John Logan Director The Green Compass Scheme, Audrey Duckworth Binn Group Head of Environment, Allan MacGregor Binn Group CEO and Brian Harkins Binn Group MD. Perthshire waste management specialist Binn Group has successfully secured PAS 402 certification, and as the firm’s announcement adds, this makes it the only Scottish company to currently hold the quality standard for resource management sector operators. A nationally recognised standard, PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 402 certification underlines a company’s commitment ..read more