Speed cameras: Lessons learned in this space are informing the roll-out of noise cameras Noise camera technology is ready to be deployed for monitoring urban traffic, according to a number of firms developing it. Envirotec looks at how different groups propose to do it. While modern cars may be all too easily modified to produce ear-splitting bangs, pops and other eruptions, a growing hazard for the modern city dweller (at least if they value being able to sleep or concentrate on a task), the technology to pinpoint such vehicles, for law enforcement purposes, is not-so-trivial. The public appe ..read more

The Scottish Parliament. Commentators expressed disappointment at the Scottish government’s 19 April decision to abandon its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030. Màiri McAllan, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy, delivered the statement to the Scottish Parliament, which was a response to the Climate Change Commitee’s recently published Progress Report, which had dubbed the 2030 target as “beyond what is credible”, pointing out that the country’s annual emissions reduction target has been missed in eight of the last ..read more

The Environmental Industries Commission’s Air Quality Taskforce has called for greater clarity on the future of the Air Quality Grant scheme following the news on 17 April that DEFRA will withhold local council grants for air quality improvement projects. After being notified about their successful Local Air Quality Grant scheme applications only two months ago, the decision from DEFRA means that several cash-strapped local authorities may halt their progress on improving air quality in their areas until funding is provided. EIC said its Air Quality Taskforce had written to the Government req ..read more

All Energy Exhibition 2023 SEC, Glasgow This article contains paid for content produced in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions. All-Energy 2024, the UK’s largest renewable and low energy exhibition and conference, brings together key stakeholders actively involved in engineering a net zero future. Held 15-16 May at Glasgow’s SEC the exhibition features 270 exhibitors embracing all sources of renewable energy and, increasingly, the grid and networks as grid modernisation moves ever closer. The co-located Dcarbonise is aimed at decarbonising the built environment, heat, cities/places, industry ..read more

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