Author: Perry Rodriquez

In the last decade, one of the fastest growing concerns has been about the sustainability of the planet. More and more information is coming out and showing the impact of excessive greenhouse gasses, and unfortunately it’s not a pretty picture. In order to combat this, governments and major industry leaders around the world are investing time, finances, and countless hours of research into developing the best methods for capturing, creating, and dispensing various forms of green energy.

UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS BENEFITS OF GREEN ENERGY

Green energy is any type of power that’s created from natural resources such as wind, water, the sun, or even biomass. More advances in technology means that it’s readily accessible to the public, whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or manager of a large property. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have a gigantic wind turbine in your backyard, but rather, you can go through different energy suppliers to choose the source of your electricity. To really grasp why people are making this transition, it’s important to understand some benefits of green energy.

IT REPLENISHES NATURALLY

Until proven otherwise, earth is going to have a nearly unlimited supply of wind and sunlight that can be converted into energy. Now, technically, oil is derived from natural resources in the form of the compressed remains of living organisms that are hundreds of millions years old. However, these are not replenishable, at least not at the rate that humanity is consuming them. Green energy essentially starts working when the wind blows or when the sun rises. It’s a pretty stark contrast.

REDUCES THE NEED FOR FOSSIL FUELS

Along similar lines, because fossil fuels are finite, society doesn’t want to be stuck in a situation where fossil fuels run out. Every year, even more energy is consumed, including fossil fuels. This means more harmful greenhouse gas emissions, which counteract any efforts put in by green energy companies. There needs to be plan for transitioning away from these finite and harmful fuels.

THERE IS NO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECT

So what exactly does consuming fossil fuels do the planet? Anytime a fossil fuel such as coal or oil is burned, it releases harmful carbon gases into the air. These gases are extremely dangerous and decrease the efficiency of the planet’s protective atmosphere. This in turn allows more heat to reach the planet, which is one of the primary causes of global warming. Even energy that’s produced by something like a nuclear power plant creates radioactive waste which harms local ecosystems. This is why there has been such a big push for mass green energy.

GREEN ENERGY IS ONLY JUST GETTING STARTED

One of the most exciting aspects of green energy is that it’s still so young in terms of its technological development. Every year, new processes and advancements to solar panels, turbine technology, and conversion methods make green energy more and more efficient for mass consumption. Every dollar that is paid in bills goes right back towards improving green energy for homeowners like you.

Making the shift towards an environmentally-friendly lifestyle can help improve your health and life overall, and it’s also a major boost to the world around you. Ditching unnecessary chemicals, unhealthy foods, unfriendly Earth practices, and bad habits/routines can all add together to make an altogether healthier you, whilst boosting the environment and ecosystem. Wherever you are in the world, the following 20 tips are all achievable endeavours. Some of them are even great fun! So indulge yourselves whilst we all fight for a Greener future.

1. Save Energy

One of the most direct steps you can take to reduce the impact your lifestyle has on the environment is reducing the amount of energy that you use in your home. Along with making your home greener, saving energy has real, tangible benefits on your life in that it can save you money. Although some energy-saving techniques require some initial financial outlay, in the long-term the money you save can really add up.

Some energy-saving home improvements you could consider include the following:

• Use low energy light bulbs: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) save energy and money – typically they use one-third to one-fifth electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, and last eight to fifteen times longer. This is a no-brainer – get them fitted today!
• Switch off appliances when they are not in use: Leaving electric items such as computers, audio-visual equipment, and kitchen appliances on “standby” uses electricity. If you are not using these appliances, you should switch them off completely.
• Unplug your charger when your phone, laptop or tablet is fully charged: Similarly, when your phone is fully charged, unplug the charger to conserve power.
• Insulate your home: Insulating your home properly can make heating much more efficient. Some local authorities offer insulation schemes so it is worthwhile to take the time to investigate whether you are eligible for free home insulation.
• Lower your thermostat: Reducing the temperature on your heating system’s thermostat by a few degrees will, over the course of a year, reduce the amount of energy and money you spend on heating.
• Wash your clothes at low temperatures: Much of the energy used in washing laundry is expended on heating the water, so always opt for a lower temperature when possible.
• Line-dry laundry: Tumble drying clothes uses large amounts of electricity, so use a washing line or drying rack to dry your laundry more naturally.
• Cover pans when cooking: Whenever you cook on the hob, always try to cover the pans – this reduces the amount of energy that escapes from open pans, plus the amount of time it takes to heat up food and boil water.

2. Save Water

Saving water around the home is another way to reduce the environmental impact of your lifestyle and, as with reducing energy usage, can save you plenty of money.

• Use short cycles for washing clothes: Modern washing machines have an “Eco Wash” option you should take full advantage of.
• Fix leaks: Ensuring there are no leaks in your plumbing system – including pipes, taps, toilet cisterns – helps prevent unnecessary water wastage.
• Take short showers:  Hot showers are an incredible luxury, so don’t waste this by spending far too long in the shower.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth: An often-forgotten habit that wastes litres of water. Turn off the tap.
• Install tap aerators on all your taps:  Aerators are cheap additions to the end of taps that reduce the flow of water while improving the pressure of a tap’s stream.
• Install a low-flow shower head: Low-flow shower heads work in a similar way to tap aerators – aerating the stream of water, improving pressure and saving plenty of water and energy.
• Boil only as much water as you require: Tea and coffee drinkers can help here! Be careful with those kettles.

 3. Cut Down on Fuel

Whenever possible, avoid driving in a car. Local journeys can be made by walking or cycling, and always look for public transport routes when travelling further.

Obviously, these options are not available to everyone depending on personal circumstances, but cycling and walking will keep you active and help the local environment.

4. Share Car Rides

Following on from point 3, if you have to travel by car, investigate the possibilities for carpooling with friends and neighbours, sharing journeys for work and leisure, thus reducing the number of cars on the roads. Many busy offices actively promote such schemes so ask around to see if you can take advantage of this.

5. Go Organic

The food we consume has a profound effect on the global environment – as the world’s population grows, the demand for food increases and the strain on ecologies and habitats increases. The issues around food production, supply, and consumption are extremely complex, but there are some considerations that could help reduce the environmental impact of what you eat while also offering a healthy lifestyle include:

• Choose local, seasonal produce.
• If you eat meat, reduce the number of meals containing meat you eat each week.
• If you eat fish, choose sustainably-sourced species and fishing methods.
• Try and avoid fish contaminated with mercury (the result of industrial pollution) – you can use the Natural Resource Defense Council’s (NRDC) guide to help you along.
• Avoid food with unnecessary packaging, as this just leads to additional, unnecessary rubbish for your bin.
• Always look for sustainable, fair-trade, environmentally-friendly food, as this helps the economy.

6. Avoid Bottled Water

Bottled water is inefficient, expensive, and produces large amounts of plastic waste. Instead, use a refillable water bottle and tap water; if you like you could use a water filter to cleanse the tap water and chill the water in the fridge. As the Mother Nature Network point out, the very concept of bottled water is failed due to our our ready access to perfectly healthy tap water.

7. Ditch Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are appallingly wasteful to the environment. It is believed that 100 billion plastic shopping bags are used in America each year, and only 1-3% of worldwide plastic bags are recycled. This means a huge amount of waste, much of which ends up in the wild areas. You can read more worrying facts from Envirosax, but you can also help a great deal by using Earth friendly bags (such as paper, of Bags For Life), and recycle any old plastic bags you have lying around.

8. Save the Bees!

There are plenty of environmental initiatives you can take up, but one of the most important is the need to save our bees. These little beasts are vital to pollenating the Earth’s vibrant ecosystem, but they have been dying out due to the use of pesticides. You can help matters by purchasing Organic Honey (to support natural bee keeping practices), or donate to bee charities to help promote their wellbeing. Friends Of The Earth are currently offering a Bee Saver Kit to help keep your garden/environment bee friendly.

9. Use Charity Shops

Charity shops provide a way to recycle any unwanted items, find second-hand stuff and, importantly, supports the charitable cause of your choice.

10. Use Freecycle

Freecycle is an internet-based service and community that allows users to share and discover reusable items. Before making a purchase, check out your local Freecycle community to see if you can find the item free of charge, and if you have unwanted goods in your house, use the service to recycle them. It’s easy to use and helps both your local community and the wider environment.

11. Share and Borrow

Books, CDs, DVDs, and more can be borrowed from libraries and friends. You can cut down on packaging and shipping by simply renting or borrowing something, and you can return the favour to your friends to get some proper social interaction going.

12. Green Gifts

When giving a gift consider a greener alternative, such as making your own present, or offering some of your time and skills to do a favour for your friend or loved one. You can also use environmentally-friendly companies, such as the Eden Project (pictured above). Whichever country you are in there will be suitable sources, so do a quick search to find a unique present.

13. Grow Food in Your Kitchen/Garden

Growing food saves money, gives you an understanding of food production, and puts you in touch with nature. There is, of course, the problem of having neither the time or garden space to plant and nurture a whole vegetable patch, so head for something simple such as potted herbs or a potato sack, which can be grow effectively on a windowsill.

14. Make Cleaning Products!

Modern household cleaning products are expensive, and often damaging to the environment, so a great green alternative is to make some yourself. Safe and environmentally-friendly substitutes use ingredients such as baking soda, soap flakes, lemon, cornstarch and vinegar. It’s quick to find recipes for them on the internet; try EarthEasy for a helping hand.

15. Choose Plant-Based Cleaning Products

If you haven’t got time to make cleaning products, you can make the switch to environmentally-friendly options instead. Brands such as Ecover are made from natural, sustainable, plant-based ingredients that don’t leave chemical residue behind, and are biodegradable. Very handy for both your crockery and the local wildlife.

16. Buy Recycled Paper

Modern recycled paper is perfectly acceptable for most everyday document and letter printing.

17. Go Paper-less

If you want to go a step further you can choose to go paperless! You can receive all your bills and letters from banks, energy companies, and other service providers by email. And remember: don’t print off documents unless it’s absolutely vital. You can also help the process by recycling any paper and card you no longer need.

18. Repurpose Household Items

Everybody should be recycling household items, but this often depends on the recycling provisions available in your local area. Another option for avoiding throwing away household goods is to repurpose them – adapting them for a new purpose in life (like witth the tin can chair above).

This could be anything from empty jam jars used to store other food, tin cans turned into tea light holders, wine bottles adapted to become attractive vases or lampshades, or any other example of repurposing your imagination and creativity allows. Popular social media network Pinterest has a regular stream of such ideas for inspiration.

19. Celebrate the Green Way

Big celebrations in our lives are often associated with extravagance and consumption. You can keep this as it should be, but you can be Green whilst you’re enjoying yourself. For instance, gestures such as making invitations from recycled materials, asking guests to bring homemade food, and selecting local/fair trade foodstuffs can all go a long way. At the end of the party you can collect all the used goods and repurpose them into something extravagant, if you’re the creative sort.

20. Green Holidays

Holidays can have damaging effects on the places tourists visit via fuel consumption, damage to local habitats, pollution, and distortions in economies. When planning a holiday you should consider green alternatives, or consider a “staycation” by enjoying a local holiday, thus reducing the environmental impact of vacationing, and benefiting/engaging with your local community, ecology, and economy.

Renewable energy technologies have become increasingly important as the world faces the challenge of mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and reducing the dependence on finite and polluting fossil fuels. The use of renewable energy sources has been recognized as a key factor in promoting sustainable development, which aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the future. 

Herein, we shall explore the role of renewable energy technologies in sustainable development and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable future.

What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is a concept that emerged in the 1980s, which seeks to balance economic, social and environmental aspects to ensure a better future for all. The idea is to create a world in which everyone has access to the resources they need to live a decent life, without harming the planet. It is about ensuring that the economic, social and environmental aspects of development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

India’s need for energy is constantly surging to quench the country’s current economic growth initiatives. A vital pre-requisite for a nation’s economy to grow is the availability of growing amounts of energy. With the aim of providing energy across the nation, the National Electricity Plan [NEP] defined by the Ministry of Power (MoP) has created a thorough 10-year action plan. It has also developed a different strategy to make sure that power is distributed to the public efficiently and affordably.

Role of Renewable Energy Technologies in Sustainable Development Renewable energy technologies play a crucial role in sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and providing access to energy to communities that previously lacked it. For instance, when compared to coal-fired power plants, electricity from renewable energy sources emits between 90 and 99% less greenhouse gases (GHGs) and produces 70 to 90% less pollutants.

These technologies also create jobs and stimulate economic growth, which is essential for sustainable development. Listed below are some of the key ways in which renewable energy technologies contribute to sustainable development:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The use of renewable energy sources can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the effects of climate change. By relying on clean, renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and decrease the amount of harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide that are emitted into the atmosphere
2. Improving energy security: Renewable energy technologies can increase energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels and improving the reliability of the energy supply. By relying on locally available resources, such as solar and wind power, countries can reduce their dependence on foreign energy sources and become more self-sufficient.
3. Providing access to energy: Renewable energy technologies can provide access to energy to communities that previously lacked it, particularly in developing countries. This can help to reduce poverty and improve quality of life, as access to energy is essential for many aspects of daily life, such as lighting, cooking, and heating.
4. Creating jobs: Renewable energy technologies can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing and installation of renewable energy systems. For example, the growth of the solar power industry has created a large number of jobs in the production of solar panels and the installation of solar systems.
5. Supporting rural development: Renewable energy technologies can support rural development by providing access to energy to rural communities, which can help to improve quality of life, increase agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth.

With the adaptation of clean, renewable sources of energy, we can ensure a sustainable future for all, with economic, social and environmental benefits for the present and future generations. Governments, businesses and individuals must work together to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future, which will help to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and ensure a better future for all.

Why Sustainable Living is Good for Your Health

As Earth Day approaches, it’s important to remember that living sustainably isn’t just good for the planet but also your health. Adopting a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle can lead to numerous health benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Here are some of the ways that sustainable living can benefit your health:

Reduced Exposure to Toxins

By choosing products made from natural, non-toxic materials and avoiding harmful chemicals like pesticides and harsh cleaning products, you can reduce your exposure to toxins that can harm your health. This can help to lower your risk of developing health problems like allergies, respiratory issues, and cancer.

Improved Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem in many parts of the world, and exposure to high pollution levels can have serious health consequences. By making environmentally-friendly choices like walking or biking instead of driving, using public transportation, and supporting clean energy sources, you can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in your community. This can lead to better respiratory health and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Better Mental Health

Spending time in nature and connecting with the natural world can positively impact your mental health. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve overall well-being. By incorporating more green spaces and natural elements into your daily life, such as planting a garden or hiking, you can reap the mental health benefits of sustainable living.

Tips for Making More Environmentally-Friendly Choices

Making more environmentally-friendly choices can be easy and inexpensive. Here are some tips for incorporating sustainable living into your daily routine:

Choose Eco-Friendly Products

When shopping for household products, look for those made from natural, sustainable materials and avoid products that contain harmful chemicals. You can also look for products with eco-friendly certifications, such as the USDA Organic label or the Forest Stewardship Council certification.

Reduce Your Energy Use

Minimizing energy consumption is a simple method to diminish your ecological footprint! You can quickly adopt sustainable habits such as turning off lights when leaving a room, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging electronics when they are not being utilized.

Use Alternative Transportation

Consider walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving alone. This can reduce air pollution and improve your overall health by increasing your physical activity.

There is no one today who is not affected by the changing scenario of our environment. We all do realize that this is affecting us in a big way, so it is about time we adopt at least minor changes in our lifestyle that will benefit us to lead a healthy life and saving the environment for our future generation.

We can all adopt a few small habits to make daily life kinder to the environment. These small little suggestions will go a long way to save the planet.

1. Avoid using a straw – Of all the single-use plastics, straws are one of the most insidious – small and lightweight they can easily miss the recycling bin and end up in the waterways. If you must have a straw for your smoothie, choose a reusable alternative made from stainless steel or glass (yes they are available, and you can carry your own ones).

 

2. Saving Water – No matter how much this point is stressed, it is still worth mentioning. We have to keep on making all efforts to save water, be it repairing leaking taps, saving water while brushing and shaving or even bathing.

 

3. Using Eco-friendly home cleansing substances – Its high time we all ditch the chemical based home cleaners that emit dangerous gases into the atmosphere, affecting your health in the process. Choose natural alternatives like plant-based cleaners that are equally effective in cleaning your home while being less harmful for your health and the environment.

 

4. Choosing vegies over fast-food – Though this is more about adopting a healthier lifestyle which will eventually result is a healthier generation, but fast food essentially leads to a lot of wastage and water level reduction. Make smart choice by going green in food as well.

 

5. Save Electricity switch off – When the sun is shining, make the most of it. Open your curtains, turn off your lights. This practice saves energy and also helps you soak up some of that vitamin D you need to stay happy and healthy. Try to avoid Air conditioners as much as possible.

 

6. Make your own garden – Gardening can be fun, therapeutic, and, in some cases, easy. Even if you live in an apartment you can maintain a few indoor plants and cultivate a small herb garden on your windowsill or balcony. This tiny habit will make you feel refreshed all day, and you can even plant some veggies which would mean pure consumption of food.

 

7. Car Pool or Walk – In addition to being a healthier and environment-friendly choice, this also helps to bond with both friends and nature.

 

8. Computer shut down – At night completely shut down your computer and stop sending junk mails, this not only reduces stress in society but also saves a lot of energy.

Adopting a greener, more sustainable approach to life doesn’t have to be difficult. When a realization comes from inside, everything falls into place.

Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution.

A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions.

The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

To achieve this, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.

Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Fossil fuels still account for more than 80 percent of global energy production, but cleaner sources of energy are gaining ground. About 29 percent of electricity currently comes from renewable sources.

Here are five reasons why accelerating the transition to clean energy is the pathway to a healthy, livable planet today and for generations to come.

1. Renewable energy sources are all around us

About 80 percent of the global population lives in countries that are net-importers of fossil fuels — that’s about 6 billion people who are dependent on fossil fuels from other countries, which makes them vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and crises.

In contrast, renewable energy sources are available in all countries, and their potential is yet to be fully harnessed. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90 percent of the world’s electricity can and should come from renewable energy by 2050.

Renewables offer a way out of import dependency, allowing countries to diversify their economies and protect them from the unpredictable price swings of fossil fuels, while driving inclusive economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation.

 

2. Renewable energy is cheaper

Renewable energy actually is the cheapest power option in most parts of the world today. Prices for renewable energy technologies are dropping rapidly. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85 percent between 2010 and 2020. Costs of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56 percent and 48 percent respectively.

Falling prices make renewable energy more attractive all around – including to low- and middle-income countries, where most of the additional demand for new electricity will come from. With falling costs, there is a real opportunity for much of the new power supply over the coming years to be provided by low-carbon sources.

Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of the world’s total electricity supply by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the power sector by 2050, massively cutting carbon emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.

Although solar and wind power costs are expected to remain higher in 2022 and 2023 then pre-pandemic levels due to general elevated commodity and freight prices, their competitiveness actually improves due to much sharper increases in gas and coal prices, says the International Energy Agency (IEA).

 

3. Renewable energy is healthier

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits and threatens their health, and more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including air pollution.

The unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide originate mainly from the burning of fossil fuels. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs, about $8 billion a day.

Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health.

 

4. Renewable energy creates jobs

Every dollar of investment in renewables creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry. The IEA estimates that the transition towards net-zero emissions will lead to an overall increase in energy sector jobs: while about 5 million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy, resulting in a net gain of 9 million jobs.

In addition, energy-related industries would require a further 16 million workers, for instance to take on new roles in manufacturing of electric vehicles and hyper-efficient appliances or in innovative technologies such as hydrogen. This means that a total of more than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emissions technologies by 2030.

Ensuring a just transition, placing the needs and rights of people at the heart of the energy transition, will be paramount to make sure no one is left behind.

 

5. Renewable energy makes economic sense

About $5.9 trillion was spent on subsidizing the fossil fuel industry in 2020, including through explicit subsidies, tax breaks, and health and environmental damages that were not priced into the cost of fossil fuels.

In comparison, about $4 trillion a year needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030 – including investments in technology and infrastructure – to allow us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The upfront cost can be daunting for many countries with limited resources, and many will need financial and technical support to make the transition. But investments in renewable energy will pay off. The reduction of pollution and climate impacts alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030.

Moreover, efficient, reliable renewable technologies can create a system less prone to market shocks and improve resilience and energy security by diversifying power supply options.

Learn more about how many communities and countries are realizing the economic, societal, and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Digital Catapult is committed to innovating a greener future, and runs a number of accelerator programmes dedicated to supporting startups working on ‘greentech’ or ‘cleantech’ to get their products and services market and investment ready.

Our Head of Sustainability Dr David Pugh is part of the judging panel for EnviroTech 50 this year. The annual ranking celebrates the UK’s most innovative startups, scaleups and established firms creating original technology for green energy, to protect the environment and boost sustainability. Fifty organisations have been selected for the shortlist and Dr David Pugh has selected eight startups from the longlist as his ‘envirotech’ startups to watch.

Our envirotech trailblazers…

measurable.energy

Reading-based startup, measurable.energy aims to eliminate wasted energy in buildings with the power of machine learning. Their product can not only prevent unnecessary CO2 emissions but also reduce electricity bills by at least 20%.

Winner of multiple awards and part of our Machine Intelligence Garage programme in 2022, measurable.energy raised a Series A funding of £4.5 million in 2023 to fuel their next stage of growth.

Climate X

By quantifying how different climate change pathways could result in extreme weather events, Climate X is helping organisations increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. The London-based startup has raised a total of £5.2 million in funding, including a £4.1 million seed funding round led by CommerzVentures and A/O PropTech in March 2022.

As part of the Machine Intelligence Garage programme, Climate X has benefited from additional compute power, access to NVIDIA DGX, valuable AWS credits, and ethics consultations to expand product offering and meet customer demand.

UrbanTide

One of the earlier participants in our flagship AI programme Machine Intelligence Garage, UrbanTide has been leveraging the power of AI l for over a decade. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the startup delivers the software for Smart Cities, creating more liveable communities for everyone, from energy and transportation to housing.

Greyparrot

Recognised as one of six technology startups to watch in 2022 at the 2021 Digital Catapult Awards, Greyparrot is a startup that uses AI-powered computer vision to monitor, audit and sort waste at scale, thereby reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.

Listed in the World Economic Forum’s 100 most promising global technology providers in 2021 and part of Machine Intelligence Garage, Digital Catapult has supported to pitch Greyparrot’s solution to more than 100 investors. As a result, Greyparrot secured over £2.7 million in seed funding in 2020, followed by £11 million in its Series A in 2022.

Cattleeye

Crowned with The Royal Dairy Innovation Award, Cattleeye provides insights for livestock farmers and the wider supply chain. Their monitoring technology will increase farming efficiencies and improve animal welfare. Having joined our Machine Intelligence Garage in 2020, the video analytics platform powered by deep learning then raised its seed round of $2.5 million in 2021.

Recycleye

Installed in locations across Europe and the United States, London-based startup Recycleeye is deploying advanced machine learning, computer vision and robotics to the global waste management industry. Recipient of several awards and a member of cohort 9 of our Machine Intelligence Garage, Recycleeye has recently raised $17 million in its Series A funding round.

Circulor

Expanding throughout EMEA, NA, and APAC, Circulor has developed a blockchain platform enabling businesses to monitor and track the origin and quality of raw materials in their supply chain, including dynamic tracking of CO2 emissions.

One of the 37 winning projects under the Digital Supply Chain Competition receiving £18 million funding, the London-based startup raised £20.5 million in its Series B round last year.

Emsol

Supported by real world data, EMSOL provides a B2B air and noise quality sensor and analytics platform which enables businesses to identify the root causes of pollution.

While taking part in the Future Networks Lab Challenge, its team has also adapted its technology for the workplace in response to the pandemic. Currently, the award-winning startup is working with the NHS, construction, retail and waste management.

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Digital Catapult is committed to supporting the growth of startups that will shape a greener future. Through our technical and business expertise, we are helping these startups to get their products and services market and investment ready, and to make a positive impact on the environment. The eight startups we have highlighted – measurable.energy, Climate X, Urban Tide, Greyparrot, Cattleeye, Recycleye, Circulor, and Emsol – are all working towards a more sustainable future by leveraging the power of AI, machine learning, computer vision, and blockchain technology. By supporting these startups and others like them, we can help to drive the growth of the greentech and cleantech industries, and to create a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. You can find out more about the support we provide to startups and scaleups here.

Whether you wish to complete a DIY task at home or you’re allotted to purchase electrical supplies for your company, what and where to buy are the first queries you possibly have in mind. Several electrical suppliers provide quality products. You can also search and purchase electrical supplies online since there are many sellers makes buying electrical supplies more convenient for consumers. Even if where and what to buy are the top questions in mind when purchasing these products, you need to be extra careful because a mistake on your purchase might compromise your safety. To enable you purchase the right electrical supplies, consider the following aspects.

Choose Energy-Efficient Supplies

As people embrace switching to purchasing eco-friendly products, energy-efficient electrical products are popular in the market. There are illumination bulbs that use less power but can still produce sufficient brightness to meet your needs. Energy consumption trackers are also available, and they help people monitor their energy usage at home and other institutions. Solar panels are also fantastic additions to residential buildings. There are smart habitats intended to be energy-efficient and utilize solar panels to power the majority of its appliance inside. Besides saving substantial electric utility expenses, you’ll also protect energy and save the planet in your way.

Be Keen On The Safety Details Of The Electrical Supplies

When working with electricity, safety is a vital measure for the supplies. Thus, you should comply with safety guidelines. The best way to determine if a product is safe is by ensuring it has a safety seal of endorsement from the regulatory bodies. This seal signifies that the item has been carefully tested for safety. It isn’t ideal to utilize old electric products. Your budget may be tight, thus opting for used electrical products. Before you buy, ensure the old product is in good working condition. Ensure the product is free from faults, and you’ll be sure it’ll perform well. You’re encouraged to buy used electrical products from a company with a positive reputation. It is good if the company provides sales support and extended warranties for its offerings.

Select A Brand With A Range Of Supplies

Because it might be a hassle and time-consuming to keep buying from different sellers, it is good to select an electrical brand that provides a wide variety of supplies. This way, you’ll deal with only one supplier for your entire electrical needs. Some of the aspects that make it more perfect for working and buying from one electrical merchant are that expenses are cut when you make orders in the vastness, saves you time, and gives you assured quality knowing your products came from one source. When something arises, for example, circuit breakers overloading for any reason or light switches that don’t function properly, you can get a replacement.

Choose The Right Store

Choosing the right store for your electrical supplies is vital. You can ask for alternatives from a relative, neighbor, friends, and anyone who is ardent about electrical works. Also, consider visiting a retailer’s web since most businesses are available online nowadays. Check their reviews, then assess if the possible shortcomings are tolerable for you or not. Getting recommendations will lead you to a cherished store like transco.net.au. A store that is praised by several can assure you that they offer quality products at a reasonable price.

Purchasing electrical products makes the correct purchase very crucial to ensure the job gets executed safely and correctly. Having a definite plan will enable you to make informed choices, the reason you should use the above tips.

1. Shutdown your computer

Computers are some of the biggest energy users in office buildings. Turn your monitor off at night and ditch the screensaver. Today’s computers can be turned on and off over 40,000 times. Opting to shut down over using a screensaver does not affect your computer’s lifespan. (EnergyStar). So power down!

2. Choose the right light

LED bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option. LED bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs (Energy Star). The also have no mercury, and last about 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs (DoE).

3. Eliminate vampire power: unplug idle electronics.

Devices like televisions, microwaves, scanners, and printers use standby power, even when off. Some chargers continue to pull small amounts of energy, even when plugged in (a good judge of this is if a charger feels warm to the touch). In the US, the total electricity consumed by idle electronics equals the annual output of 12 power plants (EPA).

4. Use a power strip to reduce your plug load.

To avoid paying for this “vampire power,” use a power strip to turn all devices off at once. Flipping the switch on your power strip has the same effect as unplugging each socket from the wall, preventing phantom energy loss.

5. Turn off the lights

Just one switch and you’re done!