Spotted: There is a lot of energy embedded in ocean waves. In fact, according to the US Energy Information Administration, waves off the coast of the US alone have a theoretical energy potential of 2.64 trillion kilowatt-hours – enough to meet around 64 per cent of the country’s 2021 energy demand.
Hoping to tap into this abundant but underexploited energy source is Finnish company AW-Energy with its WaveRoller wave energy converter. WaveRollers are hinged panels that harness the power of ocean waves as they move back and forth. Interior hydraulics and an integrated power storage system convert the movement of the waves to electricity.
Company CFO Matthew Pech told Springwise, “The original inspiration for the technology was when the inventor, Rauno Koivusaari, was diving into a shipwreck. He saw a cargo hatch moving with the motion of the water, and tried to stop it with a plank of wood, which shattered. This sparked the idea that there was a large amount of energy available that could be tapped into.”
The zero-emissions devices are mostly or completely submerged in the water. They are fixed to the ocean floor anywhere from half a kilometre to two kilometres away from shore, at depths ranging from eight to 20 metres. That near-shore location makes the technology particularly useful as it minimises the chances of faults in the subsea cables used to connect WaveRollers to the on-shore grid infrastructure. One WaveRoller generates 350 to 1,000 kilowatts of energy depending on the size and strength of the waves in each location, and multiple devices can be used together to boost energy generation.
The devices complement existing renewable energy sources by providing additional power and filling in gaps in provision from the more intermittent renewables of wind and solar. WaveRoller’s power storage system comes in a variety of sizes, for utility-scale use and to provide rapid response support for fluctuations in grid supply. AW-Energy also created a smaller-scale WaveRoller-X. All components of the smaller device fit within a single shipping container, and the fully built device is small enough to be suitable for remote locations and those with limited sea access.
AW-Energy is currently developing projects with customers, with a goal of deploying its first commercial array of WaveRollers within the next couple of years.
Springwise’s library contains a number of innovations that harness the power of water, including technology that harnesses the power of raindrops and IoT software that improves hydropower plants’ efficiency by automating certain tasks.
The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.
In the heart of Tampere, Finland, the Hiedanranta Innovation Bay project is a shining example of urban transformation, challenging the conventional suburban model of isolated campuses without integrated housing or commercial areas. They represent multifaceted ecosystems encompassing research centers, universities, corporate offices, government agencies, healthcare facilities, cultural institutions and technology hubs. This diverse mix creates collaborative environments for interdisciplinary interactions, fostering creativity and advancing research and development. The inclusion of community spaces enhances engagement and shared amenities within these districts. Steering away from the conventional blueprint, these districts strategically leverage mass transit, emphasizing a departure from car-centric developments. Avoiding the trend of urban sprawl and fostering vibrant, community-centric urban living is a focal point.
However, the idyllic picture painted by innovative districts comes with challenges. Concerns like gentrification, the potential loss of a city’s unique character and rising housing costs accompany their development. As these districts attract investment and development, there is a risk of pushing out existing communities, altering the cultural fabric and contributing to rising property values. However, thoughtful urban planning and inclusive design strategies can address these concerns, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared equitably and that the district enhances rather than diminishes the overall quality of urban life.
Hiedanranta Innovation Bay by Schauman & Nordgren Architects, Tampere, Finland.
There are proactive measures that local communities along with architects, planners, transportation specialists and environmental experts together can undertake to address these concerns. Engaging diverse stakeholders ensures a comprehensive approach that considers the needs, preferences and sustainability of the community, fostering a collaborative and inclusive urban development. The creation of ample public spaces, mixed-use development and initiatives for inclusive economic growth contribute to establishing a diverse and vibrant urban environment. Implementing smart transportation solutions further enhances accessibility, steering away from car-centric models. Through these strategic measures, professionals can transform innovation districts into positive contributors to communities, fostering economic growth, technological advancement and overall well-being.
The Hiedanranta Innovation Bay project in Tampere, Finland, aligns with the forward-thinking vision embraced by many cities aiming to integrate innovation districts into their urban landscape for the betterment of their economy, residents’ well-being, and environment. Upon completion, the Innovation Bay is set to accommodate over 25,000 new residents and generate 10,000 jobs. This transformation will convert the former industrial district into a dynamic innovation hub, emphasizing the principles of a circular economy and fostering sustainable development.
Metamorphosis in Steel City: The Assembly and Innovative Urban Living
In line with this transformative vision, another notable illustration is the project centered around Pittsburgh’s historic Ford Motor Plant. Undergoing a significant metamorphosis, this iconic site was reimagined as a hub for scientific research. The project encapsulates the essence of these evolving models of innovation districts, creating more integrated, sustainable, and vibrant communities.
The Assembly by ZGF Architects, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Photo by Halkin Mason Photography | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Higher Education & Research Facilities
The Assembly is the outcome of Pittsburgh’s historic Ford Motor Plant undergoing a transformation into a hub for scientific research, symbolizing a new era of innovation in the Steel City. Once part of the 31 Ford Motor Plants nationwide, this facility is now the home to the University of Pittsburgh and the Hillman Cancer Center, tailored for advanced cancer and immunology research. The building brings together academic researchers and private industry tenants in a central location.
The Assembly efficiently consolidates the elements of an innovation district within a single city block, incorporating ample amenity, retail, and conferencing space to attract top talent while benefiting tenants and the neighboring community. The district model prioritizes physical compactness and transit accessibility, reducing commuting barriers, and enabling researchers from different groups to easily connect. The incorporation of mixed-use spaces creates a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration beyond formal work settings.
Shaping Cities and Connecting Minds: The Hans Rosling Center’s Story
The positive impact of innovation districts extends beyond physical planning to encompass collaborative ecosystems. The interdisciplinary approach in their design brings together researchers from various fields, fostering a rich and diverse ecosystem that sparks innovative solutions and knowledge exchange. Adaptive workspaces cater to project-specific needs, enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of the environment.
Illustrating the principles of innovation districts, The University of Washington’s Hans Rosling Center for Population Health stands as a compelling example of community-centric design that cultivates a sense of belonging, contributing to a collaborative spirit and facilitating the seamless flow of information among different research groups.
Hans Rosling Center for Population Health by The Miller Hull Partnership, Seattle, Washington | Photo by Kevin Scott.
The University of Washington’s Hans Rosling Center for Population Health — named after a pioneer in the data-driven approach to health improvement — serves as a central hub for collaborative efforts among faculty, researchers and students. Endowed with a $210 million gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and $15 million from the Washington State Legislature, the center focuses on human health, environmental resilience, and social and economic equity. Housing the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME), UW Department of Global Health, parts of the UW School of Public Health, and the offices of the UW Population Health Initiative, the center has played a crucial role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. IHME’s projections have informed policymakers, and researchers have shared insights with major media outlets.
Designed to accommodate system shocks like pandemics, the Rosling Center’s layout features a variety of flexible office types, organized as neighborhoods, catering to different working styles. From 1–2-person shared offices to open workstations, each neighborhood encourages collaboration and innovation. The building’s design also includes a new accessible entry, a monumental covered porch, and an urban staircase, creating a welcoming space for the community and fostering intermingling among diverse groups.
Paving the Way for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Futures
ResilienCity: Boston’s Innovation District by MapLab, inc. Boston, Massachusetts
Innovation districts are supplanting the traditional suburban model of corporate research and technology campuses by prioritizing denser, mixed-use environments and transit accessibility, fostering collaboration, connectivity, and innovation. Unlike isolated suburban campuses, these districts integrate mixed-use spaces, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement. This shift aims to optimize urban spaces, reduce commuting barriers, and create vibrant, dynamic hubs that contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected urban future. Architects, planners and city authorities can take proactive measures to mitigate concerns associated with innovation districts. By adopting such measures, stakeholders can contribute to the creation of innovation districts that not only drive economic growth and technological advancement but also enhance the overall well-being and inclusivity of urban communities.
The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.
The third Monday of January is considered by some to be the most depressing day of the year. And, although the concept of ‘Blue Monday’ is a marketeer’s invention, energy consumers in Europe will certainly have been feeling glum in the face of a challenging outlook for energy prices.
The current energy crisis has heightened awareness of energy consumption and the need for improvements in energy efficiency. And this has translated into government action to slash energy demand in the short term. The EU, for example, has introduced voluntary measures to cut overall electricity use by 10 per cent in the EU by the end of March 2023, with obligatory reductions of 5 per cent during peak hours.
Longer-term energy efficiency improvements are also on the agenda. The UK plans to cut its energy usage by 15 per cent by 2030. And the European Commission plans to increase the EU’s binding target for energy efficiency improvements by 2030 from 9 per cent to 13 per cent (compared to a 2020 baseline). Some groups in the European Parliament want to increase it even further to 14.5 per cent.
Looking globally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that that Government ambition on efficiency has grown in 2022, with global investments in energy efficiency increasing by 16 per cent compared to 2021. And, while the energy crisis has been felt most acutely in Europe, energy efficiency affects the whole world. According to the IEA’s Sustainable Development Scenario, energy efficiency represents more than 40 per cent of the emissions abatement needed by 2040.
Efficiency gains in industry will play an important role in reducing emissions. But innovation is also needed to deliver energy savings in the home. Read on to discover some of the most exciting solutions that are making our homes consume energy more efficiently.
Heating and cooling
In the US, heating and cooling rooms accounts for 38 per cent of domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Finding more efficient ways to manage the temperature of our homes is therefore an important area for innovation. One solution is better insulation, and, in the UK, the issue has become so charged that it has spawned Insulate Britain, a group demanding that the Government insulate all social housing by 2025.
And while fresh research has cast doubt on the long-term effectiveness of insulation for reducing natural gas consumption, new materials that reduce reliance on energy-guzzling heating and cooling systems have been an important area of development. Swiss-Belgian startup Gramitherm, for example, makes bio-based carbon negative insulation out of grass, and engineers from Germany and China have developed a new wood-based cooling foam that could reduce the cooling needs of a building by a third.
Another approach is to make temperature management systems themselves more efficient. And in the US, a startup called Carbon Reform has developed a process to retrofit traditional HVAC systems to work more efficiently.
Energy monitoring
In order to implement energy efficiency measures, consumers need to be able to monitor their consumption. Smart meters – devices that track price and consumption data and provide automatic meter readings – have become increasingly popular in recent years. And Springwise has spotted ‘bridge’ devices that connect hard-to-reach areas with smart meter infrastructure. But beyond smart meters, Springwise has spotted a range of other solutions for tracking and acting on energy usage data.
UK startup measurable.energy has developed smart socket technology for commercial use that can safely monitor the electricity use of each socket, helping organisations save energy and money. And in Tunisia, a startup called Wattnow has developed an AI-powered system that tracks energy usage in a building. Through a dashboard accessible via both mobile and desktop, the system identifies ways to consume energy more efficiently and sends early alerts when maintenance is needed. The AI also puts together predictions for future use patterns.
Making the most of government incentives
In both the UK and US, government initiatives are encouraging the adoption of energy efficient practices. And innovators are on hand to help consumers make the most of them.
In the UK, grants are available to help retrofit the least energy-efficient homes to make them greener. But funding for the scheme is not open-ended meaning that the grants need to be targeted where they can make the most difference. To help with this, UrbanTide has developed artificial intelligence-based software that identifies homes and areas with the poorest energy efficiency. It does this by combining anonymised smart meter data with other data streams to produce detailed fuel poverty risk maps.
Meanwhile, in the US, Elephant Energy is helping homeowners electrify their properties to benefit from rebates introduced by the recent Inflation Reduction Act. The company develops customer-tailored electrification plans incorporating measures such as the installation of heat pumps, hybrid water heaters, EV chargers, and induction hobs.
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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. This week we are heading to Morocco…
Climate targets: A 45.5 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 – 18.3 per cent of this target is unconditional with the remaining 27.2 per cent conditional on international assistance
Sustainability issues
Water scarcity– Morocco is extremely vulnerable to drought and water scarcity. Development strains, increased demand for irrigation, and population growth are causing a decline in renewable water resources. Water-stressed farms, in turn, require greater irrigation, further reducing available water in a vicious circle.
Phosphate production– Morocco plays a crucial role in the global food system. The country possesses over 70 per cent of the world’s phosphate rock deposits from which the phosphorous used in fertiliser is derived. Phosphate extraction and fertiliser production both have a major environmental impact as they are highly energy- and water-intensive.
Coastal erosion– Rising sea levels and climate-change-exacerbated coastal erosion are threatening the livelihoods of many coastal Moroccans working in sectors such as fisheries and tourism. In fact, according to the World Bank, coastal erosion threatens to swamp entire beaches in the MENA region.
For farmers in Africa and the Middle East, reliance on an increasingly volatile climate is making it more and more difficult to achieve a stable, predictable income. And, according to The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, aridity in parts of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region will increase in the next century, shrinking arable lands and disrupting agricultural patterns. This worrying trend inspired the foundation of Jodoor, a Rabat-based startup that designs, builds, and installs hi-tech connected greenhouses for farmers. Read more
The world loses almost six million hectares of forest each year to deforestation. That’s like losing an area the size of Portugal every two years. And around three-quarters of this deforestation is directly attributable to agriculture. To respond to this problem, From Sand to Green (FSG) has developed a nature-based solution for transforming deserts into farmland. Read more
A century ago, a growing population pushed farmers to grow crops faster than nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil could keep up, and supplies of natural nitrates began to run out. In response, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch developed a process to react hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen under pressure to make ammonia for use as fertiliser. But in solving one problem, they caused another one – making ammonia in this way takes a lot of energy. Now, a new process for making green ammonia may once again come to the rescue. Read more
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. This week we are heading to Sweden…
Climate targets: Zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045
Sustainability issues
Baltic sea pollution – The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted bodies of water on earth. And a recent study has found that wastewater discharged from ships’ scrubbers (systems for treating exhaust gases) accounts for a significant proportion of carcinogenic chemical emissions. In response, the country is considering a ban of open loop scrubbers in its waters.
Impact of mining– In February 2022, the UN warned Swedish authorities not to issue a licence for an iron-ore mine in the country’s Gállok region. The organisation argued that the development would lead to large quantities of toxic waste that would impact eco-systems linked to the reindeer migration. The licence, which was ultimately granted, has also been criticised by the World Wildlife Fund.
Forestry practices– Sweden is the world’s third largest exporter of pulp, paper, and sawn wood products. The country is known for its sustainable forestry practices and its forests have actually doubled in size over the past 100 years. Nonetheless, many argue that Sweden’s model of replacing old-growth forests with monocultures is bad for biodiversity.
According to the IEA, the number of electric cars on the world’s roads by the end of 2021 was about 16.5 million, triple the amount in 2018. While this may seem like great news for the environment, it is not all positive. That is because the current recycling rate for electric vehicle (EV) batteries is extremely low, with some estimates putting it at just five per cent. For electric mobility to represent a truly sustainable solution, this needs to change, and Stockholm-based Cling Systems is one of the organisations working on a solution. The company has developed a platform that connects vehicle manufacturers and buyers of end-of-life batteries to vehicle scrap yards and dismantlers. Read more
While the transition to renewable energy is picking up pace all the time, there are still several technological challenges facing those looking to build a fully sustainable future. One of these is the need for a more efficient way to store energy. Many renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, are intermittent, and it is vital to find ways to store this energy when it is not needed. Redox flow batteries are among the most efficient energy storage technologies. Now, Swedish startup Cellfion is working to make redox flow batteries even more efficient with a unique, bio-based membrane. Read more
A fintech platform Earthbanc helps farmers attract investment in carbon credits for regeneration projects. But one issue with regenerative land programmes is transparency – it is very difficult to verify that a scheme is actually sequestering a specified amount of carbon. Without having this information, it is impossible to effectively use carbon credits to contribute to land regeneration schemes. Earthbanc’s platform solves this problem by using artificial intelligence (AI), trained on satellite remote sensing data collected in collaboration with the European Space Agency, to automatically audit the carbon reduction impact of land regeneration projects and to verify carbon credits. Read more
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. This week we are heading to Denmark…
Climate targets: Reduce emissions by 70 per cent in 2030 compared to 1990, carbon neutrality by 2050
Sustainability issues
Agricultural emissions– In a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario, Denmark’s agricultural sector will account for 15 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In response, the government has set ambitious emission reduction targets for the sector, and has earmarked €150 million to advance plant-based foods.
Greenwashing– Denmark is a sustainability leader, and 79 per cent of Danish people think that climate change is humanity’s biggest challenge. These green values have led companies to increasingly add environmental claims to their advertising. This has led to fears of greenwashing and plans for tighter regulation of green marketing.
Air pollution – Denmark scores comparatively well for air pollution compared to the majority of countries, yet air quality is nonetheless an issue. The country’s average air quality is 1.9 times the annual level set by the World Health Organization and approximately 6,000 Danes die from air pollution each year.
In countries such as the UK, health and social care workforce shortages are reaching crisis proportions. Each day brings a new report of staff shortages and their implications for patient care. While it can’t replace staff, a Danish health tech startup is developing technology to ensure staff are being deployed as efficiently as possible. The company, Teton.ai, has developed a system that uses computer vision to track patient movements and alert staff when patients are at risk of falling or need other types of assistance. Read more
In this time of energy price rises, many businesses are finding their energy bills rocketing. Now, climate tech startup Reel is working to change the way businesses procure electricity by offering a way for companies to buy green electricity on commercially attractive terms. Reel’s solution is based on a type of renewable energy contract called a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Usually the preserve of large companies, Reel is making PPAs available to smaller businesses. Read more
Created to reduce waste in the cosmetics industry, CustomiseMe soap uses all organic ingredients in its made-to-order production. The company reduces waste by producing orders individually by hand and by using recycled and recyclable materials in its shipping packaging. Soaps are made using the cold press technique which involves a four-week curing process. Read more
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. This week we are heading to the Netherlands…
Climate targets: 49 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, 95 per cent reduction by 2050
Sustainability issues
Nitrogen pollution– The Netherlands sits behind only the United States as an agricultural exporter. Heavy fertiliser use and large numbers of livestock have led to high levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and water. In response, the Dutch government has introduced ambitious nitrogen pollution reduction targets which have, in turn, sparked protests by farmers.
Noise pollution– Noise pollution is an underappreciated problem in Europe. The European Environment Agency, estimates that long-term exposure to environmental noise causes 12,000 premature deaths each year. Around Amersterdam’s Schiphol Airport, noise pollution has become such a concern that it has led to plans to reduce the airport’s capacity by 20 per cent.
Plastic pollution– Plastic pollution is an important concern for the Dutch public with one survey finding that 71 per cent of people in the Netherlands support a ban on single-use plastic. But a recent study from the University of Leiden found that 13 kilotonnes of plastic from the Netherlands end up in the oceans each year.
According to one report, as much as half a pound of food is wasted for every restaurant meal, including from kitchen waste and what’s left on customers’ plates. While some of this can’t be helped (peels, rinds, food that has gone off), there is a lot of scope for improvement. That is the goal of Dutch startup Orbisk, which has developed a computer vision-based system that helps food service operators identify and cut down on waste. Read more
According to the UN Environmental Programme, the construction industry accounts for around 11 per cent of total global carbon emissions. Now, Dutch startup StoneCycling is hoping to make a dent in this figure with bricks made from recycled construction debris. The company currently makes recycled bricks containing 60 per cent waste, and in the future expects to bring that figure up to 100 per cent. Read more
Grown from cells taken from unharmed animals, Meatable’s meat is identical in every way to traditionally farmed animal meat with a significant exception – the production process. The harvested cells are used to replicate the natural process of fat and muscle growth in a process that takes only a few weeks. By contrast, it takes around three years for a cow to grow to a point where it can be slaughtered. Read more
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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John Lennon famously called for the world to give peace a chance. But, in 2022, is that chance being given? It is hard to argue that it is. The world today is witnessing the largest number of violent conflicts since 1946, with a quarter of the world’s population living in conflict-affected countries. This has been underlined perhaps most starkly by widespread coverage of the first major European conflict since the second world war: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But wars are raging across the globe, with ongoing major conflicts (defined as those that have caused more than 10,000 deaths in the past year) in Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Mexico, and East Africa – in addition to Ukraine.
Elsewhere, progress is more evident. For example, the global homicide rate fell 5.2 per cent between 2015 and 2020. Despite this, many people around the world remain at risk of violence, with women particularly vulnerable.
And there remains work to be done in other areas covered by SDG 16, which calls for peace, justice, and strong institutions. Corruption continues to exist in every region on earth, costing developing countries $1.26 trillion each year. Access to legal representation is also far from universal, with a majority of the world’s population unable to gain meaningful access to justice.
In the face of these entrenched problems, it can sometimes be difficult to see how innovation can make a difference. But innovators across the globe are supporting the necessary institutional changes with solutions that improve transparency, security, and collaboration.
Ending violence
According to the World Economic Forum, the total cost of conflict and violence is more than $14 trillion per year. This includes violence within societies that are at peace, as well as those that are engaged in armed conflict. Women, in particular, are at risk, with almost one in three women suffering physical or sexual violence at least once in their life. In response, innovators are coming up with new ways to prevent and report crime. In the UK, a platform is making it easier to report sexual harassment on London’s public transport network. Meanwhile, a Danish startup has developed connected jewellery that sends an alert to all nearby users of the company’s app if the wearer feels unsafe.
Combatting corruption and money laundering
One of the most effective ways to combat issues like child trafficking, modern slavery, and terrorism is to cut off the financing of these activities. This funding can be substantial with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating that the amount of money laundered each year is equivalent to between two and five per cent of global GDP. This money is used to fund a whole range of nefarious activities.
This is one area where technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can make a significant contribution. For example, software company Lucinity has developed a suite of tools that use AI to help companies improve their anti-money laundering compliance. The company uses a ‘Human AI’ approach, which combines AI with human insights and expertise. Beyond technology, however, social enterprises have a role to play through investigative and policy work. For example, The Sentry conducts in-depth investigations to ensure that war crimes don’t pay. The organisation’s recent reports have exposed cases of corruption in Congo, Zimbabwe, and Sudan among many others.
Tackling misinformation
Strong democratic institutions require a healthy public discourse as well as widespread access to information. And innovators are working to prevent repressive regimes from restricting access to information and communication services. For example, Bridgefy’s messaging app, which doesn’t require Wi Fi or data, was downloaded over a million times during the 2021 military coup in Myanmar when internet services were disrupted.
Misinformation, which can be used to undermine faith in democratic institutions, is also an increasingly pervasive threat. Here too, innovators are playing their part. Social media tools developed by Indiana University’s Observatory on Social Media, help journalists, researchers and the public understand viral social media posts, including the role played by bots. Meanwhile an app, called the Newsroom, is hoping to counter fake news and disinformation by explaining how different publishers are covering the same event.
Access to justice
Legal equality is a foundational principle of liberal democracy and is considered a fundamental right in most countries around the world. However, access to legal representation in practice fails to live up to this ideal. For example, a 2019 study by the Task Force on Justice—a multi-stakeholder partnership bringing together UN member states, international organisations, and civil society—found that 5.1 billion people have no meaningful access to justice.
Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. Ahead of St. Stephen’s Day, we are celebrating three exciting innovations from Hungary…
Climate targets: A 40 per cent reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2030 , achieve climate neutrality by 2050
Sustainability issues
Air pollution– Hungary has among the highest levels of particulate matter air pollution in the OECD. In 2021, the EU’s top court found that Hungary has systematically breached EU limits on particulate matter pollution, for as long as 12 years in some regions. And the European Environment Agency attributed 13,100 premature deaths in Hungary to air pollution in 2018.
Water pollution – Hungary is home to Lake Balaton – the largest lake in Central Europe. It is an important site for migratory birds and has become a major tourist destination in recent years. However, one academic believes might become unfit for bathing in 10-15 years due to deteriorating water quality. Although, today, the waters are relatively clean, the most polluted parts of the lake are prone to frequent algal blooms.
Energy security – Hungary is heavily dependent on Russian natural gas imports. It is therefore vulnerable to price hikes and dislocations caused by the current conflict in Ukraine. In response, the government has loosened restrictions on logging in order to meet surging demand for firewood, sparking protests in the nation’s capital.
Many towns, villages, and cities don’t have the infrastructure in place to manage a community-wide composting system. Food therefore continues to end up in landfill, especially in areas where room for gardening is scarce. Hungarian startup Compocity’s solution is to bring composting indoors with a smart system called the CompoBot. Read more
A THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM REDUCES ENERGY COSTS AND EMISSIONS
Nearly half of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with buildings are the result of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Buildings, in turn, account for 39 per cent of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions. In response, buildings are increasingly fitted with thermal energy storage systems that smooth and optimise heating and cooling throughout the day. Traditionally, these systems work by changing the temperature of water in huge tanks that are expensive and inefficient. This could be set to change, however. Read more
RE-PURPOSING NATURAL GAS PIPELINES TO TRANSPORT HYDROGEN
Natural gas will be phased out of the energy mix as the world transitions to renewable energy. But what is to be done with all the gas infrastructure once this happens? At the same time, hydrogen, one of the most promising clean fuels for the future, currently lacks infrastructure for storage or transportation. This raises an intriguing possibility – what if existing natural gas infrastructure was used to transport hydrogen? Hungary’s natural gas network operator FGSZ, is exploring this option with risk and assurance company DNV Group. Read more
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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The multi-faceted challenges facing the world today must be tackled collectively. And it will only be possible to achieve the SDGs if everyone commits to collaboration, both within and between societies.
In particular, developing countries that have not reaped the economic benefits of industrialisation need to be supported as they transition to a greener, healthier, and more prosperous society. This support must, in turn, tackle the inter-related issues of debt relief and access to finance, communications technology, and global markets.
Action on the SDGs is not the sole preserve of governments. Businesses, NGOs, and citizens themselves all have a role to play, and building partnerships between these societal actors is essential.
SDG 17 focuses on this partnership building, and, in many ways, underpins all of the other SDGs. But how can innovators help deliver on SDG 17? Their role is twofold: they can facilitate partnerships, and they can act as inspiring examples of what partnership can achieve. And of course, innovators exist in all corners of society, not just in startups, but in governments, universities, social enterprises, and communities of all kinds.
Building exports in developing countries
One of the issues raised in SDG 17 is the access of developing countries to global markets. Today, only one per cent of exports in the global merchandise trade come from the world’s least-developed countries, and this percentage has remained flat since 2011. As a result, target 17.11 within SDG 17, which called for the least-developed countries’ share of exports to double by 2020, has not been met.
Despite this lack of overall progress, individual innovators continue to work hard to develop new sustainable and exportable products in developing countries. For example, one startup is hoping to acquire disused land to create a bamboo industry in Jamaica that will export the sustainable crop for use in paper-making. And, in Kenya, an entrepreneur is hoping to turn the overlooked croton nut into a sustainable cash crop.
Mobilising finance
Target 17.3 within SDG 17 calls for the mobiliation of finance from multiple sources to support developing countries. Innovation in finance has come from both the public and private sector. In 2017, supported by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, Fiji made history by becoming the first nation to issue a sovereign green finance bond. Proceeds from the bond sale were earmarked for initiatives to improve crop resilience, bolster flood management in sugarcane fields, support reforestation, and rebuild schools to better withstand extreme weather.
In the private sector, one startup in Chile has developed a platform that makes it easy for small businesses to manage their business and quickly apply for loans. Such a service is crucial as the company points out that only 5 per cent of companies in all Latin American countries have access to recurring financial services.
Cross-sector partnerships
Partnerships across the different sectors of society will be crucial to achieving the SDGs, as is highlighted in target 17.17. And innovators are developing new ways for organisations of all kinds to tap into the broad range of skills embodied within communities.
One exciting example of this principle in action comes from South African startup Zindi. Presented with data-centred challenges by companies, NGOs, and government institutions, the company invites its community of data scientists to take part in a number of solution-finding competitions. Each winning solution bags its creator a cash prize.
Information and communications technology
Target 17.8 highlights the importance of enabling technology, particularly ICT equipment, for building effective partnerships. Yet this technology is not always readily available in developing countries – only 1.4 people per 1,000 inhabitants have a fixed broadband subscription, for example. Innovators are therefore working hard to improve digital access.
In Benin, one startup offers workshops that teach people how to build their own computers from jerrycans. The training is offered for free, but participants must find the components to build their own computers themselves. These can come from old or broken computers that are being recycled, or purchased. Over the long term, however, access to top-of-the-range communications equipment is essential. In South Africa, telecom giant Vodacom is hoping to make smartphones accessible to everyone with a ‘Good as New’ programme that offers used Apple iphones for sale at a fraction of the cost of a new model.
Dissemination of clean technology
At present, annual clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies needs to increase more than sevenfold to put the world on track to reach net zero by 2050. And the dissemination of clean technologies must be done in a way that ensures they are affordable for developing countries.
In Peru, a social enterprise is making it easier for off-grid households to acquire solar-powered lights and other cleantech solutions. Using a pay-as-you-go model, users can buy one week’s worth of solar energy at a time. To make the financing option viable, the enterprise is working with a range of partners to provide larger solar arrays from which communities can buy power. In Tanzania, EDFI ElectriFI, the EU-funded electrification financing initiative, has invested in Simusolar, a startup that develops affordable solar-powered water pumps and fishing lights for off-grid communities.
Words: Matthew Hempstead
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