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To keep an eye on the ecological balance of the forest, Empa offers a solution through the use of drones. Climate change, insect infestation or browsing by game - the forest is exposed to a variety of harmful environmental influences that need to be monitored. Empa researchers have already stationed sensors in forests for this purpose, measuring temperatures, air quality or moisture content of the trunks.
Such sensors can also be used to track the behavior of forest animals, register forest fires and insect infestations, and detect the influence of human activities on the forest. However, positioning sensors on trees is a complex and risky undertaking.
Flying robots à la Robin Hood
(Source: Empa)
Smart materials on the trigger
The researchers' goal is to build a network of sensors that could be used to better monitor the sensitive forest ecosystem. "Drones offer a particular advantage when it comes to regions that are difficult to access, such as the Amazon," says the researcher. "Drones can be used to obtain large amounts of very precise data of environmental damage in the forest," Kovac explains. "I see the drones as artificial forest dwellers that control the habitat so that we can better protect it based on the data we obtain."
For their service in the forest, the drones are equipped with a camera and a launching device for the sensor arrows. Thanks to shape memory metals - "smart" materials that react to heat and return to their original structure after deformation - the launching of the arrows can be precisely controlled. In addition, the drones can be used as mobile sensors, collecting data themselves as they settle on branches. Researchers have already been able to test the drones' capabilities during flight experiments in the indoor flight arena at Empa's NEST experimental robot testing space in Dübendorf and the test site at Imperial College.
Currently, humans control the drones. Using the camera image, the researchers select suitable trees as targets and shoot the arrows. In a next step, the flying robots will eventually learn to carry out their work autonomously so that they can be deployed even in the most remote locations. Before such missions can take place in nature, however, the link between human control and autonomous robot work must be solidly balanced so that the drones can cope with the vagaries of a living environment, the researchers say.
www.empa.ch/web/s604/Drohnen-im-Wald
The research is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets Hub (ORCA), EU's Horizon 2020 and the British Academy of Sciences The Royal Society.
A team of soil scientists at the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples RUDN University confirms that traditional approaches to monitoring urban soil pollution ignore the real risks to city dwellers because they do not take into account the barrier function of soil. Using Moscow as an example, the team shows that not only polluted inner-city districts, but also recreational parks and forested areas can pose a threat to people. This is because the barrier function of soil in green suburbs is weaker, so it cannot withstand even the slightest pollution. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Environmental Quality.
Using Moscow as an example, new research from the Moscow University of International Understanding (RUDN) showed that not only polluted inner city districts, but also parks and forest areas can pose a threat to humanity. This is due to the fact that the barrier function of soils is weaker in green suburbs.
On industrial soil pollution
Industrial soil pollution with heavy metals poses a threat to human health. From the soil, pollutants get into the water, dust and plants. The intensity of these processes depends on the properties of the soil, its organic composition, acidity and texture. Clay and loam soils, for example, act as geochemical barriers. They retain pollutants. This prevents them from spreading further.
Traditional approaches to ecological monitoring, however, assess risks based only on the concentration of pollutants, RUDN underscores in a Media release. Their experiment covered nine administrative districts of Moscow. The researchers took soil samples at 224 locations in public spaces, residential areas and industrial zones. The main sources of contamination were industrial plants and automobiles. In more than 30 percent of the samples, the concentration of heavy metals exceeded the standards set by the Russian Ministry of Health and Consumer Rights. The most contaminated samples were from public places in the city center. However, the clay soil typical of central Moscow, with its alkaline acidity, has a high barrier activity index. This means that it can retain pollution.
"In some cases, the ability of soils to bind heavy metals compensates for high levels of pollution. On the other hand, topsoils in some green zones are not able to retain even the smallest amounts of pollutants," said Olga Romzaykina, a researcher at RUDN. (Source: RUDN).
State Councillor Antonio Hodgers inaugurated the participatory solar power plant at the Stade de Genève. The construction of the plant allows 2,100 Geneva residents to participate in the photovoltaic power plant. The new plant produces around 1 GWh and thus makes its contribution to the energy policy of the Canton of Geneva and the Energy Strategy 2050, which was approved by the Geneva population.
Partner voices
"The success of this participatory solar power plant shows that the circular economy works. At SIG's instigation, this participatory financing by our customers creates a virtuous circle for ecological change in this time of climate change," says Christian Brunier, CEO of SIG.
The Stade de Genève uses 100 percent renewable electricity, a third of which is produced on its roof. "We are delighted with the recent resumption of the games at the Stade de Genève, which are now back on fire thanks to the green energy generated on our installations," says Jean-Marc Guinchard, president of the Stade de Genève Foundation.
"Every solar panel is important to face the climatic emergency and enable us to reach the goal of producing 150 GWh of photovoltaic electricity in Geneva by 2025," stresses Antonio Hodgers, State Councillor in charge of the Department for the Territory.
Local energy production is enhanced through smart consumption management. "A smart city is one that produces and consumes responsibly and as locally as possible. It involves citizens and uses digital technology. A participatory solar power project is a concrete example of a smart city," says Patricia Solioz Mathys, Director of Smart City at SIG.
SIG has a fleet of 59 solar power plants that produce nearly 15 GWh, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 5,000 households. SIG thus contributes to achieving the cantonal targets for local renewable energy production.
The participatory formula in Geneva
The inauguration of the participatory solar power plant at the Stade de Genève took place in strict compliance with the health measures recently adopted by the State Council to combat COVID-19. The photovoltaic power plant at the Stade de Genève, which became operational last February, produces 1 GWh per year, equivalent to the annual consumption of 367 Geneva households. It consists of 3,064 solar panels. The stadium consumes 30 percent of the production, while the remaining 70 percent was marketed in a participatory manner through the operation "Mon m2 solaire".
Almost 2,100 Geneva residents have bought shares with it. Each share costs 330 francs and guarantees 100 kWh of solar power per year for 20 years. This makes it possible, for example, to charge an e-bike for a year.
Earth, a finite vessel of life in the vastness of our solar system. Life on Earth depends on the energy produced by the sun. However, over the last century, human and large-scale industrial activities of our modern civilization have increased the Earth's natural greenhouse gases. They have a negative impact on our climate and thus on all forms of life. At the same time, rapid population growth and widespread urbanization require responsible use of limited resources.
To reduce the human impact on our planet, we need political will, concrete measures and the right tools. International standards are such an instrument. The international standards developed by IEC, ISO and ITU take into account proven solutions to technical challenges. They help to ensure that specialist knowledge and expertise are widely shared in both industrialized and developing countries. Standards cover all aspects of energy conservation and water and air quality. They establish standardized protocols and measurement methods. Their widespread application helps to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and processes, facilitate the reuse of limited resources, and improve energy efficiency.
The SNV video for World Standards Day 2020:
In the press release for World Standards Day 2020, there is a key sentence: "To reduce the human impact on our planet, we need political will, concrete action and the right instruments. International standards are one such instrument." But can our world be protected with standards? Can it? The slogan, however, comes from the Geneva-based ISO.
Standards are important for the national economy
We are occasionally surprised or annoyed by the many standards we are expected to observe. Most of the time, however, we are glad that things are standardized. For example, that we have uniform telephone and Internet standards, that we have uniform dimensions, that cables and plugs match, that nuts and bolts fit together, pipes and pipe connectors are tight, and that bricks are the same size when building a house.
Standards are not simply regulations, even if we sometimes perceive them that way. Standardized specifications or practices are economically significant and useful. Wherever people work together, it makes sense for products to have uniform dimensions and interfaces and to fit together. National and international standards are, to a certain extent, the language of world trade.
World Standards Day for Environmental Protection
Every year on October 14, the founding of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is commemorated. And every year, the commemoration day has a specific motto. This year, it is the protection of planet Earth.
The Earth, says ISO, is like a ship full of life in the vastness of our solar system. Life on Earth depends on the energy that comes from the sun. In the last century, however, human and large-scale industrial activities of our modern civilization have produced greenhouse gases, wastes, and chemicals that did not exist before in this kind and quantity and now threaten the existence of planet Earth. But not only the chemicals, also our handling of animal food and the Corona pandemic point us this year unmistakably and painfully to the threat.
What to do about climate change?
Everywhere on earth we feel the negative effects on our climate and thus on all forms of life. Even if there are people, even nations, who still do not want to admit it: The earth is heating up, we have extreme weather, more drought and dryness, more floods, more hurricanes and more heavy rain. At the same time, global population growth and increasing urbanization require responsible use of limited resources. Eating wild animals from jungle areas - as we are seeing with the emergence of more and more new viruses - is not the solution. Save yourself who can! But where to?
Standards for the protection of the environment, air, water
To reduce the negative impact of humans on our planet, we need political will, concrete measures and the right tools. This includes international standards, says ISO. The international standards of IEC, ISO and ITU, the European standards and many national standards and other quality marks deal with technical challenges and appropriate solutions. The international standards help to share expertise and knowledge in developed and developing countries alike.
Standards also cover the many aspects of energy conservation, water and air quality. Standards exist for almost all industries, for products and services. The construction sector, for example, has many interfaces and opportunities for protecting the environment, water and air. For global efforts to protect the planet, we need not only but also standards. They define standardized protocols and measurement methods - even across political and linguistic boundaries.
ISO believes that the widespread use of internationally recognized standards helps to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and processes, facilitate the reuse of limited resources, and improve energy efficiency.
To learn more about ISO and International Standards Day, visit the ISO website at https://www.iso.org/world-standards-day.html
The SNBS tool on sustainable infrastructure, which has now been released and is available free of charge, covers diverse project types - modification, new construction, replacement, maintenance and operation. It is aimed at the public sector as well as planning offices and contractors working in the infrastructure sector.
Indicators are used to assess criteria from the areas of society, economy and environment, as well as from transversal themes.
This allows the sustainability of a project to be assessed, with the individual criteria indicating the existing strengths and weaknesses. The standard builds on proven methods and is also compatible with other evaluation systems, but is the first instrument to close the gap that has existed to date in infrastructure construction.
The digital tool also supports the aspect of sustainability in public procurement.
Reference: The criteria catalog and the actual tool, an Excel tool, can be downloaded free of charge from www.snbs-infrastruktur.ch can be downloaded.
On the occasion of the 3rd International E-Waste Day on October 14, 2020, SENS eRecycling is launching several activities. In order to increase the convenience of disposal for the population, SENS eRecycling is teaming up with Swiss Post. For the pilot project, Electro Recycling Bags will be delivered to households in the cities of Zurich and Bern from October 14 to December 31, 2020. The filled collection bags can be conveniently deposited in the milk crate and collected by Swiss Post.
In parallel, a collection campaign is taking place at 170 schools in Zurich and Bern. The schools are asked to discuss eRecycling in class and collect defective and discarded electrical appliances together. The class that collects the most during the collection campaign will win 1000 francs for the class treasury. "With this campaign, we want to sensitize children to the topic of eRecycling," says Sabrina Bjöörn, Head of Marketing & Communications, SENS eRecycling.
SENS eRecycling - 30 years for the environment
Over the past 30 years, SENS eRecyling has collected and disposed of around 1.2 million tons of electrical and electronic equipment in Switzerland in cooperation with its dense partner network. In this way, a total of 830,000 tons of recyclable materials such as iron, steel, aluminum, copper or even gold could flow back into the production of new products. In addition to recycling, however, it is precisely the disposal of pollutants such as mercury, refrigerants or PCBs, which are difficult to degrade, that is crucial. The commitment of SENS eRecycling and partners means 150,000 billion environmental impact points (EIP) saved, which corresponds to an annual environmental footprint of 7.5 million Swiss people.
Recycle instead of leaving behind - awareness on social media
E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. By 2030, an incredible 74.7 million tons of e-waste are expected to be generated, which is roughly equivalent to 7390 Eiffel Towers. This shows how important it is to recycle professionally and thus to recover and reuse valuable materials. The numbers are clear and impressive. In 2019 alone, the value of raw materials in e-waste was equivalent to around 52 billion Swiss francs.
With regard to E-Waste Day, social media activities are also planned - including a spot by Lucerne filmmaker Till Gmür and exciting contributions by blogger, storyteller and photographer Andrea Monica Hug. In this way, SENS eRecycling wants to create greater awareness via social media and call for the proper disposal of e-waste and mobilize the population. "To draw attention to the importance of eRecycling, all channels should be used," says Andrea Monica Hug.
Sustainability and meaningful brand boosting seem to be trends of our time - not in spite of the Corona pandemic, but because of it. This is because the social and economic aspects of sustainability are increasingly coming into focus: companies that have acted in an economically responsible manner in recent years are now coming through the crisis better. And companies that behave respectfully toward employees and suppliers even in difficult times are gaining in reputation in the public eye. In short, it pays to pursue a sound and holistic sustainability strategy.
However, the role that design can play here is often underestimated. There are numerous starting points: Which brand codes can support a brand's sustainability message? How can sustainable design achieve positive economic effects? And is there a way to make the digital brand presence more resource-efficient? Companies that creatively exploit these potentials will be successful in the long term.
The white paper "Brand Boost: Sustainable Design" by the brand and design agency Peter Schmidt Group supports them on this path: It names the five most important fields of action for sustainable design, shows best practices and provides concrete options for action. However, an individual analysis should clarify which ones exactly fit the respective brand. For this, the Peter Schmidt Group draws on a catalog of actions that includes more than thirty indicators for sustainable design. They range from material issues and the carbon footprint of digital media to ergonomic aspects and the use of non-discriminatory imagery.
The time of the Next Normal offers the opportunity for change
"In many companies, familiar patterns of action are currently being put to the test," says Lukas Cottrell, Managing Partner of the Peter Schmidt Group. "Brand managers should use this momentum and make sustainability aspects an integral part of their future work. These are precisely the impulses people currently expect from brands." For companies, too, investing in sustainable design solutions pays off, because it saves valuable resources in the long run.
For companies from the consumer goods sector, this context is often easier to grasp: they are sensitized to the quantities of materials that can be saved in large production volumes if they optimize product packaging, dispense with foiling or minimize the use of printing inks. But there is also considerable potential for savings for all other brands - including the use of digital media: "Very few companies are aware of the impact that an elaborately animated website has on the company's carbon footprint," explains Stephanie Lam-Eschenburg, Senior Brand Strategist at the Peter Schmidt Group.
The more data that is transferred, the higher the energy required to operate the server infrastructure. The white paper provides an example of the contribution that sustainable design can make here: By switching to a font with a smaller file size alone, Google saves 1,000 terabytes of data in the space of just one week - which is roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of BASF in Ludwigshafen in an entire year.
But be careful: sustainability does not stop at ecological issues: "The low-barrier design of web content is often overlooked. To ensure accessibility for all users, color use, contrast and font selection are also crucial design aspects," says Lam-Eschenburg.
"Brand Boost: Sustainable Design" is available at here Download
The interactive exhibition Virtual Reality Glacier Experience provides answers around the topics of glaciers and water and takes visitors on a journey through space and time. Interested visitors can immerse themselves in the past and the future and experience the area around the Morteratsch glacier in four virtual tours. The retreat of the glacier tongue is shown on the basis of different climate scenarios. It is made clear what would be possible with the MortAlive glacier maintenance project by glaciologist Felix Keller. The idea of MortAlive: to snow the glacier tongue in summer with technical snow from meltwater and thus protect the ice layer. And all this without electricity.
"With the new attraction, we are thus vividly raising awareness of glacier melt as well as the need for pioneering action. Sound science paired with state-of-the-art knowledge transfer forms exactly the innovation that Graubündner Kantonalbank wants to support," says GKB CEO Daniel Fust. Whether large or small, local or international, this topic concerns everyone.For its anniversary, the Graubündner Kantonalbank, together with renowned partners, has created a place that makes climate mathematics tangible. Over the past two years, an attraction has been created in the former restaurant at the Diavolezza valley station that - in the spirit of the bank's anniversary - is intended to set a lasting example: "Thanks to the virtual glacier experience, visitors learn how important the issue of drainage is around the world and what thought is being given in Graubünden to meeting this challenge locally," says bank president Peter Fanconi. In the midst of rugged nature and the imposing Bernina massif, such a visitor center achieves the optimum effect, because here one is at the scene of the action.
 Time travel around glaciers and water The interactive exhibition shows what impact climate change is having on the high mountains. "As the bank of the people of Graubünden, we naturally act in the interests of the economy, but always in harmony with nature and the environment," explains Daniel Fust. And he goes on to emphasize: "Water is the lifeline of the canton, ice has shaped our valleys, the mineral water is among the best, and hydropower reliably supplies us with energy." On around 250 square meters, visitors experience a journey through time from the past to the future. Possible scenarios for the change of the Morteratsch glacier from 1875 to 2100 can be discovered with virtual reality glasses or on the holoscreen. Visitors can actively participate and, for example, help count the ptarmigans. A Swiss innovation is also tangible in the VR Glacier Experience: NESSy ZeroE. The patented snow lance produces technical snow without electricity. The importance of this invention is made clear by MortAlive, a project for worldwide glacier rescue. Experience science up close The scientifically based exhibition was made possible by close collaboration with the Zurich University of the Arts and the University of Fribourg. Together, they developed detailed glacier models over the past two years and created the virtual world around the Morteratsch Glacier in Pontresina. From October 10, 2020, the Virtual Reality Glacier Experience at the Diavolezza cable car valley station will be open daily for individuals, families and groups. Admission is free of charge.
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With the Open Days for sustainable solutions and innovations for climate protection (Open Days) offers the Climate Show a unique alternative to its trade fairs canceled this year due to the pandemic. Under the motto "Switzerland pulsates for the climate", Switzerland-wide Open Days for sustainable solutions and innovations for climate protection will be held for the first time on October 30 and 31, 2020. The aim of the Open Days is to support companies in Switzerland that are active in the field of sustainability and to give the general public as well as professionals and the media the opportunity to discover innovative projects in their region. 100 companies are already taking part in the event, which is supported by, among others, the Climate Foundation Switzerland, the Vevey city and CleantechAlps is supported.
With this alternative event offering, the Climate Show is following its global concept around sustainability, which aims to enable Swiss companies to bring their sustainable solutions to market more quickly.
More events planned for November and March
Following the Open Days, the 2020 Sustainable Innovation Competition will take place on November 4-11, 2020 with the "Catwalk." In partnership with the Federal Office for the Environment and CleantechAlps (CTAlps), the Climate Show is organizing the second edition of the Catwalk, which puts the spotlight on innovative companies working to protect the climate. The competition will take place in Lausanne in two rounds on November 4 and 11. The six partners of the Climate Show are each invited to select three companies that they believe offer sustainable solutions with a real impact on ecology and global warming.
The catwalk jury consists of at least three world-class entrepreneurs, -investors
or journalists, who judge the participants on the basis of their pitches and their answers to the subsequent Q&A session.
The teams are distributed as follows:
- Team 1: Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
- Team 2: Swiss Climate Foundation (FSC)
- Team 3: CleantechAlps (CTAlps)
- Team 4: Loomish
- Team 5: Swiss Youth for Climate (SYFC)
- Team 6: Climate Show
At the end of the second phase, the winning company will receive the "Sylvester Cat Award". All information about the competition, the criteria and details of the procedure on www.climateshowmarket.com/catwalk/
The Climate Show exhibitions, which were postponed due to the pandemic situation, will now be held March 10-14, 2021, at Palexpo Geneva and December 1-3, 2021, in Montreux.
Immerse yourself in the world of sustainable companies
SMEs, start-ups, self-employed and entrepreneurs working in the field of sustainability, in collaboration with various associations, organizations and foundations, will open their doors to visitors on October 30 and 31, 2020, to showcase their sustainable solutions and innovations in workshops and/or presentations. "For us, the Open Days offer an ideal opportunity to learn about sustainable solutions and establish an exchange with investors, partners and other interested parties. Here at Technopark Zurich, visitors can experience our "lighting of the future" live," explains Sina Ungewitter from the LEDCity AGwhat awaits interested parties.
100 companies have already registered, their spectrum ranges from renewable energies and climate-friendly mobility to sustainable agriculture and covers more than 158 categories and subcategories directly related to sustainability and climate. In addition Sibylle Duttwiler from fahrBiogas in Flurlingen: "During the Open Days, you can experience how waste can be used to drive a car. Companies show their vehicle models and report on the positive experiences in everyday life."
Pro-active support for SMEs
Open Days 2020 is critical for small and medium-sized businesses that provide climate-friendly and/or sustainable solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of them in business and financial trouble. With the Open Days, the Climate Show and its partners are following the targeted demand of some of these companies and providing them with a free alternative presentation platform. This gives the general public and professionals throughout Switzerland the opportunity to discover sustainable and innovative solutions.
"The goal of Open Days is to collectively stimulate sustainable activities and promote the business activities of companies and entrepreneurs, especially those affected by the Covid 19 crisis," explains Nadia Plata, founder and director of the Climate Show.
The hotel and catering industry, which has been severely affected by the pandemic, will also benefit from the momentum of this initiative. Holding the event simultaneously in French-, German- and Italian-speaking Switzerland combines with a welcome program for visitors from each other's cantons. This will include visits to sustainable projects, including environmentally friendly accommodation and catering.
For the Open Days, the Climate Show can count on valuable partners such as CleantechAlps, Unil Hub Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Swiss Climate Foundation, Swiss Youth for Climate and the city of Vevey count.
Participation in the Open Days is free of charge for companies and visitors. Only registration is required at www.climateshowmarket.com .
The financial community has recognized the need to bring investments strictly in line with environmental and social criteria. The exchange of ideas within the industry plays a key role in this. On October 29, the first ZFSI will therefore be an important get-together of qualified investment professionals. In addition to various specialist workshops and panel discussions, three keynote speakers will shed light on the topic.
Thomas Vellacott, CEO of WWF Switzerland, explores questions around "Sustainable Finance: Megatrend or fad?" to the bottom. Thomas Moser, member of the enlarged SNB Directorate, provides insight into the SNB's investment policy with a special focus on ESG. Stefan Flückiger of the International State Secretariat for Financial Matters, SIF, headlines: Swiss Sustainable Finance Hub: Harnessing the power of innovation together.
Individual conferences
For more details and the names of other illustrious minds at ZFSI in Zurich, see here
About the ZFSI:
The Zurich Forum for Sustainable Investment, ZFSI, is a pioneering event in the field of sustainable financial services. This platform provides investors with information on best practices. Here, renowned asset managers and key players in the sustainable finance industry maintain an in-depth exchange. The objectives of this meeting are:
