Integrating Energy Harvesting Into Urban Infrastructure

Urban environments have long been epicenters for population growth, employment, and innovation. Of course, this means rising consumer energy demands and increasing strains on traditional grid electricity generation. 

Energy harvesting within urban infrastructure paves the way for more reliable, sustainable and efficient energy consumption. It also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-derived sources and promotes the development of resilient smart cities. 

What Is Energy Harvesting?

Energy harvesting is harnessing and converting trace amounts of surrounding energy from the environment into electricity. For example, harvesters collect what would otherwise be wasted energy from light, heat, motion and vibration and use it to power devices. 

Transducers transform collected energy into electricity before altering it to a functional voltage. The energy is then stowed in capacitors and batteries until needed. Most people are familiar with transducers like photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert solar light into electricity, while thermoelectric generators convert thermal energy. Likewise, piezoelectric materials and electromagnetic induction transform kinetic energy from movement and vibration into usable power.

Kinetic energy harvesting is an emerging solution in the built environment. In one study, researchers captured vibrational kinetic energy from vehicles driving over speed bumps. During tests, they achieved an average output of 15.67 watts with a 68.41% efficiency. Their findings demonstrated how kinetic energy harvesting is practical as an emergency power source for parking lot control systems.

Benefits of Energy Harvesting in Urban Areas

Energy harvesting offers many benefits, especially for urban areas. For one thing, renewable energy is cleaner than traditional power sources and has helped replenish global electricity needs by 28%, about 96% of which derives from solar, wind and hydroelectricity.  

Additional benefits of energy harvesting for cities include the following:

> Reduced environmental impact through carbon emissions reduction

> Lower energy costs for businesses and individual households

> Job creation in the renewable energy and green employment sectors

> Greater sustainable development and clean energy adoption

> Improved air quality and public health

When investigating potential outcomes from 100% renewable energy adoption and decarbonization in Los Angeles by 2045, scientists found such efforts could reduce citywide particulate matter by 8% and increase ozone levels by 5% from a 2012 baseline. These changes could save the city $1.4 billion in monetized health gains in one year. 

Applying Energy Harvesting to Urban Infrastructure

Integrating energy harvesting into urban infrastructure is already underway. Researchers have explored the following applications of harnessing ambient power in the built environment. 

Transportation

Piezoelectric technologies draw energy from roads and sidewalks, converting the mechanical strains from vehicles and pedestrians into electricity. The energy generated ultimately depends on the mechanical properties — how well materials respond to applied force — vibrational frequency, and stress under the physical element. 

This applies to traffic volume and vehicle weight as cars pass over roadway surfaces. The harvested energy can then electrify low-power sensors, traffic lights and signals. Inorganic and organic piezoelectric materials — ceramics and films — are most commonly used for their excellent energy outputs at reduced frequencies. However, ceramic materials tend to crack under pressure, while films are less efficient overall.

Buildings

Cutting-edge technologies have maximized building energy harvesting potential using integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems. These solar panels are incorporated into roofing, exterior siding and windows to generate electricity. BIPV replaces transparent commercial building envelopes, limiting solar heat gain while creating electricity.

Other opportunities to harness energy from buildings include thermal harvesting — capturing heat from HVAC systems and industrial operations — and rooftop wind turbines. Each approach allows for transforming power for heating, cooling and electricity.

Street Lighting

Street lighting is critical for safe nighttime transportation but is often susceptible to various energy inefficiencies and disruptions. Researchers are actively investigating ways to integrate energy harvesting into streetlights by installing solar power with battery storage. This enables off-grid lighting and less dependence on standard electrical systems. 

In addition to piezoelectric devices collecting vibrational energy from road surfaces, wind energy holds the potential for powering streetlights. However, these nanogrid solutions still can’t produce enough electricity. So far, solar panel systems are most sufficient, with an 82% performance rate in converting sunlight into power for street lighting during the year.

Smart City Designs

Energy harvesting has improved how smart cities function. For instance, solar, vibration and other ambient energy sources can power air quality and traffic flow sensors while reducing grid reliance for wireless communication and data transmission.

Ambient energy is readily available in urban areas, making it a viable opportunity to power the Internet of Things devices. These tools ensure that urban power needs are met quickly and efficiently at reduced costs. 

Challenges and Considerations for Widespread Adoption

Although energy engineers have made headway in harvesting technologies, technical challenges remain. A primary concern is the ability to integrate these solutions with existing infrastructure. Scientists also have yet to assure optimal efficiency and reliability. 

These mechanisms require steep financing, as well. For instance, the BIPV market needs $320 billion in investments within seven years to generate enough electricity to keep up with climate change mitigation actions. So far, there aren’t many financial incentives and assistance to offset the high initial costs. 

Regulations and compliance criteria for energy harvesting are also lacking, creating permitting and zoning problems. Likewise, the public is still highly unaware of the potential for energy harvesting, which has left many setting their sights on other clean energy projects.

Harnessing Clean Energy for Resilient Cities

Energy harvesting delivers hope for more sustainable, resilient cities. By revolutionizing and integrating energy harvesting solutions into urban infrastructure, cities can better meet electricity demands while lowering their environmental impact.

The Environmental Benefits of PVC Pipes and Sustainable Plumbing

In today’s world, where sustainability is at the forefront of environmental concerns, many industries are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint. The plumbing industry has made significant strides in embracing sustainable practices. One material that has gained widespread recognition for its environmental benefits is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Specifically, PVC pipes have become a go-to choice for plumbing solutions due to their durability, efficiency, and eco-friendly properties. In this article, we will explore the environmental benefits of PVC pipes and how they contribute to more sustainable plumbing systems.

Understanding PVC Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer commonly used in various construction and plumbing applications. PVC pipes are widely known for their strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of plumbing, irrigation, and drainage systems.

These pipes come in various sizes, thicknesses, and pressure ratings to suit different needs, with schedule 80 PVC pipe fittings offering an extra layer of durability for high-pressure applications.

Durability and Longevity

One of the most significant environmental benefits of PVC pipes is their impressive longevity. PVC pipes are resistant to corrosion, rust, and other forms of degradation that often plague traditional metal pipes.

For instance, copper and steel pipes can suffer from oxidation, which can lead to leaks and the need for frequent replacements. In contrast, PVC pipes can last for decades without the need for major repairs, reducing the need for wasteful replacements and the environmental toll associated with manufacturing new pipes.

The longevity of PVC pipes also helps in reducing the consumption of raw materials. With PVC, fewer resources are needed over the life of the piping system, contributing to a decrease in the environmental impact associated with resource extraction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Furthermore, the extended lifespan of PVC pipes ensures that fewer pipes are sent to landfills over time, reducing overall waste generation.

Energy Efficiency in Production

Another noteworthy environmental advantage of PVC pipes is the energy efficiency of their production process. Compared to metals like copper and steel, the manufacturing of PVC pipes requires significantly less energy. This lower energy consumption translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions during production, making PVC pipes an eco-friendlier option for plumbing systems.

PVC production also generates fewer toxic by-products, which contributes to a cleaner manufacturing process. The energy savings and reduced emissions from producing PVC pipes make them a more sustainable choice when considering the entire lifecycle of a plumbing system.

Recyclability and Reduced Waste

PVC pipes have a high recycling potential, essential to their environmental benefits. Unlike copper or steel, which can be more complex and costly to recycle, PVC is a thermoplastic material that can be reheated and reshaped multiple times without losing its properties.

This makes PVC pipes an excellent candidate for recycling, helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with disposing of old plumbing systems.

Many PVC pipes removed from buildings during renovations or repairs can be sent back to recycling facilities, where they are cleaned, processed, and reused to create new products. This recycling process significantly reduces the need for virgin materials and lowers the environmental cost of manufacturing new PVC pipes.

Additionally, recycling PVC helps conserve energy and reduce pollution, making it a win-win for the industry and the environment.

Water Efficiency

Water conservation is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the modern era, especially in regions facing drought or water scarcity. PVC pipes play an essential role in water distribution systems by ensuring efficient water flow without leaks. The smooth interior surface of PVC pipes minimizes friction, which means water flows more efficiently, reducing the energy required to pump water through the system.

The resistance to corrosion and scaling that PVC pipes offer also contributes to maintaining the quality of the water being transported. With less contamination and fewer leaks, the need for additional treatment processes is reduced, ultimately leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly water management.

Moreover, PVC pipes are often used in rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems, which help conserve water. These systems can direct rainwater from roofs and other surfaces into storage tanks for later use, helping to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies and mitigate the environmental strain caused by overconsumption.

Lightweight and Lower Transportation Emissions

PVC pipes are notably lightweight, which offers several environmental advantages. Their reduced weight makes them easier to handle and install and decreases the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Since heavier materials require more energy to transport, the lightweight nature of PVC helps reduce fuel consumption during the shipping process, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The ease of transportation also reduces the need for large-scale machinery, further decreasing the environmental impact of PVC pipe logistics. The combination of lower transportation emissions and easier handling makes PVC an eco-friendly material choice for plumbing projects.

Reducing the Need for Chemical Treatments

PVC pipes are resistant to a variety of chemical and biological agents, meaning they require fewer chemical treatments over time. For example, traditional metal pipes may need regular anti-corrosion treatments to prevent rust and deterioration. PVC pipes, on the other hand, are naturally resistant to corrosion, reducing the need for harmful chemical treatments that can pose environmental hazards.

Additionally, the absence of these treatments helps to ensure that the water transported through PVC pipes remains clean and free from contaminants, further promoting environmental and public health.

PVC pipes have proven to be an environmentally responsible choice for plumbing systems. Their durability, energy-efficient production, recyclability, water-saving features, and lightweight nature make them a sustainable option for new construction and renovations.

As the world prioritizes sustainability, PVC pipes will undoubtedly play a key role in creating more eco-friendly plumbing systems. Their long lifespan, lower environmental impact, and ability to contribute to water conservation and waste reduction make them a cornerstone of sustainable plumbing practices.

Whether you are installing a simple water line or a complex irrigation system, choosing PVC pipes benefits both the environment and your plumbing system.

How Companies Are Improving Chemical Waste Management

Chemical waste management has become paramount for industries that handle hazardous materials. Businesses face significant pressure from regulatory bodies, environmental groups, and the public, who are increasingly concerned about sustainability.

To meet these demands, companies are taking bold steps to adopt innovative technologies and form strategic partnerships that minimize their operations’ environmental impacts.

Employing Sustainable Chemical Use

Sourcing chemicals with sustainability in mind represents a forward-thinking shift in industrial practices. Manufacturers now prioritize biodegradable and less toxic materials, reducing immediate waste and long-term environmental risks.

Beyond sourcing, operational transformations, such as integrating closed-loop systems, have allowed companies to reuse materials instead of immediately discarding them.

Leading manufacturers are also using lean-production techniques, designed to cut waste by focusing on sustainable chemical use at worksites. These strategies help companies reduce their raw material input while ensuring higher efficiency.

Such initiatives showcase how companies improve chemical waste management through thoughtful, sustainable choices aligned with environmental stewardship.

Improving Solvent Recovery

Recovering solvents used in manufacturing or research is critical for cost savings and environmental protection. State-of-the-art recovery systems, including advanced distillation units and membrane separation, enable facilities to reclaim high-value solvents for reuse.

Effective reclamation processes minimize waste disposal needs while cutting expenses for purchasing new solvents.

Solvent recovery automation further improves the recovery processes by offering consistent results while reducing manual oversight. For example, companies can install automated vacuum distillation setups that require less labor while enhancing productivity and precision.

Adopting these practices highlights how companies improve chemical waste management through innovative recovery tools and approaches.

Leveraging Virtual Simulations for Chemical Safety 

Virtual simulations offer a cutting-edge solution for training employees on chemical waste scenarios. Replicating real-world spills or hazardous situations through digital environments allows workers to practice comprehensive responses in a risk-free setting. Immersive experiences provide employees with practical, applicable knowledge.

The customizable nature of simulations allows companies to tailor lessons to reflect specific risks or chemical management protocols relevant to their operations. Harnessing technology in this way boosts safety and ensures that companies meet rigorous regulatory standards efficiently.

Collaborating Across Industries for Waste Management Solutions

Partnerships with waste management experts often yield innovative solutions. Collaborating with specialists provides businesses with access to cutting-edge technologies and best practices. For instance, some industrial leaders work closely with third-party providers specializing in chemical neutralization and recycling.

Industry alliances also drive change by fostering shared accountability regarding sustainability goals. Leading companies continue finding successful methods to dispose of challenging waste streams safely.

Partnerships demonstrate a commitment to systemic improvement and reflect the business world’s shift towards shared environmental responsibility.

Going Green on the Green: Tips for Eco-Friendly Golf

By Beth Rush

Playing golf is an excellent way to make new contacts, network, and promote business and causes with like-minded colleagues, so mentioning sustainability during a round makes perfect sense. Spending your day on a golf course that practices eco-friendliness is ideal for people who care about the environment. 

How to Make Golf Courses More Sustainable

An eco-friendly golf course has owners and managers who play a huge role. They’re involved in the grass and other vegetation used, water consumption, and the energy efficiency of the on-course equipment, the 19th hole, and other club facilities. Players are also involved in ensuring the upkeep and treatment of the course and its amenities remain sustainable.

1. Course Soil, Grass and Vegetation

If somebody mentions a golf course, what is the first thought that comes to mind? The grass is likely in your top three thoughts — with good reason. When you watch a PGA tournament, the prominent color you see is lush and vibrant green. While grass is essential to a golf course, the soil beneath it and its other vegetation all factor into its sustainability. 

Soil

A golf course’s soil determines how good its drainage is. If you find sandy soil on the course other than in its bunkers, its drainage likely allows for better underground water distribution than clay-based dirt. Sand distributes water evenly, allowing more aeration and better drainage to grow healthier grass roots. It won’t retain water like clay, so you’ll irrigate more regularly, but the frequent and effective irrigation cycles will need less water.

While bunkers need sand to maintain adequate drainage, mixing sand, clay, and silt to create fairway, tee box, and putting green topsoil is the most effective way to enrich the grass, save water, and encourage nutrient and microbial growth. Adding a small amount of compost improves nutrient levels without hampering drainage. Mixture ratios vary based on the climate, with tee boxes and green surfaces likely requiring denser and more specialized soil formulation. 

Grass

The type of grasses found on a golf course indicates the sustainability considerations the ownership incorporates. Climate is again a factor in which grasses offer the most environmental friendliness. If you’re planning a golf tournament, consider how course designs and maintenance contribute to making your event successful. Using a high-quality course in exquisite surroundings provides a fun challenge to participants.

Part of a high-quality golf course involves the types of grass utilized on the playing surface. Bermuda and Zoysia grass are two good grass options for warm climates as they thrive in hotter conditions. They won’t grow much in cooler areas and are more drought-resistant than other types. Bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass are among the variants that prosper in cooler climates with colder winter temperatures. 

Hardy, drought-resilient grasses require less water, making them perfect for sustainable golf courses as they require less irrigation. It’s best to try multiple options to see which types perform best in your climate. 

Other Vegetation

Flora native to the area best suits a golf course’s vegetation sustainability. They flourish naturally with less water, fertilizer, and pesticides while providing a natural habitat for all types of local wildlife.

2. Water

Water conservation is essential on a golf course. With such a large area involved, being as frugal as necessary with water while maintaining the course’s condition is a major task for eco-friendly golf course managers. Irrigation planning and systems using sustainable water sources support the invested time, effort, and expense of laying the correct soil and grass.

Irrigation

Smart sprinkler systems make a golf course more sustainable as you can easily improve water efficiency through technology. These irrigation methods schedule designated watering times and adjust them by analyzing soil moisture content, rainfall patterns, humidity, and temperature to devise optimal irrigation needs. An additional cost is involved, so using an existing workforce to water the course may suit some golf club owners more. 

Manual irrigation can still drive sustainability on a golf course with the right tools and equipment. Hand-held soil moisture sensors, efficient sprinkler zoning, accurate cycling, and optimization of irrigation sprinkler heads and pipe sizes can substantially reduce water consumption. Paying close attention to weather reports and meeting your course’s water usage makes the facility more sustainable.

Sustainable Water Sourcing

Golf course management focused on sustainability often utilizes natural water resources for irrigation and other needs. On-site treatment technologies for reusing water are more common, and storage ponds that double as water hazards and features are common. As part of a general golfing infrastructure, these recycling and reuse initiatives help reduce golf courses’ ecological impact.

3. Facilities

Playing golf is more than being out on the course; it is more involved than a simple jaunt on the greens. Golfing is a longer sport, with 18 holes stretching to about four hours of play. Thus, facilities like eateries and lounges are “par for the course” at a typical course.

The lunchtime treats at the halfway house, and the camaraderie experienced in the clubhouse bar after a round is as much a part of the experience as hitting a drive 280 yards down the fairway or sinking a 30-foot putt. In the same way, the club’s facilities beyond the course contribute to golfing sustainability as much as the irrigation and makeup of the playing surface.

Water and Energy-Efficiency

The lighting and heating inside the clubhouse form part of creating an eco-friendly environment. 

Golf club management can install low-flow showerheads and flushing mechanisms in the bathrooms and use outside water tanks to save water. They can utilize LED lighting and Energy Star-certified kitchen and heating equipment for increased energy efficiency in clubhouses. Owners can also incorporate solar panels, provide electric-powered golf carts, and install EV chargers in the parking area for member use. 

Waste Reduction

Does the golfing venue provide refreshments in reusable plastic with paper straws when you enjoy your mid-round break? Does it serve your food in biodegradable packaging? Are there recycling containers available to dispose of your refuse? These considerations contribute to overall golfing sustainability. Tournament organizers can offer digital tickets to minimize paper waste further.

Local Suppliers

A golf venue that works with local food suppliers and growers to use locally produced meat and seasonal vegetables supports the community economy. It also reduces the environmental impact of excess transportation from other areas. Club management can encourage tournament funders to source their prizes from businesses in the area and choose sustainable golfing accessories from them. 

4. Player Initiatives 

While golf venues do their part to promote eco-friendliness, golfers also play an essential role in making the game greener—from equipment, accessories, and clothing to their travel to and from the course.

Sustainable Golf Gear

You can now buy biodegradable golf balls that dissolve in a water hazard after an errant shot. Some manufacturers are experimenting with eco-friendly golf club designs and using recycled metals for shafts that align with their sustainable company initiatives. 

Environmentally friendly bamboo tees are already on the market to replace plastic ones, and manufacturers now produce golf bags, towels, and apparel using sustainable materials. When looking for new gear, you should research brands and suppliers that support sustainable golf products. 

Eco-Friendly Practices 

When you upgrade, carefully consider what to do with unneeded clubs and other equipment. Donating or selling your old golfing gear is better than tossing it out. It could end up in a landfill, creating methane and other hazardous greenhouse gases, so you’ll benefit the environment and help someone in need.

When traveling to play a round of golf, use public transport or carpool with your buddies to reduce the harmful carbon emissions that commuting causes. Use reusable plastic containers for on-course refreshments and refill at water points around the course. Don’t litter — ensure you place used food wrappers in your bag and dispose of them at the recycling points at the halfway house, in the clubhouse after your round or when you arrive home.

Eco-Friendly Golf Is More Satisfying Golf

No matter how you play, doing so in a relaxed and sustainable environment is healthy for your mindset and the environment. Choosing a sustainable golfing venue shows your support for the planet and encourages others to follow suit.

Don’t forget to point out the visible eco-friendly practices and their benefits to your playing partners and those you network with at the clubhouse after the round. Awareness is a large part of going green on the golf course.

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!