Saving the earth
In the rush to save energy and reduce emissions, it's easy to forget the sheer range of potential solutions. Dr Tom Shelley reviews some of today's most powerful options
Latent heating
As UK government ups the ante on going green and slashing emissions, air- and ground-source heat pumps are rearing their heads again. Brian Tinham examines the issues
Money for new energy
Building energy strategies are changing thanks to the latest government incentives. Dr Tom Shelley reports
Energy Event
Energy efficiency and energy saving are right up there on plant engineers' agendas. Brian Wall previews the forthcoming Energy Event 2010 conference and exhibition
Cooling the tube
Anyone who travels on London Underground knows that the tube is too hot, particularly on the deeper central area lines. When Transport for London's (TfL) Cooling the Tube programme director Kevin Payne tells you: "We're going to move from warm, to uncomfortable, to a place we certainly don't want to be, if heat dissipation remains unmitigated," it's clear the problem is getting acute.
Go easy on energy
The oil price might fall below $100 per barrel, taking other energy prices down with it, but it may also climb to $200, according to energy industry insider Mike Brooks of St Omer Consulting. The point: plant managers should be planning projects to deliver energy savings right now - and not just incremental improvements, but serious cuts, taking advantage of new and existing technologies.
The old ones are the best ones
Most worthwhile energy-saving techniques have been around for years, but, as increased energy prices, newer legislation and growing public awareness around emissions all force users to reconsider fuel consumption, many are now re-surfacing in subtly improved forms. However, while the growing market for green solutions is good, engineers need to reacquaint themselves with best technologies for different jobs - and beware of their limitations.