Saving the properties on Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes in North America, from falling into the sea united the city and owners in common cause, allowing them to work together as a group. Handing over waterfront ownership would save the owners money on erosion control, a new lake trail would increase their property values, and the public would enjoy access to the lake. It was win-win-win. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/this-lake-is-for-everyone/
Cement, the essential ingredient of concrete, is responsible for 7% of global man-made greenhouse emissions. A Canadian startup has invented a new system for making concrete that traps CO2 emissions forever and at the same time reduces the need for cement. CarbonCure's system takes captured CO2 and injects it into concrete as it's being mixed. Once the concrete hardens, that carbon is sequestered forever. Even if the building is torn down, the carbon stays put. That's because it reacts with the concrete and becomes a mineral.
https://money.cnn.com/2018/06/12/technology/concrete-carboncure/index.html?
This mall in Sweden contains both a recycling center and shops. Customers can donate the items that they no longer need, then shop for something else. Dropped off goods are sorted into various workshops where they are refurbished or repaired. Products are then sorted into 14 specialty shops that include furniture, computers, audio equipment, clothes, toys, bikes, and gardening and building materials. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/makewealthhistory.org/2017/03/22/the-worlds-first-mall-for-recycled-goods/amp/
With space at a premium, particularly by the water, this is a novel solution. A designer in Spain has built a minimalist office between the girders of a large, concrete bridge. At one end of the rails there are items that adorn a typical office -shelves, plants, framed pictures, a desk and a chair. Doors fold outward, giving you the option of opening up the office to the outside world. At night, the doors can be closed and bedding stored on the shelves above you to spend the night. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/09/08/this-man-created-a-mysterious-office-suspended-underneath-a-bridge/?
T Park recently opened to treat HK's sludge which is a by-product of sewage treatment. This wave-like building includes an exhibition hall where you can learn about the process as well as enjoy a spa. Outside you can visit a garden and wildlife sanctuary. The heat energy generated from the waste incineration process is turned into electricity that can support the needs of the entire facility as well as contribute to the public power grid. After incineration sludge is converted into ash and residues a total reduction of 90% of the original sludge volume. You can book a visit at www.tpark.hk
