COOL ROOFS
Heat is costing India dear. How to prevent it from charring our economy
Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) estimates that failing to address climate change, notably heat, could cost India up to 2.3% of GDP by 2023, and 6.7% by 2050. India can't roll the heat back. But we can prevent it from charring our economy and grilling India's liveability.
Cruel Summer: Rethinking how to live, work in a world that is getting warmer
As this year’s summer, with its extended heat waves and record temperatures, warns, how to adapt to a warmer world is no longer a hypothetical question. A new study by World Weather Attribution says climate change has made a 30-day heat wave in South Asia 45 times more likely and 0.85o C hotter. Experts say we need to rethink the kind of houses we live in and offices we construct, how we grow our crops and the way we look at the impact of heat on our bodies, even as we tackle reducing the use of fossil fuels.
As summer turns extreme, manufacturing firms go the extra mile to keep workers cool
As extreme summer heat leads to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity, manufacturing and engineering firms like Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Nayara Energy, Thermax, and Maruti Suzuki are implementing measures to protect their employees. Initiatives include providing desert coolers, air-conditioned rest areas, and AC transportation, distributing rehydration salts, conducting medical check-ups, and offering doctor consultations. Tata Steel adjusts job schedules to minimize direct sunlight exposure, while L&T extends lunch breaks for outdoor workers.
Press the hot button for cooling needs
The escalating temperatures can pose a significant economic burden. Heat stress diminishes productivity due to higher mortality rates, health consequences, and decreased working hours. Addressing cooling requirements without exacerbating environmental and economic challenges is a significant task. Cooling presents an economic potential, with projections suggesting it could generate investment opportunities worth up to $1.6 trillion. Therefore, prioritizing the implementation of the India Cooling Action Plan, initiated in 2019, is crucial.
Tabreed to set up Asia's largest district cooling project in Hyderabad
Tabreed (National Central Cooling Company) entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Telangana government on Tuesday to facilitate the establishment of the facility. The project is being taken up on a public-private partnership basis and seeks to provide sustainable long-term cooling services through the cooling-as-a-service model for process cooling and storage requirements of industrial units.
For emerging climate tech startups, the US heat wave could be a learning curve
A number of emerging climate tech startups are developing the next wave of technology that will keep us cool without frying the planet or overtaxing the grid.
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How to make homes cooler without air conditioning
There are alternatives to air conditioning that both reduce energy usage and keep people cool, such as blocking the sun using tree canopies or reflective and ventilated roofs, natural ventilation through courtyards and ventilation systems, and combining fans with air conditioning. It’s important to consider the overall heating and cooling demands of buildings to prevent overheating in summer .
Smart measures that can bring the temperatures down
The rising trend of temperature globally has made cooling a necessity. Heat stress due to high temperatures may decrease productivity, impact mortality, and lead to a loss of working hours, thereby costing up to 2.8% of India's GDP by 2050. With increased sales of cooling systems like air conditioners, it is estimated that 69% of Indian households will have air conditioners by 2040. However, this rise in cooling systems may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for at least 7% of India's total emissions by 2037.
With all trials successful, Vande Bharat trains' manufacture to begin from October: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The third Vande Bharat train, which has completed its trials and is fit to be operated commercially, has the capacity to go from 0-100kmph in 52 seconds and is compared to the earlier version which attained the same speed in 54.6 seconds. The new train's weight has also been reduced by 38 tonnes, which will contribute to its faster acceleration. This will allow the new train to reach a speed of 160kmph in 130 seconds, while the older version reached the same speed in 146 seconds.
Cooling solutions
AC is booming in nations across the world: it’s predicted that around two-thirds of the world’s households could have an AC by 2050, and the demand for energy to cool buildings will triple.
Green buildings movement should become people's movement, says Vice President Naidu
Virtually inaugurating the 12th GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment Summit) from Hyderabad, the vice president said India has the potential to lead the global green building movement and emphasised the need to promote green building concept by both the private sector and the government.
Potato prices go through the roof, relief likely by next month
The humble potato, the staple vegetable in Indian kitchens, is rather pricey now, and its prices might not cool until fresh crop from Uttar Pradesh reaches the veg stalls from next month. Until then, wholesale prices of the tuber could climb to Rs 40 per kg from Rs 34 due to availability constraints. Retailing rates will be anybody’s guess.
New normal in AC trains, breathe in OT-like fresh air
Previously, these AC trains had air change six to eight times per hour and 80 per cent of the air that was pushed into coaches was recirculated air, while 20 per cent was fresh air.
Railways trying innovative ways to keep isolation coaches cool
As a trial, the Northern Railways coated the roof of isolation coaches with heat-reflective paint and found that temperature inside can be reduced up to 2.2°C using this method.
Green roofs: What are the policies around green roofs, how to install one, all you need to know
Green roofs or living roofs are roofs that are covered entirely or partially with vegetation growing over a waterproof membrane. It can also include supplementary layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
Co-working sector is hot, but what's fuelling the demand for "cool" offices?
From 4% during the first three quarters of 2017 to 10% till Q318, the share of co-working sector in total office leasing in India shows growth of flexible working space is on steroids.
Hot lava, cool Java: Bandung offers a break with coffee and crater lakes
Bandung, the capital of West Java, was built by Dutch planters and merchants, whose nostalgia for Europe in the 1920s saw the construction of a number of impressive art deco edifices that survive as banks, hotels and gubernatorial palaces.
Passive cooling to cut electricity bills
Bengaluru, Oct 2 (IANS) Air-conditioning your building without electricity? Researchers at Stanford University in the US report it is potentially possible through the technology of "radiative sky cooling" using a new coating material they have developed.
Karwa Chauth gets a makeover! Goes uber-cool with poker, spa and a sundowner party
The bling remains - but now there is a new element being added to this traditional ritual.
Communal living is the new cool for the young and old alike in Bengaluru
Bengaluru's demography is perfect for co-living. More than 65% of the population comprises youngsters.
Top 10 stocks to bet on for cool returns this summer
As the temperature begins to rise, brokers and advisors are recommending investors should buy stocks of cos associated with air conditioners, cooling systems.
Now, glass paint to keep metal roofs cool on sunny days
Scientists have developed a new, environment-friendly and inexpensive paint out of glass that bounces sunlight off metal surfaces.
Bengaluru remains cool while other cities almost melt in summer
Hari Menon, CEO Of Bigbasket tells us how even during the middle of the day, he can sit out in the lawn strumming my guitar without the fear of getting scorched.
Don't throw pizza on Walter White's roof: Breaking Bad makers
Gilligan, who is currently busy with "Breaking Bad" spin off "Better Call Saul", has asked fans to stop the pizza-slinging.
Jaguar grows a cool new roof with the latest F-Type R
Jaguar’s latest F-Type R has all that it needs to fill the legendary e-Type’s large shoes.
Civic authorities default on delivery; Indians seek an airconditioned world
Malls still lack open spaces and natural flora and fauna but as they already have movie theatres, art galleries it may not be long before a ‘total’ enclosed world becomes a reality.
How blazing sun can cool your building
At Solar Energy Centre in Gurgaon, solar ACs have replaced conventional devices. Some other buildings have switched to alternative cooling techniques to limit electricity bills.
White roofs may successfully cool cities
While world leaders are struggling to tackle global warming, American researchers have claimed to have found a simple way to cool cities -- by painting the roofs of buildings white.
Retooling policies to cool food prices
Today's food price inflation cannot be tackled with yesterday's tools. We need to deploy new tools, including futures markets and new food products.
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