Feature Article

What began as a mere graduation project for Meidad Marzan, a student at Bezalel Academy of Art in Jersualem, now aims to make solar panels active participants in the architectural sphere, instead of being mere passive radiation collectors. Sapna Gopal delves into how this could alter the concept of lighting in metros.

While the rates of solar have reduced considerably in the last two years, the off-grid uptake is yet to keep pace with the change. This is a surprising development, since earlier, the sector was driven mostly by off-grid applications.

Scientists of the Joint BioEnergy Institute identify a new microbe-produced advanced biofuel as an alternative to diesel.

Instead of fretting over the paucity of electricity, these 'solar grandmothers' from villages across Asia and Africa decided it would be better to act. As if to give vent to their ambition, the Barefoot College incepted by Bunker Roy, has showed them the way to electrify several villages across the globe, via solar power.

In a country which reels under voluminous and bountiful amount of sunshine, tapping solar power should ideally be an effortless task. Ironically though, the economics have come in the way of the solar mission. The author unfolds the trend in India and what we can expect in the times to come.

Countries are developing green labels that can benefit the environment, consumers and businesses. Consumers in developing and developed markets show a propensity to buy from companies with a reputation of environmental and social responsibility.

A decade ago, environmentalist Hunter Lovins published Natural Capitalism. The book influenced some business leaders to embrace what was a counterintuitive notion: that going green could be a way to save or make lots of money. Since then, she has gone on to establish Natural Capitalism Solutions, a Colorado-based firm that helps businesses and governments become more energy-efficient and better prepared for the global threats of climate change. She recently wrote Climate Capitalism that presents the climate crisis as a giant business opportunity.

Solar, wind and biomass may soon cross a key financial threshold.

Use of renewable energy can help meet industries meet thermal energy and cooling requirements.

Technology Review organized the Business Impact: Corporate Energy Strategy Summit in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on September 22, 2011.