Introducing the Green Zone: the latest news, views and opinions from the world of sustainability for BSI Members

Welcome to our new digest of sustainability news for BSI members. Every month, we'll provide you with key developments, breaking news, data and analysis drawn from across the world. And we'd love to hear your news and feedback too. Contact us at the foot of this article.

Government advised to make NHS sites more heatwave compliant to shield those convalescing

With life-threatening heatwaves instigated by climate change impacting our shores for lengthier periods, Britain is entering unknown territories. Consequently, it’s at no time been more vital to heat-proof our buildings. Especially those inhabited by the NHS. Thankfully, government building guidelines are now insisting that new builds must be constructed to curb over-heating. Read more

Cambridge University professor invents an e-battery to reboot your car in less than 5 minutes

Nyobolt, a UK-built business, driven by the research of Cambridge University scientist Dame Professor Clare Philomena Grey, has developed a ground-breaking battery that can be recharged in five minutes. The battery is made from a combination of niobium metal for its anodes, and tungsten due to the latter’s fast-charging properties. Roll-out is expected within 8 years. Read more

French storekeepers face government fines for blasting air con while opening shop doors

Against the backdrop of the world-wide energy emergency, the French government has issued a prohibition on storekeepers who turn on their air conditioning units to keep their patrons cool during roasting weather - but wedge open their shop entrances, too. To curb this 20% upsurge in energy usage, individuals who commit this faux pas face a €750 penalty. Read more

Introducing the train carriage that eats train emissions as you’re travelling onboard

The US-based start-up CO2 Rail Company is helping nations alight at net zero sooner by developing a train carriage that cleanses – rather than contaminates – the atmosphere during journeys. Capturing carbon dioxide through vents in its body, then pumping out CO2-free air via the underside of the car, each carriage could eliminate almost 6,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere every year Read more:

Sci-fi-chic body sticker would let you boot up your electronic gadgets from your own sweat

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have devised a small, quadrilateral ‘biofilm’ that converts your sweat germs into an electric charge. The more you perspire while keeping fit, the additional battery power your accompanying portable devices might receive. The biofilm would absorb your moisture into its core film, generating enough electricity to power your wearable devices for 18 hours. Read more

Britain muscles in on French wine-making market due to permanent rise in UK temperatures

According to a new study ‘The Climate Resilience in the UK Wine Sector’, the upsurge in UK temperatures means Britain may become as fruitful at producing first-class wines as Burgundy and Chardonnay in France. This is because temperatures in Britain are projected to increase by 1.4% by 2040. This heightened warmth enhances sugar levels in the grapes, resulting in better-quality wine. Read more

Groundswell of sustainability experts preach green truth to doom-mongers online

While society clearly has a long way to go to reverse the effects of global climate change, there are still plenty of reasons to have faith that we’ll get there, as a new wave of online anti-‘climate change doomers’ are insisting. To counter the dissatisfaction that some are expressing, sustainability specialists have gone into overdrive, countering the sceptics with some polite, friendly science. Read more

 To discover more about how BSI is supporting businesses to meet the challenges of climate change and net zero, why not visit our standards, knowledge and best practice in sustainability page.