News

Citation

(2012), "News", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 13 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe.2012.24913baa.002

News

Article Type: News From: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Volume 13, Issue 2

ASHE 2012 Conference

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (ASHE) invites for it 2012 conference, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on 15-17 November 2012. Further details can be seen at: www.aashe.org/events/conferences

Markets, institutions and frameworks for eco-innovation – call for papers

Papers are invited for Track 4b of the 18th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Conference, to be held at the University of Hull, from 24 to 26 June 2012. In the context of global warming and an increasing scarcity of economic resources, the concept of eco-innovation has become increasingly prominent within theoretical and empirical research and policy-making. Evidence of this fact is to be found in the agendas of recent meetings held at the highest political level (e.g. OECD, World Economic Forum, etc.).

Activities of firms creating eco-innovations (products, services, processes, distribution and logistics, supporting activities, management systems, layout of production organisation, relational/cooperation, new designs and, sales and distribution methods) are regarded as bringing economic and environmental benefits and as providing very real economic multipliers which help to promote “green” growth. The economic drivers of eco-innovation have been influenced by developments such as globalisation, technological change and the financial crisis. This track aims to explore the various facets of the concept of eco-innovation from the pedagogy to the practical within an economic and industrial framework where the fundamental issue is how to bring eco-innovations (innovations that improve environmental performance) to the market and to devise efficient policies at the strategic level in firms, governments and international bodies. Further details of the specific areas in which contributions are available at: www2.hull.ac.uk/science/pdf/4b%20markets%20institutions%20and%20eco-innovation%20ISDRC%2018.pdf

SEI Report – “Bioenergy projects and sustainable development: which types of bioenergy projects offer the greatest development benefits?”

Modern bioenergy sources are often viewed as important components of a low-carbon, energy-secure future. This report suggests that through reducing dependence on imported fuel and providing new employment opportunities, bioenergy production has the potential to stimulate local economies in developing countries. Given the diversity of biomass resources, options, markets and scales, a better understanding of how well different bioenergy project types can provide sustainable development is needed. The analysis presented in this report evaluated how the potential for sustainable development benefits differs across 12 bioenergy project types, in order to help identify which project types are best positioned to provide such benefits. It systematically examines the benefits claimed in project design documents for 76 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) bioenergy projects in India, Brazil and Sub-Saharan Africa. It can be seen at: http://sei-international.org/publications?pid=1984

WRAP Report – “Adapting waste and recycling collection systems to the changing climate”

This report seeks to provide practical guidelines for local authorities looking to plan for the impacts of climate change in order to avoid disruption to waste and recycling collection systems, and ensure they can continue to deliver their service objectives effectively and efficiently. The report outlines the expected changes to the UK climate over the century, suggests approaches for assessing potential impacts and developing responses; and considers some of the short and longer-term implications for the delivery of waste collection and recycling services. It can be seen at: www.wrap.org.uk/downloads/WRAP_CCA_Guide_final_Oct_2011.4ecd6ea1.11295.pdf

Norway, Iceland to apply EU green energy rules

A draft decision implementing the renewable energy directive in Norway and Iceland has been approved at a meeting of EU industry ministers in December 2011, following talks between officials from the European Commission and the two countries. As members of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway and Iceland have to comply with a number of EU laws including the 2009 renewables directive. The deal will have to be adopted by national parliaments before becoming law. According to a draft text published by the Council of Ministers, the share of renewables in final energy consumption in Norway and Iceland will be 67.5 and 64 percent, respectively, by 2020. This compares with a share of 58.2 and 55 percent in 2005. In common with EU countries, they will have to achieve a 10 percent share in transport. It is hoped that universities in both countries will be strongly involved in providing technical support to the implementation of the set targets.