Latest news with #LEDs
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Smart lighting upgrade slashes energy use at Newport DWP
Whitecroft Lighting, a leading UK lighting manufacturer, completed the overhaul at nine DWP locations in Wales, including Newport. The project involved swapping outdated lights for modern LED luminaires, significantly boosting efficiency. Whitecroft's pioneering intelligent lighting controls, part of its 'Organic Response' system, adjust lighting levels based on natural light availability. This innovation has made a vast difference in older buildings with inefficient legacy systems. The upgrade is expected to contribute significantly to the DWP's ambitious 45 per cent carbon reduction target. It also aligns with the Welsh Government's sustainability goals. Mark Brunt, regional sales manager at Whitecroft Lighting, said: "When Mitie approached us, we knew we had to deliver a solution that made a real impact on the DWP's carbon reduction targets. "Swapping thousands of outdated lights for LEDs instantly cut energy use by 50 per cent, and with Organic Response, we pushed efficiency even further, achieving up to 80 per cent savings." The upgrade was completed within a two-year timeframe, with minimal disruption to DWP staff and visitors. Whitecroft installed more than 54,000 physical products, including luminaires, sensors, and nodes, making it one of the company's biggest projects to date. Mitie, the facilities management provider, also highlighted the benefits of smart-ready buildings, which provide real-time insights for data-driven decisions, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. The upgrade future-proofs the lighting in DWP's Welsh estate, making it ready for the next generation of smart building upgrades.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
New Mangalore Port presented with Greentech Global Environment Award
Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has secured the Greentech Global Environment Award 2025 under the Environment Protection category, marking the eighth time it has received this distinction. The award was presented at the 24th edition of the Greentech Environment and Sustainability Summit held in New Delhi on June 12 and 13, recognising institutions that demonstrate leadership in environmental protection and sustainability. The recognition highlights NMPA's sustained efforts in promoting green infrastructure and environment-friendly operations. NMPA Chairman Dr. A.V. Ramana lauded the Civil Engineering Department and the port workforce for their commitment to green goals. 'This award is a testimony to our comprehensive and sustained efforts towards a cleaner, greener future,' he said. NMPA has adopted a series of eco-conscious measures over recent years. Its entire operations are now powered by a 5.3 MW photovoltaic solar plant. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented through three reservoirs, benefiting over 500 village wells and ensuring water self-sufficiency. A green cover expansion saw 7,700 saplings planted in FY 2024–25. A 1.2 million-litre-per-day sewage treatment plant enables reuse of treated water, supporting zero liquid discharge goals. The port has replaced nearly all conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and introduced electric buses, cars, and CNG vehicles to reduce its carbon emissions. With 55 percent of its cargo handling now mechanised, NMPA has reduced energy use and operational emissions. Shore power connectivity has been introduced for berthed vessels, and automated sprinklers are used to manage dust pollution. Other initiatives include a vermi-compost unit, a moisture cannon vehicle for dust suppression, a slop reception facility for safe management of ship waste oils, and the use of mechanised road sweepers. The award reflects NMPA's alignment with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' vision of transforming Indian ports into hubs of green innovation. As one of India's leading ports on the west coast, NMPA's achievements set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
New Mangalore Port Honoured with Greentech Global Environment Award for the 8th Time
Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has secured the Greentech Global Environment Award 2025 under the Environment Protection category, marking the eighth time it has received this distinction. The award was presented at the 24th edition of the Greentech Environment and Sustainability Summit held in New Delhi on June 12 and 13, recognising institutions that demonstrate leadership in environmental protection and sustainability. The recognition highlights NMPA's sustained efforts in promoting green infrastructure and environment-friendly operations. NMPA Chairman Dr. A.V. Ramana lauded the Civil Engineering Department and the port workforce for their commitment to green goals. 'This award is a testimony to our comprehensive and sustained efforts towards a cleaner, greener future,' he said. NMPA has adopted a series of eco-conscious measures over recent years. Its entire operations are now powered by a 5.3 MW photovoltaic solar plant. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented through three reservoirs, benefiting over 500 village wells and ensuring water self-sufficiency. A green cover expansion saw 7,700 saplings planted in FY 2024–25. A 1.2 million-litre-per-day sewage treatment plant enables reuse of treated water, supporting zero liquid discharge goals. The port has replaced nearly all conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and introduced electric buses, cars, and CNG vehicles to reduce its carbon emissions. With 55 percent of its cargo handling now mechanised, NMPA has reduced energy use and operational emissions. Shore power connectivity has been introduced for berthed vessels, and automated sprinklers are used to manage dust pollution. Other initiatives include a vermi-compost unit, a moisture cannon vehicle for dust suppression, a slop reception facility for safe management of ship waste oils, and the use of mechanised road sweepers. The award reflects NMPA's alignment with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' vision of transforming Indian ports into hubs of green innovation. As one of India's leading ports on the west coast, NMPA's achievements set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.
The Print
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Print
India's EV dreams need freedom from China's stranglehold on rare-earth metals. Start mining
China, however, managed to dominate the rare-earth supply by overriding environmental regulations, particularly in its sparsely populated northwest. While India does have limited supplies of elements like cerium, erbium, and lanthanum—all vital to modern technology—China still dominates the market. In some rare earths, such as terbium and lutetium, it supplies 98 per cent of the global demand. Both are crucial for manufacturing LEDs. Now, the first thing you should know about rare-earth metals is that they're not actually very rare—some are more abundant than copper. The 17 heavy metallic elements we call rare earths are mainly lanthanides—if you remember your high school Chemistry. The challenge is that, unlike copper or iron, these elements don't occur in concentrated deposits. That's why they're labelled 'rare'—not due to scarcity, but because it's extremely expensive, difficult, and environmentally damaging to extract and purify them. India's electric vehicle transition is under a cloud—not because of customer ambivalence, but because it has run into a great Chinese wall. Our eastern neighbour has imposed export restrictions on rare-earth metals. One of these, neodymium, is a critical element whose alloys produce extremely powerful magnets. These magnets are essential for electric vehicles, whose motors require strong, durable, and long-lasting magnetic components. But the most problematic element for electric vehicles—and even wind turbines—is neodymium. Again, if you recall your high school Physics, you'll know that strong magnets are vital for motors, or in wind turbines, for generating electricity. Neodymium alloys create exceptionally strong magnets that don't demagnetise easily. The motors these magnets go into must last 10–15 years—the lifespan of a vehicle—and endure wide temperature ranges and rough usage. These aren't your average blender magnets. According to the policy chief of a large Indian automaker, India currently imports around Rs 1,200 crore worth of neodymium magnets for electric vehicles from China. The largest importer is Sona Comstar, whose recent application to import these magnets has been rejected by China. Also read: Rare earths, their strategic significance, China's monopoly & why it matters to the Quad China's rare earth stranglehold China's dominance in rare earths has long concerned many countries, including India and the United States. But it seems no one wanted to do the 'dirty work' of mining and refining them—this even applied to lithium, the key component in EV batteries. So, China didn't just build global EV giants like BYD—it built the entire ecosystem. Companies like BYD and CATL dominate the battery space and lead most of the innovation and intellectual property development around lithium batteries. And while alternatives for batteries may exist, with certain rare-earths like neodymium, China maintains a stranglehold. The United States, for example, is now trying to build a supply chain for neodymium, and after China's export restrictions, India has announced a new policy too. According to a recent Reuters article, India has the fifth-largest rare-earth reserves in the world. However, even in the best-case scenario, it could take three to five years before any new mine becomes operational. In the meantime, with import applications to China being rejected and companies running low on reserves, several are warning of potential disruptions. Some multinational companies, like Hyundai, claim to have reserves that could last a year or more. Others are beginning to panic. Bajaj and TVS stocks rose when China hinted at easing export restrictions, but with India-China relations still tense post-Doklam, Indian industry clearly cannot rely on China. Until Indian firms are granted import licences, alternative sources must be explored—and that starts with mining at home. Here's the irony: we all want clean, green mobility—but mining and refining are anything but clean. I've seen open-pit coal and iron mines in Jharkhand and witnessed steel-making up close. Rare-earth mining and refining is even more polluting. But what choice does India have other than to depend on itself? We have to ease mining and refining permissions—there is no other way. On another note: I mentioned Sona Comstar earlier, and I'd like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Sunjay Kapur, the company's CEO, who passed away this Thursday at the young age of 53. I had known Sunjay for many years. He was a knowledgeable and erudite voice for India's automotive component industry, and led his company into the electric age with foresight and excellence. He will be missed. Kushan Mitra is an automotive journalist based in New Delhi. He tweets @kushanmitra. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists sound alarm over rising threat that's contaminating water supplies around the world: 'What happens next depends on how quickly we respond'
Rising sea levels are elevating salt content in coastal regions, contaminating soil and freshwater supplies around the world, according to experts in a story from Planet overheating, driven by burning fossil fuels for more than a century, is contributing to ocean warming and land ice melt. As a result, high tides are traveling farther inland. The rising salt water is causing floods from Miami to Bangkok, all according to NASA. Higher salinity is quickly changing the ecosystem in the Bengal Delta in Bangladesh, putting at risk rice paddies, mangrove forests, and other parts of the environment where 150 million people live, per "What we're seeing … is not just a local crisis, it's a signal of what's coming for low-lying coastal areas around the world," Mohammad Hoque, a researcher at England's University of Portsmouth, said in the story. He examined rising tides as part of a 17-year study in the region involving other institutions. The results showed that salinity levels started jumping more intensely in the mid-2000s, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that global sea levels have increased between 8 and 9 inches since 1880. "Model projections show that even a modest [11.8-inch] rise in sea level could significantly increase salinization in these areas," per The inflow doesn't just contaminate inland water. reported that it also makes farm soil barren, which impacts the food supply by reducing crop yields, damaging irrigation, and pushing "families toward debt or migration." Our use of land for farming is a main driver of biodiversity loss, according to the United Nations. Stunningly, the agency said that "human activity" has altered 70% of iceless land. Incoming salt water is changing more acreage on coastal fringes. While every extreme storm and flood event can't be linked to our planet's overheating, the experts at NASA said Earth's warming is increasing the likelihood of more severe storms, including cyclones and hurricanes, that rush more seawater ashore. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Experts interviewed by are studying why certain areas, such as the Bengal Delta, are particularly susceptible to tidal floods. Underwater geography is even playing a role. Inland droughts and increased upstream river use are reducing the impact of natural systems that expel seawater. Salt-tolerant farming and better water storage can help, per the report. "What happens next depends on how quickly we respond," researcher Ashraf Dewan, from Australia's Curtin University, said. Anyone can take action by exploring critical issues about Earth's health. With a little knowledge, you can talk about the problems with friends and family, encouraging some easy hacks. For example, switching out old light bulbs for LEDs, which produce five times less air pollution, can shave your utility expenses significantly. For a bigger impact, consider adding a solar panel system with a battery backup at home. Now's a great time for the investment, as tax incentives worth up to 30% remain to help offset the cost. A government study found that solar panels save homeowners nearly $700 per year on average, even after expenses. EnergySage is a free online tool that can help you navigate the incentives and find an installer, with savings up to $10,000. The setups provide low-cost, clean energy with blackout protection. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
