Ecodesign

This two-session online course clarifies the basis for developing and understanding Life Cycle Assessments and Eco-Design of Buildings and their energy use (Session 1) and provides a practical application of these principles (Session 2).

Not all renewable power systems are sustainable

Some renewable energy systems rely on scarce resources

In the quest for alternatives to fossil fuels, renewable energy systems are being rapidly developed across a wide spectrum. However, the fact that these new systems replace depletable fossil fuels with renewable sources is in itself not a guarantee of high sustainability. The article 'Why sustainable power is unsustainable' in New Scientist draws attention to this often under-appreciated fact. In our growing focus on energy and climate change, we have a tendency to applaud every renewable energy technology that is being developed and without considering its other sustainability aspects.