Environmental Engineering Climate Solutions

Public attention has centred on the first #Omnibus package (CSRD/CSDDD), but the EU has since rolled out five more packages - four of these weaken sustainability standards (and this often escapes our attention). Here is an overview: 🔵 Omnibus III - Agriculture  Simplifies conditionality and controls related to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Fewer inspections and less frequent checks will make it harder to ensure agricultural practices meet environmental conditionality. 🟢 Omnibus IV - Digitalisation (incl. Batteries) Two-year “stop-the-clock” on battery due-diligence (now 08/2027). This slows down safeguards against environmental and human-rights harms in minerals extraction, precisely as EU battery demand scales. 🟤 Omnibus V - Defence Defence needs allow broader use of chemicals that would otherwise be more strictly regulated; existing rules (like REACH) can be applied less strictly for the defence sector under exceptions. 🔴 Omnibus VI - Chemicals Streamlines labelling, cosmetics, and fertiliser rules; but reduced on-pack information, longer transition periods, and narrower bans (e.g. certain CMRs in cosmetics) weaken transparency and environmental safeguards. Further planned sustainability simplifications in 2025: (1) review of #SFDR in Q4 2025 (likely to be delayed to Q1 2026), (2) an "Environmental Omnibus" focused on emissions, circularity and waste management. 👉 Cutting red tape and streamlining regulations is not inherently negative. But the EU is pursuing this at high speed and with far-reaching consequences for nature and society. These impacts must be carefully assessed and weighed against the potential cost savings.

Imagine an olive grove for example. An agricultural set up that can either be a mono plantation constantly 'fighting' nature or a more biodiverse ecosystem looking to collaborate with nature. Example 1: Apply artificial fertilisers that disrupt the microbial-fungal exchange networks that understand and naturally build and balance soil life. The knock on effect is a reducing of natural fertility further and weakening of plant health. Then the the application of herbicides to remove all vegetation, creating bare soil and denude biodiversity that supports natural predators and brings balance. Fungi become imbalanced and more aggressive as nature looks to counteract the poisoning. Perhaps a bit of tilling now as well to help oxide the soil, expose any microbial soil life to harmful UV rays and make compaction and run off worse long term. Next pesticides are used in theory to maintain quality and yield while systematically whipping out most if not all biodiversity and poisoning the host plants. Then fungicidal use is needed to support trees now more susceptible to infections, killing any beneficial fungi that remain. This then leads to a fungi- bacteria imbalance and disease becomes inevitable as the more aggressive pathogens such as gram negative bacteria thrive and cause disease and dieback. When it rains the flood / drought double sided coin comes into play and most water runs off the compacted soil and is lost. Example 2: Soil is kept permanently covered with diverse perennial and annual local grasses and forbs. Soil organic matter is slowly increased. The multi sized roots opening up the soil and aiding de-compaction while root exudates feed the soil biology. Leguminous species collaborate with nitrogen fixing bacteria to create nitrogen banks in the soil. The grasses are cut regularly to help build organic matter. When it rains the majority of the water is held in the soil and is there for slow release. Non use of pesticides allow beneficial biodiversity to set up home and start to create balance. Spiders often being the key to biodiversity balance. Nature's natural predators bring balance. By creating the right conditions for fungal species to proliferate, the fungal - bacterial balance is restored. Aggressive pathogen bacterial species tend to be kept in check and not spread into the realm of disease causing. A bit simplified, but I know which example I would choose for the long term.. #biodiversity #miyawkimethod #ecosystem #ecosystemrestoration #nature #olivetree #olivegrove #nature #naturebasedsolutions #restoration #reforestation #gaia #permaculture #syntropic #biodynamic #organic

South Australia just introduced one of the most ambitious and modern biodiversity laws in the country. This one’s worth paying attention to, for those operating in SA and the rest of the country. What’s in the new law? ✅ Directors’ duties now extend to nature risk under a general duty of care for everyone (businesses, developers, government, individuals) to avoid or minimise harm to biodiversity ✅ A new permitting and impact assessment framework for projects affecting ecosystems or species following the mitigation hierarchy ✅ Protection of critical habitats, backed by science and community consultation ✅ Stronger penalties (up to $500K for companies $250K for individuals) and enforcement powers ✅ A Biodiversity Restoration Fund to invest in nature-positive outcomes ✅ Governance that includes First Nations leadership, scientific committees, and a Biodiversity Council ✅ A State Biodiversity Strategy to guide planning, with regional plans to follow How does this compare to other states? 🔹 NSW has the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, which introduced offsets, threatened species protections and landholder stewardship agreements but it’s been widely criticised for weakening native vegetation laws and enabling biodiversity decline. 🔹 Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 was updated in 2019 but remains largely focused on threatened species listing. Its offset framework is embedded in planning processes but there’s limited real-time accountability. 🔹 At the Federal level, we’re awaiting long-overdue reform of the EPBC Act. While the government has committed to new environmental standards and a federal EPA, roll out has been delayed. South Australia’s Biodiversity Act 2025 stands out for its: - Enforceable duty of care, creating a proactive responsibility to act - Integration of First Nations knowledge, science and policy - Statewide strategy tied to regional planning - Clear path for business: impact, offset, restore, with accountability built in This law places biodiversity risk alongside climate risk in how development, land use, and corporate decisions are made. It moves from reactive conservation to strategic planning, measurable outcomes, and shared responsibility. It’s also a signal of where national regulation is headed. If you're wondering what this means for your organisation, my DMs are open. #NaturePositive #BiodiversityAct2025 #TNFD #ESG #SustainabilityLeadership #RegulatoryChange #AustraliaNatureLaw #sustainability Jada Andersen Adam G. Xylo Systems

LCA can significantly weaken your carbon claims. Biochar projects are often framed around a simple idea: carbon is stored, therefore carbon is removed. But carbon removal is defined by net impact, not intention. Life Cycle Assessment forces a project to account for everything from feedstock logistics to energy inputs and auxiliary systems. And when you look at the full system, the picture can change. 📌 Transport distance matters. Biomass is bulky, and long logistics chains increase fuel use and associated emissions. A project that looks strong at the reactor level can weaken at the geography level. 📌 Energy design matters even more. Pyrolysis requires heat, and drying often consumes substantial energy. If fossil sources support these steps, net removals shrink. Internal energy recovery can improve the balance — but only if properly integrated. 📌 Startup fuel is rarely highlighted. After shutdowns, reactors require reheating. If this relies on fossil inputs and occurs frequently, cumulative emissions are not negligible. 📌 Moisture content shapes everything. High-moisture feedstock increases drying demand, which directly affects both cost and lifecycle emissions. 📌 Compliance systems and auxiliary equipment also contribute. Individually small, collectively relevant. An LCA does not focus on the reactor alone. It actually measures the whole system. In carbon removal infrastructure, system design determines whether the climate story holds under scrutiny. And keep in mind that investors increasingly look at that layer! What do you think is the LCA variable most biochar projects underestimate?

🌿 Can AI Be More Sustainable? Google's TPU Study Says Yes! 🌿 As AI continues to revolutionize industries, one critical question looms large:-What is the environmental cost of AI compute? 📚 A new study by Google researchers presents the first comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) of AI accelerators. It examines the 'cradle-to-grave emissions' of Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across raw material extraction, manufacturing, energy consumption, and retirement. 🔹 Key Findings:- ✅ AI hardware’s 'Compute Carbon Intensity (CCI)' has improved 3x from TPU v4i to TPU v6e, reducing emissions per computation unit. ✅ Operational emissions dominate total lifecycle emissions (~70-90%), highlighting the importance of clean energy adoption in AI data centers. ✅ Manufacturing emissions are now quantifiable, with TPU production accounting for a significant share of AI’s environmental footprint. ✅ Software optimizations amplify hardware gains, further reducing emissions for AI workloads. Why does this matter? 🌍 With AI models growing exponentially in size, understanding and optimizing their carbon footprint is crucial for sustainable AI adoption. This research provides a standardized metric (CCI) that can guide future AI hardware and software innovations. 📢 Call to Action:- ➡️ Should AI vendors disclose carbon metrics for model training and inference? ➡️ How can enterprises prioritize sustainable AI adoption? ➡️ What policy measures should support greener AI computing? 📖 Read the paper - https://lnkd.in/gjuQXPdp Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #AI #Sustainability #CarbonFootprint #GoogleCloud #AIAccelerators #MachineLearning #GreenTech

Hydropower generates approximately 14-17% of the world's electricity, playing a crucial role in the renewable energy sector. However, it faces challenges such as ecosystem impacts and risks to aquatic life. A new type of hydro turbine has been developed to address these concerns. This Fish Safe Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) features thick, curved blades that create an "airbag" effect, reducing the likelihood of direct strikes on fish. Impressively, it maintains over 90% peak hydraulic efficiency and can be applied to both new and existing hydropower plants. Tests have shown a 100% immediate survival rate and a 48-hour survival rate for fish passage. This advancement allows for the generation of clean energy while helping to preserve river ecosystems. #interestingengineering #RenewableEnergy #Hydropower #CleanEnergy #SustainableTech #EcoFriendly #HydraulicEfficiency #GreenInnovation #RiverConservation #EcosystemProtection #AquaticLife #SustainableFuture #EnergySolutions #EnvironmentalImpact #InnovativeTechnology

🌍 On May 30, the UAE’s first-ever Climate Law officially came into force—the first of its kind in the MENA region. This landmark legislation is more than a legal milestone; it signals a shift in how climate action is framed at the national level: from aspiration to obligation. Climate resilience, emissions monitoring, and long-term sustainability are now embedded as national priorities, not optional goals. 📊 Mandatory emissions monitoring across sectors 🌱 Sector-specific climate adaptation plans ⚖️ A legal framework to anchor future action in accountability and transparency It builds on the momentum of the UAE Consensus at COP28, moving from words to systems, and hopefully, outcomes. Institutionalizing emissions tracking and climate planning sets a strong regional precedent. It reflects both urgency and foresight. As climate risks intensify, this kind of policy architecture is essential, not only to meet mitigation targets but to ensure a just and adaptive transition.

How the #Sport industry can help takcle #biodiversity issues ? 1. #Sustainable Venue Management Sports organizations can build or retrofit venues to minimize environmental impact. This includes using sustainable materials, incorporating green spaces, and implementing energy-efficient systems. For instance, some stadiums have green roofs or integrate local flora to support local biodiversity. Sports venues, especially those in natural settings like golf courses or mountain biking trails, can be designed to preserve and even enhance local ecosystems. 2. Promoting #Conservation Initiatives Sports teams and leagues can partner with environmental organizations to support biodiversity projects. This could include sponsorships, joint campaigns, or fundraising for conservation efforts. Leveraging their platforms, sports organizations can raise awareness about biodiversity loss and conservation. 3. #Sustainable Event Management Events can source food, merchandise, and other materials from suppliers that follow sustainable practices, such as supporting local agriculture that maintains or improves biodiversity. 4. Athlete #Advocacy and Education Athletes can be powerful advocates for biodiversity. By speaking out on environmental issues, participating in conservation campaigns they can influence millions of fans. Sports organizations can educate athletes, staff, and fans about biodiversity and sustainability through sessions, workshops, or partnerships with educational institutions. 5. #Reducing Carbon Footprint Encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, or electric vehicles for fans, athletes, and staff can indirectly benefiting biodiversity by mitigating climate change. Sports organizations can invest in carbon offset projects that directly benefit biodiversity, such as reforestation. 6. #Support for Local Ecosystems Community-Based Conservation Projects: Sports teams and leagues can support local biodiversity through community initiatives, such as tree planting, habitat restoration. Sports brands can develop products that support biodiversity, such as clothing made from sustainable materials. 7. #Regulation and Policy Influence Sport industry can use its influence to advocate for stronger environmental regulations that protect biodiversity. This involve lobbying for policies that prevent habitat destruction. Sports organizations can adopt and promote international standards for biodiversity conservation, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 8. #Innovation and Research. Collaborating with academic institutions to research the impact of sports on local ecosystems and developing strategies to mitigate negative effects can also be a key contribution. 9. Fan #Engagement Teams can engage fans in biodiversity protection through initiatives like “green games,” where a portion of ticket sales goes to conservation projects, or by offering incentives for fans to participate in local environmental actions. I let you complete.

How to map the environmental footprint of 70,000 organic chemicals? 🧪🌍 Current LCA databases cover too few chemicals, leaving much of the industry to operate in a "data desert." Today, I am happy to share our preprint introducing CRYSTAL: a framework designed to shift chemical LCA from a reliance on "unknown unknowns" to a collaboratively improvable mapping of "known unknowns." Why a preprint? We believe that achieving a sustainable chemical industry requires an open, community-oriented approach. By sharing our methodology now, we hope to start a conversation on how we can collectively refine and improve LCI data at scale. What is CRYSTAL? Short for “Chemical RetrosYnthesiS for Transparent Assessment of Life-cycles,” this framework uses retrosynthesis and machine learning to predict inventories based solely on molecular structure. We’ve used it to generate over 110,000 datasets—a 40-fold increase in coverage compared to existing databases. Key themes we explore in the paper: ➡️ Transparency as a Priority: Every inventory is based on full, visible reaction pathways. If an expert has better real-world data for a specific yield or solvent, the modular nature of CRYSTAL allows those components to be replaced and updated. ➡️ Identifying "Divergent Hotspots": Our analysis pinpoints chemicals where impacts do not correlate with climate change. These are critical environmental "blind spots" where carbon-reduction alone isn't enough to improve sustainability. ➡️ Accelerating R&D: By providing a predictive foundation, CRYSTAL enables chemists and engineers to evaluate the sustainability of emerging pathways at the very earliest stages of research. We are currently busy finalizing the user interfaces and refining the database for its full release. In the meantime, we welcome your feedback on our framework and methodology. You can read the preprint here: https://lnkd.in/eGWVu9iU A huge thank you to our leads Shaohan Chen and Johannes Schilling, and the entire team at ETH Zürich: Tim Langhorst, Julian Nöhl, Christopher Oberschelp, and Martin Pillich. Let’s move toward a more transparent, data-driven future for chemical sustainability. 🚀 #Sustainability #LCA #GreenChemistry #MachineLearning #Preprint #ETHZurich #CRYSTAL Energy and Process Systems Engineering Group, ETH Zurich & Chair of Ecological Systems Design (ESD), ETH Zürich

🌿 🦋 NEW PAPER ON BIODIVERSITY FOOTPRINTING Key take-aways: ♻️ 🌎 Taking a whole lifecycle approach for assessing business biodiversity impacts is important, as substantial impacts can often be embedded within organisational value chains. 📅 ⛏️ 🪓 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a powerful approach to help organisations understand the impacts of company activities on biodiversity, covering all stages of a product’s life cycle and capturing many pressures that impact biodiversity. ❓ 🌵 🐦 But how do the ‘biodiversity footprint’ estimates from these tools relate to biodiversity impacts on the ground? What are the major assumptions and sources of uncertainty in these approaches? And how do these uncertainties influence the design of strategies to mitigate impacts? 😕 ❓ Modelling complex value chains and impact pathways necessarily means big assumptions are made in assessments. This means LCAs carry substantial uncertainties, which are often poorly understood and communicated in results. These uncertainties arise from the structure of the models (such as which biodiversity threats are included), the quality and completeness of the underlying data, decisions made in assessments and the way results are presented. 🔀 If not fully appreciated, these uncertainties could influence user decision-making, potentially leading to misleading conclusions, and misallocated resources to address impacts when designing biodiversity strategies. 📃 🧭 So given these risks… how should organisations use LCAs to their full potential? In the paper we outline clear opportunities for businesses and researchers to reduce, better understand and navigate these uncertainties wherever possible. 🌳 🦁 We outline opportunities for the effective use of LCAs in biodiversity strategy design: 1) Risk screening & tracking progress: We suggest LCAs can be most effective for high-level risk screening, prioritising action, and tracking biodiversity impact reduction over time. 2) Complemented by other approaches: Once high-impact areas are identified, LCAs can be paired with more specific approaches to provide robust impact estimates and guide effective, location-specific mitigation action. 3) Cautious use & complementary metrics: LCA outputs should be interpreted carefully due to uncertainties and lack of specificity. Targets should use a basket of metrics, focusing on direct biodiversity measurements, pressure reductions, and clear conservation actions. Care should be taken when using absolute estimates of biodiversity impact from LCA’s in strategy design. If you’re interested, there is much more detail in the full paper. This was a great collaborative effort between Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, The Biodiversity Consultancy Ltd & The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery. https://lnkd.in/eqFebWZk Please do get in touch if you’d like to discuss. We’d love to hear from you.