The rapid development of emerging economies across Asia and Africa is lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty - but there is much debate as to how to best structure this growth. If these economies evolve in the same way as in the West - with unchecked, excessive resource consumption and heavy pollution - the planet may be on the fast track to disaster. Earthrise explores how these nations can grow sustainably using improved, eco-conscious technologies like renewable energy and eco-friendly farming practices.
Read MoreWith the prices of solar technology dropping and the opportunity to save drastically on energy usage and costs, businesses and organizations across the country are investing more in solar infrastructure for their buildings and facilities. The Better Buildings Initiative of the US Department of Energy is helping by providing guidance and documenting effective approaches and financing for renewables installations - from hotels, to schools, to big box retail.
Read MoreNew York is determined to become a national leader in the renewable energy sector, and they are leveraging numerous approaches to help integrate better and more environmentally conscious technologies into the grid. The multi-faceted approach includes updating laws and regulations to be more renewables-friendly, hosting competitions to foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions in the field, piloting new technologies, and creating better incentives for utility companies.
Read MoreNew York opens up solar energy options to apartment owners who may not be able to install solar panels through community solar groups. These groups give apartment owners access to augmenting their energy supply with renewable energy gleaned from other parts of the city—with savings for the apartment dweller and a profit for the solar collector.
Read MoreAuraria Campus in Denver installed more than 2,100 solar panels on their school’s library, which will save students money and be more sustainable. The campus teamed up with Namaste Solar to build the $1 million solar array, which will reduce campus energy usage by about 2.5 percent annually. While it will take 15 years for the panels to recoup the cost of installation, the life of the project should be about 30 years, so it will also generate additional revenue for the school.
Read MorePennsylvania law is preventing a Philadelphia neighborhood from converting an empty lot into a solar farm, but community members are working to fight against this by citing neighboring states that are seeing positive impact from similar projects. One such project is in Massachusetts where shared solar energy systems is helping to offset "80 percent of the power needs of a nearby assisted living facility, an affordable housing development, a family-owned hardware store and a non-profit serving those with disabilities."
Read MoreAs building developers in Kenya design new structures that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable, they can look to the Garden City Mall in Nairobi as a successful example. This mixed-use development with shopping, residential, and office spaces uses solar energy, which helps cut energy costs by over 30 million shillings each year. The mall also was the first in the region to receive an international green building certification.
Read MoreTo help prevent food waste, Coldhubs provides solar-powered cold stations in local markets where farmers can store produce and perishable goods until they are ready to sell them. The organization has served more than 5,000 small farmers so far.
Read MoreIn Nigeria, nearly half of the population doesn’t have access to electricity grids, making solar a cheap and versatile option to bring affordable, reliable and eco-friendly power to millions. The country is using solar mini-grids, small installations that produce up to 10 megawatts of electricity. Nearly 120 mini-grids are now installed, powering about 50,000 households and reaching about 250,000 people.
Read MorePakistani households and small businesses independently embraced rooftop solar systems, making Pakistan the world's largest solar panel importer by 2024—a notable success demonstrating the potential of decentralized, economically driven clean energy transitions.
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