Germany makes it mandatory: Homes must use renewables for heating

Germany continues to set a torrid pace in its race to be the world leader in the fight against global warming. As of Jan. 1, 2009, a new federal law will require all new homes to use renewable energy sources to meet at least 14 per cent of their energy needs for space heating and hot water. From 2010 on, older homes will have to use renewables for at least 10 per cent of their heating.

Germany aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

Key renewable technologies include solar panels, wood pellet stoves and boilers, and geothermal heat pumps. For more on Germany’s new renewable energy law, read the story here.

Alberta power line story incredible - but true

If you like stories of arrogant villains, rowdy town-hall meetings, spies listening in on phone lines, courtroom drama, and corruption in high places, then you’ve got to read about the battle by some Alberta landowners to stop a giant power line from Edmonton to Calgary. See Andrew Nikiforuk’s piece for Canadian Business magazine.

Termite-inspired building stays cool when it’s hot

Designers in Harare, Zimbabwe have created a shopping centre/office building that uses 90 per cent less energy than its conventional counterpart. Despite peak temperatures above 40o C., the Eastgate Centre stays comfortable all year long – with no air conditioning. How? Simple: The building uses a ventilation system inspired by local termites. Details on this cool design are available here and also on Wikipedia.

For more ideas about how copying nature can help humans survive, check out the Montana-based Biomimicry Institute.