Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and sustainable solutions. Emily here. Have you ever considered how ancient civilizations managed without burning fossil fuels for heating and ventilation? Climate concerns are now prompting a revival of those ancient strategies.
This week’s highlights include the resurgence of building ventilation methods pioneered by ancient Persians and Romans, the whereabouts of monarch butterflies, and the introduction of a Canadian electric locomotive designed to operate in -40 C winters.
Innovative solar chimneys, inspired by ancient technology, are being incorporated into modern buildings like Limberlost Place at George Brown College in Toronto. By harnessing natural forces for passive ventilation, these solar chimneys reduce energy consumption and remain operational even during power outages.
The solar chimneys, featuring heat shelves that capture solar energy, facilitate air circulation through buildings, providing natural cooling in summer and heating in winter. This sustainable approach aims to operate without traditional heating, air conditioning, or mechanical ventilation for a significant portion of the year.
At the forefront of sustainable design, the solar chimneys at Limberlost Place enable students to actively engage with their environment, emphasizing practical learning experiences within the building itself.
In a separate development, Cando Rail & Terminals recently unveiled a groundbreaking electric locomotive powered by a lithium-ion battery, capable of withstanding extreme Canadian winters. The zero-emission locomotive, retrofitted from a diesel model, has proven its reliability in cold conditions, showcasing its potential to revolutionize rail operations in the country.
Funded in part by Emissions Reduction Alberta, this innovative project aims to replace traditional diesel-electric locomotives with eco-friendly alternatives, significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
For more engaging content on environmental initiatives and solutions, stay tuned for our upcoming newsletters. If you have any insights, feedback, or story suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at whatonearth@cbc.ca.
– Cameron MacCuish