It’s Down To Us

20.02.2022

reciklaža_plastike_odvojanje_smeća — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Alfonso Navarro)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Vivianne Lemay)

Recycling is not the best, but the last solution within the circular economy system. It is a solution following product reuse, repairs, new business models aimed to extend product shelf life. Recycling is a cure, and waste reduction is prevention. When it comes to treatment and prevention, Serbia is at the very beginning.

When we talk about recycling, we usually think of municipal waste, although it makes up a small share of the total amount of waste. The advantage of Serbia is that it can learn from the example of countries that have entered this process a while ago. All these examples show that the success of recycling lies in three key elements: system structure, trust, and good, transparent communication.

Research conducted in the United States has shown that paying taxes and dealing with the stock exchange is easier for Americans to understand than recycling. Tables of what can and cannot be recycled are confusing even to those in the matter. Large companies that use recycling as a magic word contribute to the confusion. They tell us that their packaging is 100 per cent recyclable, but they omit to tell us if it is really recycled. They invite us to bring clothes for recycling, without clarifying that the percentage of clothes that are actually recycled is very low.

In focus:

Why recycle when everything goes in the same bin anyway?

To make recycling more successful, it is necessary to simplify this process down to the core, stimulate people to separate waste and explain that not everything will go in the same bin, which is very important in Serbia where trust seems to be shaken. It is necessary to design products that will be easy to recycle, establish primary waste selection, and raise awareness among people. This means that when it comes to recycling municipal waste, everyone is responsible – from the state and local self-government, through utility companies, enterprises and citizens. Media has an invaluable role in this process. Centre for the Promotion of the Circular Economy works hard to bring these topics closer to the general population.

NALED has recently recognized our efforts when we made a series of articles on food waste, motivating us to pursue this topic even more. All our readers’ reactions of provide us with the feedback that a new time is coming and that all people concerned about the environment are determined to live by the formula: reduce waste, reuse the product, only then recycle.

The time will come soon when people will stop looking for excuses for their own negligence. One could say that we have quite a hike ahead of us regarding recycling, not to mention the circular economy. We can go on littering because “everybody does it anyway”. We could give up immediately because “Serbia will never be Sweden”. Or we could go shopping with a textile bag, stop wasting food, “buy” clothes in mother’s closet. We can call for the responsibility of large companies and ask the government to pass and respect regulations and change our environment step by step. It’s down to us.

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RECYCLING.

How to Save on Electricity Bill

19.02.2022

solar_power_solarna_energija — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The arrival of autumn and colder days gives headaches to many. Apart from hectic preparations for school and searching for the winter clothes in your closets, preparations for the looming heating season are on. One look at the electricity bills during the winter could cause dizziness, but similar happens quite often in the summer.

If you have already wondered how to keep warm in winter and cold in summer, or how to make your home energy independent and efficient, you have probably learned that you can take various measures such as replacing dilapidated carpentry, installing insulation, installing new individual biomass and gas boilers or heat pumps, or even search for more efficient appliances. Applying these measures should reduce electricity consumption. However, is there any other way to reduce the final amount on your electricity bill? The answer is certainly in our production, which is possible by installing solar panels on the roof of your house.

By adopting the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and the Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy, the Government of the Republic of Serbia enabled both new investments and an increase in the share of RES in total energy produced.

The new laws bring a number of significant changes awaited for such a long time. Some of the novelties include subsidies for energy efficiency and the installation of solar panels on the roofs of houses. The state and local governments provide 50 percent of the funds, while the owner must provide the means for the rest.

In focus:

Since it is necessary to allocate considerable funds for such works, many are faced with the fact that they need a financial boost. Surrounded by a plethora of offers, one should choose a bank that provides a complete high-quality service to both natural persons and small and medium enterprises.

A good reputation and many years of experience are often crucial when choosing a partner for such a job. ProCredit Bank has been promoting and investing in renewable energy sources for years. They are particularly committed to responsible banking, promoting investments in energy efficiency projects, and developing a culture of saving among their clients. Environmental protection is one of the main priorities of this bank, and more and more often of its clients.

Fully digitalized ProCredit Bank enables easier, faster, simpler, and utterly safe use of all banking services.

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RECYCLING.

Running Like Clockwork

18.02.2022

Solar panels on the roofs in Serbia are not a common picture. One, the first step into the world of photovoltaics is not going to cut it. However, this modest share of solar energy in the general energy picture of Serbia will soon change! From the Government and Ministries to companies and citizens, this potential in implementing the energy transition and achieving energy stability was finally recognized.

While the new Laws on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency have been adopted to make the way to the solar power plant easier, by removing the unnecessary steps and possible obstacles, if you wish to put all your ideas into action a list of licensed companies with years of experience are at your disposal.

As many satisfied customers confirm, MT-KOMEX has deservedly gained its credibility in the field of solar technologies; it has so far built solar power plants with a total ca-pacity of 10 MW. And they can be your potential “ticket” to the world of renewable energy sources as they know how to take a step towards green and free kilowatts.

From vision to reality

One of the many successful projects that testify to the reputation of MT-KOMEX is the solar power plant of UNIOR Components, proof of ideas coming into life.

After opting to be among the pioneers of renewable energy sources and set solar panels on their roof, the management of Unior entrusted the work to those who know how to do it – a well-coordinated team of MT-KOMEX that executed this solar power plant in record time.

However, glooming doubt that the speed of production could reduce the quality and output power was dispersed once the trained operators of MT-KOMEX made sure that the Unior power plant was flawlessly completed, just like all other projects.

In focus:

Evenly distributed inverters throughout the roof area and meticulously routed cables across the blocks speak volumes about how MT-KOMEX approaches each power plant’s construction. Their precision makes everything run like clockwork.

Equipment selection is essential when building a reliable and efficient solar power plant. As in this case, the Multirail construction for the pitched roof from K2 Systems was used, a total of 928 CS3L-370MS modules, manufactured by Canadian Solar, and exactly 15 Symo 20.0-3-M S20 kW inverters, manufactured by the well-known Austrian brand Fronius.

UNIOR Components Tools now boasts of a 1,716 m2 solar power plant with an installed capacity of 343.36 kWp and an output of 300 kWp.

The decision to invest in a solar power plant was a complete success, which was substantiated by the fact that UNIOR Components will annually produce 425,910 kWh of electricity from a completely renewable source, and the benefits of this project will affect the environment with a total of 340,608 kg carbon dioxide savings per year.

In addition to gaining the status of a socially responsible company, in this effort to fight against climate change by building a solar power plant, UNIOR Components will achieve significant financial savings thanks to gaining energy independence.

On the other hand, MT-KOMEX keeps proving its expertise and commitment throughout the projects, totalling more than 4 MW of solar power plants installed last year. As global and domestic energy policy creates a favourable climate for the development of renewable energy sources, MT-KOMEX is more than ready to implement the visions of others, also keen to enter the world of clean energy.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RECYCLING.

How People Power Helped Saved the Argentine Sea From Oil Companies

18.02.2022

Greenpeace Argentina had started the year with bad news: the Argentine State had divided up the Argentine Sea in favour of the interests of the oil industry by approving the project of the Norwegian company Equinor to carry out seismic exploration off the coast of Buenos Aires.

So, in early January, they decided they needed to act. Together with ally organizations, Greenpeace Argentina filed a class action environmental lawsuit to demand that the approval of seismic exploration in the Argentine Sea be declared unconstitutional, and null and void. The advancement of this project would not only be a condemnation for marine species but also for coastal communities and beaches.

Time to make noise

People and organisations all over Argentina said ENOUGH, took to the streets and what we now call the #Atlanticazo movement emerged: demonstrations and public protests multiplied in many cities across the country against this project and even from other countries.

The defenders of the oil industry attacked with their own statements trying to convince people that this would bring -false- prosperity. But the movement did not back down and because of collective action and the relentless people power, last week, the Federal Court N°2 of Mar del Plata finally granted the precautionary measure through ruling the immediate suspension (and without time limit) of oil exploration. Basically, this means that Equinor will not be able to move forward with its projects until there is an exhaustive review of all the points that we have been warning about.

You can read the whole article HERE.

Source: Greenpeace

Energy Community Meets 2020 Headline Target for Energy Efficiency, Makes Progress on Renewables

17.02.2022

solar-panels-solarni-paneli — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Karsten Würth)

The Energy Community has achieved the 2020 headline target for energy efficiency set by the 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive. With respect to renewables, three Contracting Parties – Albania, Moldova and Montenegro – have overachieved their national 2020 targets under the 2009 Renewables Directive, while the remaining Parties came close.

Director Lorkowski said: “Without belittling the scale of the challenges ahead, the Energy Community having met the 2020 energy efficiency target is a notable achievement. While not all Contracting Parties were able to reach the renewables target at the end of 2020, it is encouraging to see that wind and solar technologies are starting to make a breakthrough in a coal-dominated power mix.”

On behalf of the Energy Community Presidency in Office, the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, German Galushchenko, said “2020 targets set under the Energy Community process gave an important impetus to the uptake of renewables and energy efficiency measures in Ukraine and all other Contracting Parties. For these two pillars of the energy transition to gain ground beyond 2020, ambitious targets for 2030 are needed. The Ministerial Council’s adoption of strong targets for renewables, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction for 2030 is a major priority of our presidency.”

According to data released by Eurostat, the combined final energy consumption of all Contracting Parties is well below the maximum set by Directive 2012/27/EU. Seven Contracting Parties have kept their energy consumption below their (indicative) national energy efficiency target for 2020. The majority of the energy efficiency measures were implemented in the manufacturing and building sectors.

With respect to the share of energy from renewables in final energy consumption, Albania, Moldova and Montenegro have overachieved their national 2020 targets set by Directive 2009/28/EC. The remaining Contracting Parties can still catch up as the 2020 renewables targets were prolonged until the end of 2021 by the last Ministerial Council. There is no 2020 headline renewables target for the Energy Community as a whole.

Source: Energy Community

What is the Future of Electric Cars?

15.02.2022

car-auto-punjenje-električni — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Contrary to all expectations, the year 2020, gloomy as was to all, caused so much trouble that we were impatiently waiting to “see it vanish”, yet had one bright spot. Once the COVID-19 pandemic peaked, shook the world economy, and challenged most companies to the bitter end, it turned out that the electric car market was hiding a secret.

Although the sales of electric vehicles did not pose as a priority when the economic crisis drastically reduced the financial power of the majority, statistics show that sales of battery-powered cars in 2020 soared by as much as 41 percent compared to the far more stable 2019.

A report issued by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that around 3 million electric vehicles were sold in 2020 worldwide, with Europe surpassing China for the first time, with the latter dominating until recently as the largest market for battery-powered cars worldwide.

The year we will remember after the pandemic was surprisingly good for electric two-wheelers. Hence the double number of electric bicycles in the USA in 2020 compared to 2019, while electric scooters were somewhat more in demand in Europe.

It is stimulative to see that more and more cars are running on batteries every year, and it seems that even the global economic crisis has failed to affect the growing progress of electrification of mobility.

In focus:

Why is the popularity of electric vehicles growing?

Subsidies are the main reason for the successful influx of electric four-wheelers on the market. According to the IEA report, governments worldwide have spent 14 billion dollars to support the sale of electric cars, which is 25 percent more than in 2019.

European governments offered a series of stimulative measures that provided the desired outcome so that in 2020, the milestone of as many as 1.4 million electric vehicles sold in Europe was reached, while in China, the number was a mere 1.2 million, and the United States trail with 295,000 units sold.

It turned out that in Europe, the fans of electric four-wheelers mostly live in the Scandinavian countries. Norway is the undisputed leader because 75 percent of the total number of cars seen on the streets is electric, although Iceland is not far behind with 50 percent and Sweden with 30 percent.

Although Serbia still cannot boast of a significant share of electric vehicles, the Serbian Government is determined to help develop electromobility by providing subsidies for the purchase of environmentally-friendly vehicles. This year, potential buyers were able to apply for help of 250 euros for mopeds and light tricycles, 2,500 euros for hybrid cars, 3,500 euros for plug-in hybrids, and 5,000 euros for electric vehicles. In the years to come, the Government is expected to offer new subsidies and that the number of battery-powered vehicles will gradually increase.

Prepared by: Milena Maglovski

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RECYCLING.

Circular Business Models and Smarter Design Can Reduce Environment and Climate Impacts From Textiles

14.02.2022

The EEA briefing ‘Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy’ provides updated estimates of textiles’ life-cycle impacts on the environment and climate.

The briefing shows that, compared with other consumption categories, textiles caused in 2020 the third highest pressures on water and land use, and the fifth highest use of raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions. Per average person in the EU, textile consumption required 9 cubic meters of water, 400 square meters of land, 391 kilogrammes (kg) of raw materials, and caused a carbon footprint of about 270 kg. The vast majority of the resource use and emissions took place outside of Europe.

The briefing also looks at how circular business models and design can reduce the negative impacts from textile production and consumption by retaining the value of textiles, extending their life cycles and increasing the usage of recycled materials. This requires technical, social and business innovation, supported by policy, education and changes in consumer behaviour.

A key aspect to increase textile products’ circularity is their design. Circular design — such as careful material selection, timeless look or garment multi-functionality — can allow for longer use and reuse of products, extending the life cycle of textiles. According to the EEA briefing, optimising resource use and reducing emissions at production stage would also mitigate negative impacts as would better collection, reuse and recycling of discarded textiles.

Reducing microplastic pollution

Textiles are a major source of microplastic pollution, mainly through wastewater from washing cycles, but also through manufacturing, wearing, and end-of-life disposal of garments. The EEA briefing ‘Microplastics from textiles: towards a circular economy for textiles in Europe’ looks at this specific type of pollution, highlighting three key prevention measures: sustainable design and production, controlling emissions during use and improved end-of-life processing.

According to the EEA briefing, pollution could be reduced, for example, by using alternative production processes and pre-washing of garments at manufacturing sites with proper filtering of wastewater. Other promising measures that could be introduced or scaled up include integrating filters into household washing machines, developing milder detergents, and generally taking better care of garments. Finally, textile waste collection, wastewater treatment and management would further reduce leaks to the environment.

Source: EEA

UNEP head Responds to Questions on Global Plastics Agreement

13.02.2022

water-plastika — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Brian Yurasits)

Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme does a Q&A on the deliberations by Member States on a global agreement on plastic pollution at the upcoming UN Environment Assembly

Do you have a specific agenda for what will come up at the session concerning the plastics convention?

The resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, is an important opportunity for countries to make progress on addressing the challenge of plastic pollution. Member States will be deliberating on proposals at the resumed fifth session of UNEA with the aim to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) to work towards a legally binding global instrument. I am confident that Member States will decide on the path forward that makes a real difference to address plastic pollution.

What comes next? How long may it take to reach an agreement?

Member States are set to deliberate this year at the resumed session of UNEA on an international legally binding instrument, commencing its work in 2022 and with the goal of completing by the sixth session of UNEA.

This would make for a highly ambitious timeframe, reflecting Member States’ understanding of the urgency to make progress on this critical environmental challenge.

How do you expect to handle competing ideas? Specifically, should an agreement cover creation of plastics as well as disposal? Is the agreement likely to cover just ocean pollution, or all plastic pollution? May different types of plastic or ingredients in plastic be banned or treated differently?

At the end of the day, the scope of a global instrument will be decided by Member States in a multilateral setting. In the spirit of heeding the call from the UN Secretary-General for a networked and inclusive multilateralism, a strong negotiation process will be one which embraces different points of view and engages with a variety of stakeholders from the get-go. We seek rapid, ambitious and meaningful global action to curb the scourge of plastic pollution and this means incorporating different views to arrive at a framing that allows us to meet a range of economic, social and environment objectives.

The proposals being deliberated by Member States envision actions, from source to sea, that address all sources of pollution along the whole lifecycle – from production through disposal and reduction of the leakage of existing plastic currently in the global ecosystem.

Member States will need to consider in their negotiations the different types of plastics and additives within them, especially to allow plastics to be recycled safely and to foster a circular plastics economy.

Is an agreement likely to rely on national self-reporting? Or are nations likely to underestimate their contributions to plastic disposal?

This is an important issue for Member States to deliberate further on. The demonstration of credible, continuous progress will help to secure political support and financing, and ultimately enhance impact over the long term.

Most Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) include provisions on reporting, i.e. Parties agree to provide information on the way they have been implementing the MEA at the national level. Reporting can be a useful tool for Parties to self-assess their compliance with the MEA and reflect on challenges and opportunities for improved implementation. But it is also a useful tool for the Parties collectively to exchange information on measures taken for the implementation of the MEA and the effectiveness of these measures. On the basis of national reports, the Secretariat is called to prepare a synthesis report highlighting the main trends and challenges in implementation, assisting Parties to consider how to enhance the overall effectiveness of the MEA at issue.

At the same time, many Parties to MEAs have at times expressed concerns over “reporting fatigue” and this is something we do need to seriously keep in mind as we assess the optimum review process for tracking our progress on stemming plastic pollution.

A number of important efforts are underway to monitor and track plastic pollution and marine litter can support and complement national reporting. This includes, for example, National Guidance for Plastic Pollution Hotspotting and Shaping Action developed by the IUCN, UNEP and the Life Cycle Initiative; the Minderoo Foundation Plastic Waste Makers Index; Guidelines For The Monitoring And Assessment Of Plastic Litter In The Ocean (developed by Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection); and the Back to Blue.

You can read the whole interview HERE.

Source: UNEP

Eleven Additional Governments Commit to New Plastics Economy

12.02.2022

pollution-plastika — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Eleven new governments have announced today at the One Ocean Summit that they will join the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

Led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, the Global Commitment has united governments and organizations behind a common vision of a circular economy for plastics.

The announcement today, that the national governments of Canada, Colombia, Greece, Italy, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain and Uganda and sub-national level governments of the City of Paris; region of Central Greece; and the Basque Country will be joining like-minded governments under the Global Commitment is confirmation of the growing interest and commitment of countries to act urgently to Beat Plastic Pollution.

“We will not recycle our way out of the plastic pollution crisis: we need a systemic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy,” said Ms Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.

A circular economy approach is needed to tackle the problem at its source according to a UNEP report published in 2021. The report detailed how a comprehensive circular economy approach could reduce the volume of plastics entering our oceans by over 80 percent by 2040. Reduce virgin plastic production by 55 percent. Save governments USD 70 billion between 2021-2040. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. And create 700,000 additional jobs, mainly in the Global South.

“UNEP encourages governments and other stakeholders to commit to ambitious national actions towards creating a circular economy for plastic. Let’s congratulate these new members of the Global Commitment in showing their leadership to combat plastic pollution,” said Ms Andersen.

Source: UNEP

500,000 Euros EIB Grant to Ensure Sustainable Urban Mobility in Niš, Serbia

11.02.2022

autobus_gradski_prevoz — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Ant Rozetsky)

Photo-illustation: Unsplash (Pau Casals)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) – the lending arm of the EU – has signed a cooperation agreement with the City of Niš in Serbia to finance the preparation of a sustainable urban mobility plan, enabling the city to make informed investment decisions concerning its transport network.

By taking into account existing travel patterns, development trends and the municipality’s strategic planning objectives, the sustainable urban mobility plan will help ensure that investments are optimized to provide efficient, safe, convenient and less carbon-reliant mobility.

Technical assistance will enable the City of Niš to explore opportunities created by the future removal of freight traffic from the existing inter-urban railway corridor crossing the city.

The sustainable urban mobility plan and the investments it will generate will help Niš to grow, supported by a high-quality, well-integrated transport network, thus enhancing the appeal of the city as a place to live and invest in.

Technical assistance is being provided under Team Europe and the joint Urban Projects Finance Initiative between the EIB and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), launched to support ambitious urban development projects.

Source: WeBalkans

9 Key Steps to Owning Your Own Solar Power Plant

10.02.2022

solar-panels-solarna-energija-krov-kuća-zgrada — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Here you will find some useful tips to help you make the right decision if you are considering installing solar panels on the roof of your building. Below you will find a list of things you need to do to produce more affordable, green kilowatts. You will need to participate in all preparatory phases of the project to build a solar power plant.

For this reason, we suggest that you carefully review these instructions and please bear in mind that the Bank finances these types of projects under very favorable terms.

Location

Provide the city/town, street name and number or coordinates of the location provided on Google maps. Be sure to indicate whether the solar power plant is planned for roof installation or ground mounting.

Utility Bills

Scan all of your monthly electricity bills paid in the past year.

Blueprint of the Building

If the solar PP is for roof installation, create a blueprint of the building in CAD or other digital formats. If you are unable to do this, prepare any sort of document that includes information concerning the slope (incline), roof finishing and construction of the roof coverings.

Images/Video Clips

The next step is to take photos/video clips of the building from the ground and from the rooftop, which indicate the height of the building relative to its surroundings (other buildings, trees, surrounding hills, etc.) and images that show the type and quality of the rooftop finishing and whether or not there are any obstacles (poorly constructed areas, shaded areas, etc.).

Designing a Model

Now is the time when you will need to hire a designer who will make a model of the panel layout. It is used for production calculations and to determine cost-effectiveness.

Conceptual Design Preparation

The designer will then prepare the Conceptual Design and Preliminary Design, the grounds on which permits are obtained for design and connection to the EPS distribution system [EPS – Public Enterprise Electric Power Industry of Serbia]

Preliminary Design Preparation for Solar Power Plant Connection

Once the EPS approves the connection to the network, it submits a document providing the conditions under which the Preliminary Design for the connection to the solar power plant is to be prepared

Building the Solar Power Plant

You’re now ready to hire a contractor. Be sure to make an informed decision here. Find a company with a lot of experience installing solar panels on various types of buildings. It is the right time to look into offers for financing the construction of your solar power plant. Now that you have all the information and know exactly how much it will cost to install your solar power plant, you can apply for a special-purpose line of credit dedicated to energy efficiency investments. Please note that you have the right to a return on your investment in the amount of 15 to 20 percent of the invested funds.

Obtaining Consumer/Producer Status

Once your solar power plant has been installed, it is necessary to ensure that the measuring point meets all technical and safety requirements and conclude an Agreement on Complete Supply with Net Metering. This Agreement is signed by the owner of the solar power plant and EPS

The company MT-KOMEX is a leader in the installation and design of solar power plants. To date, the company has installed and delivered equipment for a significant number of small solar power plants with a total installed capacity of 10 MW. The expert team at MT-KOMEX is always ready to respond to any questions you may have and to find the best solutions for your solar power plant.

Where Can I Find the Financial Support I Need to Install My Own Solar Power Plant?

ProCredit Bank is the leader in promoting and investing in renewable energy resources and their utilization. The Bank’s team of experts is available to answer all your questions concerning the financing of solar power plant installation.

Energy efficiency loans amounting to RSD 600,000 for investments in the home are available for online approval and are a new product offered by the Bank. For loan amounts exceeding RSD 600,000, the Bank allows its clients to submit their applications and send documentation in electronic form. Clients are required to visit our Bank only once – to sign the Loan Agreement and to submit original documentation for review.

Example of ProCredit Bank financing – private individuals

Solar power plants with different capacities – 3 kW, 6 kW, 10 kW

3 kW – RSD 490,000 loan 6 kW – RSD 790,000 loan 10 kW – RSD 1,390,000

– 5.5% NIR + 3 m BELIBOR – 5.5% NIR + 3 m BELIBOR – 5.5% NIR + 3 m BELIBOR

– 7.18% EIR – 7.18% EIR – 7.17% EIR

– 1.00% fee – 1.00% fee – 1.00% fee

– 60-month maturity – 60-month maturity – 60-month maturity

– RSD 9,590.05 installment – RSD 15,461.52 installment – RSD 27,204.00 installment

Milica Radičević

To Help Serbia Switch To Circular Economy Faster

09.02.2022

cirkularna ekonomija nis (554) — Foto: Dobrica Mitrović, Nordijska poslovna alijansa

Photo: Dobrica Mitrović, Nordic Business Alliance

Nordic Business Alliance is a business association founded with a goal to gather and integrate the Nordic business community in Serbia. Its members are Nordic companies doing business in Serbia, as well as domestic companies whose goal is to make business connections with companies in the Nordic Region. Besides business networking, the members of the Alliance would also like to promote and integrate Nordic values into their conduct of business as well as in wider civil activities.

“Based on Nordic values, and above all conscientious and sustainable way of doing business, transparency, innovation, social responsibility, solidarity, and environmental protection, our vision is to become a productive and relevant platform whose actions are to impact the improvement of business ambiance in Serbia and the society as a whole,” says Iva Petrović, NPA CEO.

Having four Nordic embassies as patrons – namely, of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden – NPA is implementing globally relevant agendas in Serbia, and at the same time has a direct approach and visibility in key shareholders, including highest state officials.

“Outside of Serbia, we are connected with experts and relevant institutions from the Nordic Region. In the future, we plan to expand our membership and activities to the entire Western Balkans. Through projects and cooperation with other NGOs, our wish is to keep influencing the creation of policies that are important for the European future of our country,” our interlocutor adds.

In focus:

Since 2009, when Nordic Business Alliance was founded, economic prosperity and positive changes in the Serbian business ecosystem have been very inspiring, Petrović highlights. Today, an innovation-based economy is the biggest starter of new economic growth, and digital transformation is the absolute and necessary condition for relevance. The shift is also visible, she adds, in terms of environmental protection in creating the value chain, but there is also immense room for improvement.

“Project directed towards the importance of sustainable development, in the widest sense, will be the outline of our plans for the future. The circular economy is a project that will, in years to come, definitely serve as an inspiration and a platform for sharing positive examples from the Nordic countries, while simultaneously our member companies, as leaders in their industries, are greatly inspired to enrich innovations in sectors that, above all, contribute to community progress and life quality. Health tech is certainly one of them,” NPA CEO says.

Prepared by: Milica Radičević

Read the story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine RECYCLING.

Translator Vesna Savić

Another Warning by IPCC Climate Scientists is Heading Our Way

08.02.2022

school_strike_4_climate — Foto: Screenshot (Twitter)

Remember the Code Red for Humanity? It was the warning report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is composed of the world’s leading climate scientists. Issued last August, the report was the latest summary of what’s happening to our climate system, and where we are headed if necessary action isn’t taken.

Well, the scientists are back.

On 28 February, the second of four parts of the latest IPCC assessment will be published. The report will pick up right where the previous one left off: focusing on the impacts of the climate crisis on humanity, our homes, livelihoods and the ecosystems we depend on.

Do we really need another report?

Of course, we don’t need another report to realise we’re in deep trouble already. But we do all need an updated assessment of our possible futures ahead.

The climate crisis today isn’t what it was 5, 10 or indeed 32 years ago, when the scientific community delivered their very first comprehensive assessment to world governments. It keeps evolving.

Since their previous full assessment in 2014, the situation has, again, worsened. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that the years since then, 2013-2021, all rank among the ten-warmest years on record. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, we’re now officially in uncharted territory with climate change.

You can read the whole article HERE.

Source: Greenpeace

Drawing Disaster-Preparedness Lessons From Tonga’s Volcano

07.02.2022

erupcija_vulkana_prirodne_katastrofe — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Yosh Ginsu)

The massive volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga on 15 January produced a blast hundreds of times the strength of the Hiroshima nuclear explosion, according to NASA.

The volcano and subsequent tsunami – which reached the United States, Peru, New Zealand and Japan – reinforced a Tongan proverb, ‘Motu ka na’e navei,’ or “always be prepared for a disaster.” The eruption has led experts to question how they can better manage the environmental impact of natural disasters.

“The effects of the eruption are a reminder of the need for more and urgent investment in ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and climate action to reduce the human and financial toll of natural disasters,” said Muralee Thummarukudy, Acting Head of the Resilience to Disasters and Conflicts Global Support Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

“Sound environmental management, climate change impacts and disaster responses are closely interlinked and require a more systematic and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management,” he added.

Human and planetary cost of disasters

At least three people died in Tonga, and over 80 percent of the population was impacted by the disaster. The toxic ash caused by the eruption, which reached several South Pacific countries aside from Tonga, has multiple environmental impacts. This ash can contribute to acid rain and acid gas, affecting groundwater, drinking water, the food chain (including fishing livelihoods) and ecosystems.

This is not an isolated incident. A 2020 report by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) shows that, between 2019 and 2000, there were 7,348 major recorded disaster events claiming 1.23 million lives, affecting 4.2 billion people (many, on more than one occasion) and resulting in approximately USD 2.97 trillion in global economic losses.

UNEP and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) established the Joint Environment Unit (JEU) in 1994 to respond to environmental emergencies. The JEU coordinates international efforts and mobilizes partners to support countries that have requested assistance. In doing so, the JEU offers a range of services to address the links between the environment and emergencies.

2021 La Soufriere volcanic eruptions

“The JEU has experience in responding to similar emergencies, most recently in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados, where it responded to La Soufriere volcanic eruptions back in April and May 2021,” said Margherita Fanchiotti, the JEU’s Focal Point for Response.

During the emergency, the JEU deployed experts to Saint Vincent, where the volcano is located, and to Barbados, which was impacted by the ashfall. The team included environmental specialists with expertise in volcanology, ash management, environmental pollution (air, soil and water), ecology (with a focus on marine ecosystems) and green response. The JEU also helped with liaison and logistical support.

Over a three week period, the team conducted rapid environmental assessments while advising national authorities on volcano and lahar (mud or debris flow) monitoring as well as on ash clean-up and disposal.

Lessons learned

“Some of the key environmental issues that emerged there, and which are likely to be most relevant for Tonga and Fiji too, included air quality – considered moderately unsafe according to WHO guidelines – ash management and related water and soil contamination, sanitation issues in shelters, the excessive use of plastics and amount of waste generated by relief efforts,” said Fanchiotti. “Others were the adverse impacts on agriculture, livestock, marine ecosystems and ecotourism, with implications for food security and livelihoods.”

UNEP’s Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) Handbook (second edition) helps to motivate and empower local leaders to prepare for emergencies more effectively and build resilience.

“The handbook helps communities prevent loss of life, damage to health, well-being and livelihoods, minimize property damage and protect the environment,” said Thummarukudy. “It is applicable regardless of the nature of the environmental emergency. Whether it is an industrial accident, a disaster or a combination of events, such as might occur following an earthquake, volcanic eruption or tsunami disaster after the Tonga volcanic eruption.”

Source: UNEP

India and IRENA Strengthen Ties as Country Plans Major Renewables and Hydrogen Push

06.02.2022

solar-panel-renewable-energy — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Thomas Richter)

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Andreas Gücklhorn)

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has signed a strategic partnership agreement with IRENA, signalling its intent to further strengthen its collaboration with IRENA in the field of Renewable Energy. The agreement was signed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Secretary, Mr. Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi and IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera during the 12^th IRENA Assembly.

India installed 13 gigawatts (GW) of renewables in 2021 and has grown its capacity by over 53 GW in the last five years, positioning it as one of the fastest growing renewable energy adopters in the world. With massive renewable energy potential, India has an aim to become a major producer of green hydrogen to support the decarbonisation of its industrial economy. According to IRENA, hydrogen will account for around 12 per cent of total energy supply in a 1.5°C world by 2050.

“India’s commitment for the cause of renewables is very well known and our record speaks for itself,” said Secretary Mr. Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi. He added, “We hope to make full use of the strategic partnership agreement and draw fully upon the expertise of IRENA in the area of renewable energy”

“India is a renewable energy powerhouse and a country whose energy transition actions speak louder than their words,” said Francesco La Camera IRENA Director-General. “As a key global actor in the shift to renewables and a founding member of IRENA, India has played a major role in international energy cooperation. This partnership represents a new chapter in an already strong relationship as the country looks to advance its transition and capitalise on emerging new technologies.”

Under the partnership, IRENA will facilitate knowledge sharing from India on scaling-up renewable energy and clean energy technologies as well as support India’s efforts to advance cost-effective decarbonisation through the development of domestic green hydrogen. The two will work closely to assess the potential role green hydrogen can play both as an enabler of the transition in India and as a new source of national energy exports. India has initiated the process for developing and launching a National Green Hydrogen Mission to enable cost competitive green hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and application technologies.

Permanent Representative of India to IRENA Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir said: “India is privileged to be among one of the few countries IRENA has signed Strategic Partnership Agreement with. As a responsible member of the community of nations India has always played leading role in sustainable development having initiated the International Solar Alliance in 2015 which now has 102 signatories. Furthermore, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has announced the National Hydrogen Mission recently to accelerate plans to generate carbon free fuel from renewables.

“All these initiatives and policy decisions have increased the synergy which India could achieve with IRENA, continued Ambassador Sudhir. “I am very confident that the Strategic Partnership Agreement being signed today between will further strengthen our work together in moving towards a greener and cleaner world.”

Source: IRENA

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