South Africa’s recently introduced carbon tax may lead to financial losses in the short term, but it’s necessary and will be beneficial in the long term.
The year 2030 may not seem far away, but a decade is a long time in technological terms. Widespread automation, electrification, and connectivity are set to revolutionise the car of the future.
Workplaces the world over tune their thermostats to 22C, because this supposedly optimises mental performance. But the factors that underpin a productive office are much more complicated.
The sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty, July 1, 2018.
AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File
There are competing claims over what the optimal office temperature is. Here’s what the research says.
The study showed that boosting the office temperature a little can save energy and keep office workers comfortable without sacrificing their cognitive performance.
Mami Kempe / The Conversation
Our study found that office workers performed just the same, whether the air conditioning was set at 22°C or 25°C. But making that tweak can cut energy use by 18%.
There are ways we can stay cool in a heat wave without blasting air con at peak times.
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The urban heat island and summertime blackouts
The Conversation25.6 MB(download)
Today, we're asking why some of the most disadvantaged parts of our cities cop the worst of a heatwave and how you -- yes, you! -- can do your bit to reduce the risk of a summer time blackout.
It pays to think very carefully about your new fridge.
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We use our fridges, washing machines and air conditioners every day. That means that we should consider much more than the up-front retail price when choosing to invest in a new one.
With a hot summer forecast, keeping cool will put a strain on financially vulnerable households.
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Aged-care units can be a lottery of comfortable versus uncomfortable temperatures, depending on the building’s construction and where you live within it. That needs to improve.
Could the new invention spell the end of rooftop fans?
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The invention of silver and plastic-clad roof panels that can cool themselves down even under the Sun’s full glare promise to make air conditioning much more energy-efficient.
As the weather heats up, Australian households won’t just be cranking up the air conditioning for themselves. Some households will also be turning it on for their dogs or cats.
You shouldn’t have to crank up the aircon.
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Power-hungry houses that rely on air conditioning to make up for their bad design mean that the electricity grid has to cope with summer demand peaks – and everybody pays.