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Latest from 10:10 Councils

The unusual suspects: Mexico's petrochemical capital joins 10:10

25 Feb 13

The petrochemical capital of Mexico isn't the first place you'd look for a super-ambitious carbon cutting project, but as the launch of Salamanca's 10:10 project shows, the good stuff can pop up anywhere.

On 11 February the mayor of Salamanca signed a 10:10 inspired carbon-cutting commitment that will see the municipal government cut its emissions by 5%, and help residents do the same.

In Vancouver, today's bathwater is tomorrow's central heating

31 Jan 13

Chimneys at the False Creek Energy Centre in Vancouver

Energy from wastewater can cover 70% of the community's heating. Photo: Eos Lightmedia

It's crazy when you think about it. From showering in the morning to draining the pasta for dinner, we each put gallons of hot water down the drain every day.

Mix it all up, and it's enough to keep our sewers flowing at a balmy average of 15C. That's a lot of energy babies being thrown out with our bathwater.

I've always thought there should be a way to re-use that heat, but I suspect the demand for lukewarm sewage-filled radiators is fairly modest. Luckily, there's another way.

Scotland calls time on fossil electricity

30 Jan 13

Waves along the Scottish coast

With strong winds and rough seas, Scotland has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. Photo: Graham Robertson

Good old Scotland. While Westminster squabbles over whether we really need a clear plan for green electricity (clue: we do), Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has come out and adopted the most ambitous target anyone's ever suggested.

"Let people wear pyjamas": how Barnes became a solar success story

28 Jan 13

With just a few months to fundraise for a brand new solar roof, our 30 Solar Schools celebrate every new donor that pops up on the website.

But, some donations come with more fanfare than others.

Last week, after nearly four months of hard work, profits from a snowy sponsored run made Barnes Primary School in Richmond the first of this year's Solar Schools to hit their fundraising target!