Category Archives: Sustainable Development

Evaporative Cooling: Achieving Energy Conservation in Buildings

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The global push toward sustainability and commitment to United Nations’ SDGs has brought innovative solutions of energy conservation in building design and operation. Evaporative cooling has emerged as an effective and environmentally-friendly method for reducing energy consumption (in comparison to HVAC system which consume approximately 40 percent of energy in buildings) while maintaining indoor comfort. Let’s explore the principles, applications, benefits, and limitations of evaporative cooling in achieving energy conservation in buildings. What is Evaporative Cooling Evaporative cooling leverages the natural process of water evaporation to lower air temperature. The principle is simple yet effective: when water evaporates, it absorbs … Continue reading →

Humanizing Architecture – Through the Eyes of Abeer Seikaly

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Through the jasmine-scented roads of L’weibdeh (Jordan) I navigated my way to Abeer Seikaly’s studio, an old house that resembles Jordan’s genuine and inspiring identity. Abeer Seikaly is a young Jordanian architect who has been featured on several global and local media platforms because of her innovation “Weaving a Home” that was shortlisted for the 2012 Lexus Design Award. Influence of Education and Local Knowledge Top architecture schools in the Arab world are heavily influenced by international trends in built environment and sustainability, and unfortunately Arabic reference material is largely ignored in teaching. The emerging thinking around built environment and its relationship … Continue reading →

Solar Water Disinfection For Times of Crisis

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One of the most critical health problems during natural and human induced disasters is finding safe drinking water. Disease and illnesses result from contaminated water supplies, poor hygiene, lack of safe water for washing, and/or environmental conditions that support water borne diseases. What is Solar Water Disinfection There is no simple solution for these problems in the midst of crisis; but there is a little known but effective water treatment process that has enormous potential. Solar disinfection (SODIS) is economical, requires no exotic or expensive chemicals, and does not require expensive and limited fuels for boiling water (Lawand et al., … Continue reading →

Everything You Should Know About Atmospheric Rivers

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Atmospheric rivers actually mean rivers of water in our skies. But what is the science behind this phenomena that can become a very serious threat across regions of the globe. An atmospheric river (also known as AR) is a long and narrow flowing stream of water, actually condensed water vapour, in the atmosphere. It is capable of producing significant levels of rain and snow. When the atmospheric river moves across land and over mountainous terrain, the water vapour rises and cools to create very heavy precipitation or snowfall. Many atmospheric rivers are of moderate size but some are exceptionally powerful … Continue reading →

A Historic Timeline Of Renewable Energy

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The oldest and most prominent sources of renewable energy can be separated into five clear categories – hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and bioenergy. To document the history of these renewable energy sources from primitive use through the industrial revolution and into the 21st century, Compare the Market has created an infographic that tracks the known timeline of each source. The research that went into informing the infographic also touches on the future of each energy source, including the countries that are leading the way by means of capacity and implementation of new technologies. Some of the most interesting … Continue reading →

Revolutionizing Urban Spaces with Living Walls: Enhancing Sustainability and Aesthetics in Cities

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Urban environments often struggle with pollution, heat, and a lack of green space. Living walls offer a transformative solution by enhancing air quality, reducing urban heat, and promoting biodiversity. These vertical gardens not only beautify concrete landscapes but also provide essential ecosystem services that are vital for sustainable city living. As cities continue to grow, innovative approaches to design and architecture have become necessary. Living walls can be integrated into both new structures and existing buildings, making them a versatile option for urban planners and architects alike. This trend illustrates how integrating nature into urban design can lead to healthier, … Continue reading →

Eco-Friendly Lifestyle for Muslims – 6 Practical Steps

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We live in a world with rampant environmental degradation and an overconsumption of natural resources. The situation has escalated to a level that inaction today means the end of civilization as we know it in the near future. An eco-friendly lifestyle is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. Islam teaches us to live in harmony with nature. Muslims should live modestly and refrain from being either too miserly or too flagrant in their spending. Examining the need for an eco-friendly lifestyle and the Islamic ruling is important. In this green living guide for Muslims, we will look at … Continue reading →

Tempêtes de sable et de poussière au Moyen-Orient

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Les tempêtes de sable et de poussières sont des phénomènes fréquents dans le monde entier, surtout dans les régions arides et semi-arides, telles que le Moyen-Orient. Les tempêtes de poussière jouent un rôle important au sein du cycle de poussière mondial, et elles peuvent modifier le bilan radiatif de la Terre. Ces tempêtes sont susceptibles d’endommager les cultures agricoles, de retarder la croissance des plantes et de modifier le cycle des organismes benthiques marins, car elles empêchent la lumière de pénétrer dans les fonds océaniques. Les tempêtes de poussière peuvent entraîner des perturbations sociales, des pertes économiques et des effets … Continue reading →

Energy Conservation in Bahrain: Perspectives

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Bahrain has one of the highest energy consumption rates in the world. The country uses almost three times more energy per person than the world average. Based on 2022 statistics, the country consumed 22 MWh of energy which is 5 times the Middle East average and 7 times the global average. Infact, the per capita energy consumption in Bahrain is among the highest worldwide. The country is witnessing high population growth rate, rapid urbanization, industrialization and commercialization with more visitors coming in, causing fast growing domestic energy demand and is posing a major challenge for energy security. The Bahrain Government … Continue reading →

Urban Development in Nouakchott – Perspectives and Challenges

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Nouakchott, capital city of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is the biggest city in the Sahara region. Like other major cities worldwide, the city is plagued by environmental, social and economic challenges. Sewage disposal network, dating back to 1960’s is no longer sufficient for Nouakchott. The country is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and woody biomass for meeting energy requirements, though there is good potential of solar, wind and biomass energy. Solid waste management is becoming a major headache for city planners. Population is increasing at a tremendous pace which is putting tremendous strain on meager civic resources. Making of … Continue reading →

Things You Should Know About The Dangers of Asbestos

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The use of asbestos has been a widespread issue that continues to impact countries on a global scale. As a favored material used in buildings and construction projects throughout the 20th century, asbestos held an incredible appeal as a mineral known for its heat and fire resistant properties. For decades, this substance was synonymous with manufacturing and development. However, it was soon discovered that once asbestos was disturbed or damaged, the fibrous material could have a fatal effect on those that came into contact with it. Asbestos in the United States Despite its known dangers, asbestos continues to pose a … Continue reading →

Le rôle du savoir et de l’innovation autochtones dans la gestion de l’eau

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Our ancestors developed impressive water management systems and applications that helped them cope with harsh climates and scarce natural resources in many parts of the world. Discover how ancient civilizations applied indigenous knowledge to water management, as well as the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in tackling the water crisis threatening the entire MENA region. The Golden Past In the MENA region, and since the 4th century BC, the most powerful civilizations have overcome arid and semi-arid conditions largely thanks to sound water technologies and hydraulic engineering. In the 14th century , the reflections of Ibn Khaldun, a great sociologist … Continue reading →