Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Yin Jun, have reached a major milestone in solar energy research. Their latest perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are now approaching 40 percent efficiency, meaning nearly 40 percent of incoming sunlight can be converted directly into electricity. This figure represents a significant leap beyond conventional silicon solar […]
For centuries, the fibrous bark of the shuro palm has been a humble but essential material in Japan. Craftspeople wove it into brooms, brushes, ropes, and nets. The fibres were prized for their strength and durability, not for beauty or subtlety. Now, a young Tokyo designer is giving the material a very different life. Kazuki […]
In Tokyo, the design studio we+ is redefining how sustainability meets creativity. Founded by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando, the studio focuses on research-driven design that reimagines overlooked materials and explores new ways for humans to coexist with nature. Their project SO‑Colored exemplifies this vision, transforming micro‑algae into vibrant, eco-friendly materials. Micro‑algae are tiny photosynthetic […]
Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, Hualien offers a rare balance of calm, natural beauty, and community-led sustainability. Far from Taiwan’s dense urban centres, this coastal region moves at a gentler pace, shaped not by large resorts or mass tourism, but by farmers, small businesses, and rural communities who have lived […]
Every time a photo is uploaded, a movie is streamed, or an AI model generates text or images, vast networks of servers are activated behind the scenes. These servers live in data centres, facilities that form the backbone of modern digital life. While largely invisible to users, they consume enormous amounts of electricity and require […]
Raja Ampat, an island cluster off the northwest tip of Papua, Indonesia, is often described as one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. Home to over a thousand species of fish and hundreds of coral varieties, it has become a dream destination for divers and eco-travellers alike. Yet, the same popularity that draws […]
As cities grow and global temperatures rise, the demand for air conditioning and electricity is increasing dramatically. Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of global energy consumption, and a significant portion of that is spent on maintaining cool interiors. But what if the very windows that let sunlight in could also generate electricity and reduce […]
Renewable energy is growing rapidly worldwide, but one persistent question remains: what happens when the sun is not shining or the wind stops blowing? Solar panels and wind turbines are excellent for producing clean electricity, but they are intermittent. To maintain a reliable, continuous power supply, engineers and researchers are exploring three complementary technologies: battery […]
If you think living sustainably means giving up modern comforts, think again. Eco-friendly technology has come a long way, offering tools and gadgets that quietly reduce your environmental impact without changing your lifestyle. From smart devices that manage energy use to solar-powered essentials, these innovations let you live greener while keeping convenience intact. Here are […]
