Welcome to our weekly newsletter featuring environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world.
I’m Emily, and I find it fascinating how hot subway stations can get. The concept of using this excess heat for cooling purposes in other areas, like nuclear power plants, paper mills, and sewers, intrigues me.
This week’s highlights include Canadian technology aiming to cool overheated subways in New York City, the phenomenon of wildfires generating thunderclouds, and the crackdown on ‘wishcycling’ by some municipalities.
Underground subway stations worldwide, including those in Canadian cities like Montreal, are experiencing rising temperatures, prompting complaints from commuters. A Canadian company, Cascara Energy, in collaboration with New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, is testing an energy-efficient cooling solution in East Broadway station. The innovative radiant cooling system uses chilled water-filled pipes in ceiling arches to absorb heat, providing passengers with a cooler experience without the use of fans. This system, expected to be more efficient and easier to maintain than traditional air conditioning, aims to not only enhance passenger comfort but also recycle excess heat for other purposes, as per MTA’s Climate Resilience Roadmap.
Subway systems accumulate heat from various sources, such as people, electronics, and train systems. Cascara Energy’s CEO, Robert Croghan, explained that their cooling system aims to capture new heat before it reaches the walls, gradually cooling the walls to enhance their heat absorption capacity over time. The recovered heat can be repurposed for heating buildings and water, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional heating methods like geothermal drilling.
The London Underground already recycles waste heat for its Bunhill 2 Energy Centre, supporting a district heating network. However, Cascara Energy’s passive radiant cooling technology is considered more energy-efficient compared to traditional cooling systems utilizing high-velocity fans, with potential applications in other transit systems globally.
Addressing ‘wishcycling,’ the practice of tossing non-recyclable items into recycling bins, poses challenges for recycling systems. Nanaimo, B.C., is considering fines for offenders due to increasing contamination levels in recycling loads, impacting recycling market viability. Municipalities are auditing bins and considering penalties to reduce contamination rates and avoid financial penalties.
If unsure about what items are recyclable, residents are encouraged to consult local recycling guidelines. Stay tuned for our next newsletter every Thursday for more environmental insights.
Editor: Emily Chung