Resources, Environment and Climate

In 1800, Alessandro Volta described the first-ever functioning battery. Michael Thackeray, PhD, later paved the way for lithium battery technology.

A wind turbine you can pack in the back of your car and take with you – nemoi, developed by Argentinean company Semtive.

Bringing light into Philippine huts and houses with saltwater is an idea developed by Aisa and Raphael Mijeno and their Asian startup SALt.

Solar thermal power plants can convert the sun’s energy into electricity when the sun is not shining. Experts foresee a great future for this is environment-friendly technology.

Professor Du Huanzheng, Director at Tongji University, believes China has a few things to learn but also a lot to share about circular economy.

In a world of limited resources, new economic models are needed. The circular economy is an idea that is gaining ground. What does it mean and how does it work?

Worldwide, the bioeconomy is gaining traction. But a lot of research and development still needs to be done. When are renewable resources truly good?

BASF project manager Nikolaus Raupp, PhD, explains how the biomass balance approach certified by technical inspection board TÜV SÜD works.

We take a look inside a BASF production site in England that breeds nematodes – tiny worms that can be used in plant protection to control pests.

A tower invented by Italian designer Arturo Vittori can collect an average of 50 to 100 liters of drinking water per day. But how does it work?

Autonomous vehicles, road signs on demand, self-driving capsules and cars that can be folded up for parking: A vision of how we could move around in the city of tomorrow.

In 1823, Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner discovered platinum catalysis. Ferdi Schüth later paved the way for high throughput technology to be used in catalysis.

With 54 microturbines that look like leaves, the Arbre à Vent^® can generate energy nearly without making any noise

A powder made from iron scrap protects our electronic devices.

Improving the performance of batteries is what drives researchers at BASF’s Battery Materials Lab in Amagasaki, Japan.

Plastics under discussion: Two experts share their views on plastics.

Mobility in the 21^st century requires innovation. Discover cities and technologies that demonstrate how it’s possible to meet the challenge of the century.

An increasing population, climate change and urbanization – the world is changing rapidly with new demands arising. How innovative concepts are changing the future of mobility.

Mary Crass of the International Transport Forum about strategies to improve mobility worldwide.

Intelligent façades and coatings combined with innovative insulation materials – when buildings become power stations.

Long-term security of energy supply or an incalculable risk? Two experts share their views on shale gas production.

How do we meet rising demand for urban housing without it costing the earth? CasaE in São Paulo, Brazil’s first energy efficient house, shows some solutions.

The idea is as spectacular as it is obvious: The lawnmower EcoMow is fueled by grass. 

Chemistry around us: Ho do dishwashing tabs manage to get dirty dishes sparkling clear?

Sea water desalination maintains the water supply on the island of Cyprus. Ultrafiltration membranes play an important role in desalination.

Increasing numbers of cities are running dry. Smart strategies are required to ensure they are supplied with water.

In the Indian city of Mangalore, students learn about the value of water and share their knowledge with the community.

John Briscoe is a cosmopolitan and a water expert. In this interview he explains what the future of water management could be.

Soccket is a ball – and a tiny power station. During a regular game of soccer, it generates and stores electricity.

Solar modules lose much of their efficiency when they get dirty. Ridha Azaiz developed a robot that cleans solar panels.

These three cities are leading the way toward water systems of the future.

With Peepoo, the Swedish architect Professor Anders Wilhelmson has developed an inexpensive single-use alternative to the flush toilet.

Eliodomestico is a solar-powered water distiller for coastal populations in the developing world.

The next generation of refrigerators and air conditioners will be even more environmentally friendly thanks to magnetocaloric materials.

More and more people are urban dwellers. How we can solve the challenges of growing cities.

How Hollywood star Cate Blanchett is transforming the Sydney Theatre Company’s home into a showpiece for sustainable building.

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of Sustainability at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, explains how this ambitious energy-saving project works.

Masdar City will be a showcase for sustainable urban development. The buildings completed so far are using 100% renewable energy.

Designed using sustainable materials, with a contribution from BASF, the Lofthome is affordable, beautiful – and as Lofthome architect Robert van Kats explains, it is proving very popular.  

New Yorker Aidan Dwyer is just 15 years old, but has already created a stir in the solar industry.

Given the growing amount of trash, municipalities have to come up with solutions for how to deal with household waste.

There are many sides to sustainable housing and construction – as our glimpse around the globe shows.