The Regenyx recycling facility took in polystyrene — a hard-to-recycle...

CNN Climate 8 months ago

The Regenyx recycling facility took in polystyrene — a hard-to-recycle plastic used for products like coffee cups, egg cartons and meat trays — and melted it right down to its building blocks, ready to be made into new products. The process, which used a technology called chemical recycling, could be done an infinite number of times, according to Agilyx, the company behind the facility, saving waste polystyrene from landfill, incineration or around 500 years of clogging up streets, rivers or oceans. Last month, however, after only five years of operating, Regenyx closed its doors. Regenyx's closure is just the latest sign of the deep struggles facing chemical recycling, said Jennifer Congdon deputy director of the non-profit Beyond Plastics.The plastic industry is pitching this technology, also known as advanced recycling, as a great new hope in the battle against the plastic pollution crisis. But critics say it's failing to meet the hype, plagued by missed targets, plants closed or shelved and reports of fires and spills. Tap the link in bio for more. 📸 : Sergio Flores/AFP/Getty Images

Daily Sustainability Digest

Published about 1 hour ago

The UK government’s commitment to small modular reactors expands the scope for Whole Life Carbon analysis in Construction. By relaxing planning rules, policymakers aim to accelerate decarbonisation and address Embodied Carbon goals. Wider deployment of these reactors supports Net Zero Carbon targets and prompts new avenues for Whole Life Carbon Assessment, focusing on Life cycle cost benefits and reliable Renewable energy sources.

City rebuilding after climate shocks integrates Sustainable Construction methods, including Eco-friendly Construction and Green Building Materials. Lifecycle Assessment tools measure the Environmental Impact of Construction, while Low Carbon Building models encourage Carbon Footprint Reduction. Regions adopt Green Construction principles and Sustainable Architecture to create Energy-efficient Buildings that align with Carbon Neutral Construction goals.

Waste management improvements remain a priority. Digital waste tracking faces delays. Stakeholders emphasise the circular economy, advocating Sustainable Building Practices and Renewable Building Materials to advance Sustainability efforts. This approach preserves resources and supports Low-impact Construction.

Policy reviews address water and flood management, with implications for future Building permits. Strengthened drainage standards and flood protection measures encourage Sustainable Design, reinforcing Sustainable Urban Development while safeguarding Environmental Sustainability in Construction. These changes align with decarbonisation targets and bolster global resilience.

Technological and regulatory shifts illustrate how Construction is adapting to new environmental realities. Greater emphasis on Whole Life Carbon, Embodied Carbon, and Whole Life Carbon Assessment informs each Building’s performance, from materials to end of service. Through renewable systems, Energy-efficient Buildings, and Green Construction practices, the industry pursues lower Life cycle cost. The aim is a more resilient, sustainable sector, equipped to meet global demands without compromising future generations.

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