Energy and water consumption

The most important energy sources are the energetic processing of our waste products, natural gas and the utilization of combined heat and power. Together they account for about three quarters of total energy consumption. Water usage is discriminated into two main classes, industrial process water and non-contact cooling water. Essentially all cooling water cycles are closed loop systems, whereby the exchanged heat is dissipated by airflow and evaporation (cooling tower) or by river water (Visp, Switzerland).

Energy Consumption

The total energy requirement in the year under review was 8406 terajoules, 7.6% up on the previous year. The main energy sources used by Lonza in 2010 were: natural gas (34%), electricity (32%) and utilization of waste (29%). Liquid fossil fuels accounted for 4% of the overall energy consumption. Energy from renewable sources accounted for 3% of the electrical energy consumed, a significant decrease from the level of 15% recorded the previous year. One of the main reasons is the electric power market in Switzerland, where Lonza draws a significant proportion of electricity of not exactly known origin, by default reported as 'non-renewable'. Lonza focuses on balancing economic and ecological aspects. A number of energy efficiency measures are in the process of being realized at different sites. As a matter of course these efforts will continue.

Energy Consumption in Terajoules (TJ)

Total energy demand 2010 was 8406 TJ (7.6% up on the previous year). The reduction in 2006 was essentially the result of the divestiture of the polymer and intermediates division.

Distribution of energy sources 2010

Water Consumption

Reporting on water consumption is separated into "industrial water" and "cooling water". Industrial water: Water which is polluted by industrial or sanitary processes and installations and which has to be treated in own or external waste water treatment plants. Cooling water: Water used for energy transfer (cooling, heating), which is kept in a network separated from industrial water and which can be released back to receiving waters (rivers, lakes) without further treatment.

Industrial Water

Industrial water consumption, which is largely dependent on production volume, capacity use and product mix, amounted to 5.2 million cubic meters in 2010, up 7.7% on 2009 and at level with the average of the previous three year period 2007-2009. The significant fall of >50 % of industrial water consumption in 2006 is accountable to changes in the asset portfolio (divestiture of the Italian Polynt - polymer and intermediates - and German LOFO - foil production). In the reporting year the peptide and bioscience assets acquired in 2006 and 2007 represented 3% of total industrial water consumption (2009: ~4%) underlining the dominance of chemical and pharma API production at other business sectors in water usage.

Industrial Water consumption (in 1000 cubic meters)

Industrial water consumption of all Lonza sites active in the respective year.

Cooling Water

With the exception of the plant in Visp (Switzerland) all Lonza production sites are using closed-loop cooling water systems with heat dissipation by means of airflow cooling towers. In Visp, water from the river Rhone is used in in large volumes to dissipate non-recoverable heat energy by heat exchangers. The river water cooling system is completely separated from any industrial water system and is equipped with special protection and control measures to secure its water quality. Total cooling water used by Lonza in 2010 amounts to 126 million cubic meters. Visp, with 125 million cubic meters once-through river water, has a >99% share in this amount. All other Lonza sites together have a cooling water consumption of 0.76 million cubic meters (mainly by evaporation).

Cooling Water consumption of Group without Visp plant (in 1000 cubic meters)

The effect of the restructuring of the asset portfolio by the divestiture of the polymer and additives buisiness in 2006 is clearly visible.

Energy From Water

  Welcome to my third web page on renewable energy sources! In the few minutes it will take you to read this page, you will be covering: 75% of our planet's surface, the substance in your drinking glass, and the element from which you are mostly made.  I hope it doesn't take you too long to figure out that this substance is water.  Our planet's water supply has transformed a barren planet into the green and blue object astronauts have spent hours staring at in awe.  Water has provided for our needs in many ways, and may easily do it again.  This time water is providing the electricity that our modern-day society greatly depends on.
    The first question is, "How can we use water to create electricity?"  There are four main ways in which we use water to create electricity.  The first way is by harnessing the power of moving water in large rivers.  By building a dam in a selected area, you can create a large reservoir of water with a great deal of pressure.  Holes in the side of the dam lead to turbines, which spin as a controlled amount of water exits the dam.

    The second way we use water to create electricity is by the changing of tides.  Tidal power plants are producing electricity for their nearby consumers in France, Canada, Japan and many other countries.  Tidal power plants work on the power of changing tides.  The first step in the construction of a tidal power plant is in finding a bay with a large difference between it's low and high tides.  Engineers then design a dam to put across the outer end of the bay.  When high tide comes to the area, huge quantities of water come rushing into the bay.  The gates in the dam will shut when the water level has reached it's maximum height.  At low tide, the water in the bay is trapped higher than the ocean water.  Holes in the bottom of the dam let the water rush past turbines and then back into the ocean.  When the next high tide comes around, the whole process begins over again.
    The third way we can create hydroelectricity is by harnessing the power of waves.  Large flotation devices can be placed in an area noted for regular wave action.  These flotation devices are attached to a crankshaft underneath the water's surface.  As the flotation devices move up and down, they cause the crankshaft to spin.  This crankshaft is attached to a generator which produces electricity.  Although there are many inventions which also use the power of waves, this method tends to be the most popular.
    Last, and currently least, is our fourth way of creating hydroelectricity.  This method works by taking advantage of thermal differences in ocean water.  Although they are still in the experimental stages, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems seem to have made a promising start.  Due to the smaller differences in water temperatures compared to steam-based systems, estimates say that OTEC plants will require approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second of ocean water in order to provide enough energy for 200,000 people.  Though this may seem like an incredible amount of water, it averages out to be 1.5 cubic feet per minute for one person.
    Most electric power producing systems have a downside, and these are no exceptions. River-based hydroelectric dams have been known to upset the natural wildlife in their region. In times of drought, these dams will hold back the smaller amount of water coming down the river, compounding problems downstream. Tidal-based hydroelectric plants can cause widespread wildlife problems, as the regular intervals between high and low tides become disrupted. Cases have also been reported where harbors near tidal power plants completely dry up during low tide because there is an even lower amount of ocean water in the area. This can leave boats stranded on land until high tide comes in again.
    Our last two hydroelectric plants have more mechanical parts, so they will require more upkeep than the first two, while at the same time producing less electricity. Our final problem is in the transportation of hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity provides a good energy source for areas near large bodies of water, but many places are too far away to make the transportion of hydroelectricity cost effective.
    Well, we got that over with. Now for the good news: Hydroelectric power plants produce no pollution; the smaller amounts of required labor and the fact that the water is free lead to a much lower electric bill; hydroelectricity can be produced 24 hours-a-day, and most important is hydroelectriciy's large amount of room for expansion. Estimates say that our planet's hydroelectric capability is greater than our entire oil supply. Hydroelectric power has a great demand and a very bright future.

Safe Degreasers: Low Toxicity Cleaners Produce Less Air Contamination

Safe handling practices have always been a concern in the parts finishing industry. Degreasers are harmful to inhale and can be absorbed by the skin. They are commonly applied through vapor degreasing methods for individual part cleaning. This process uses a solvent in its gas form to prepare a part for finishing. Condensation in the chamber removes all contaminants from the part. A solvent basin is coil heated to a boil to create the needed evaporation. The vapors rise to a chamber fill-line where the part is placed for cleaning. Once in place, condensation takes place allowing the liquid to clean all grime off the part. Liquid beads encapsulate the contaminants and run off into a section setup for disposal or reuse.

Vapor degreasing is common because it can be used for electronic part cleaning without the risk of water damage. It is practical for any type of cleaning where water-based practices cannot be used. Surfaces may be cleaned to accomplish multiple finishing processes such as painting or welding. Part oxidization and water spotting are no longer a complication. Vacuum degreasers emit no solvent, making them safer; however, they are more expensive and have a slower production rate. Safe degreasers can be incorporated into this process to reduce hazard risks without compromising the productivity supplied by the cleaning process.

Industrial Degreasers: Decreasing Vapor Release during Cleaning

Industrial degreasers are essential for removing all contaminants for finishing. If these particles are not removed, applied practices will not be effective. Vapor degreasing is dangerous because it encourages the release of harmful compounds. It is important to use the safest chemicals possible during this process to reduce the risks associated with this type of part cleaning.

Both organic and inorganic solvents can produce compounds as they evaporate. Those released by traditional degreasers are harmful to the environment and all people in their vicinity. The dangers associated with these cleaners have brought on the development of more environmentally friendly agents. Some cleaners release volatile organic compounds that are eco-friendly, but still dangerous to inhale. Any business performing vapor degreasing can better protect their workers by selecting an effective low VOC solvent.

Additional measures can be taken to better ensure safety when working with industrial degreasers. The danger increases when part output is higher because more vapors are being released into the area. Even with effective safety practices in place, many companies tend to overlook the hazards associated with vapor degreasing as a whole. Many practices can be put into effect in addition to implementing safer cleaning agents.

Overexposure is a serious concern that can be partially eliminated by using an organic solvent with low VOCs. Exposure to harmful chemicals can have serious ramifications on an individual, making it pertinent to be up-to-date on these regulations. Tests can be run to determine the current level of operator exposure.

Both cooling system retrofitting and preventative maintenance are ways to reduce emissions. Solvents should be supplied through a pump instead of by a bucket. Correct labeling keeps operators better informed of associated hazards and proper usage. All can greatly reduce the harmful effects of vapor cleaning when combined with safe degreasers.

The use of industrial degreasers in vapor cleaning can be risky as gases are emitted into the air. Safe degreasers, along with preventative practices greatly reduce these risks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6522491

Low Toxicity and organics

All the production processes utilised in textile production can involve the use of harsh chemicals – the growing and harvesting, the extraction and extrusion, the spinning, weaving and knitting and the finishing, dyeing and printing of textiles. The textile industry continues to be one of the most damaging industries in the world, second only to the chemical industry.

At the growing and harvesting stage, the development of alternative types of fibre production such as organic cotton and hemp is one solution to these negative environmental impacts.

At the processing and finishing stage, there has been some developments in the cleaning up of industrial processes, such as an electrochemical process which re-uses dye chemicals, rather than discarding them with the waste water at the end of the process. Another solution is the development of natural and low-impact dyes.

The printing of textiles is another part of the production process that is extremely harmful. There have been some 

recent developments into printing inks which are solvent-free, but there is still much research to be done. One solution is digital printing, which is being promoted as having less environmental impacts then conventional printing.

Certification is an important issue within low toxicity and organics. There are now several organisations which are certifying textile products that have been grown or produced under organic or low-impact conditions.

Low-Toxicity Organic Crosslinking Technology

Our patented Conformance Control Technology, featuring low-toxicity organic crosslinkers, is moving from the laboratory into the field. This new technology utilizes phenyl acetate and hexamethylenetetraamine (HMTA) to gel HE® Polymers 100 and 300 polymers in water control applications. These crosslinkers offer environmental and handling advantages; plus they are useful over a broad range of temperatures, beginning at 175ºF.

Developed by Chevron Phillips Chemical in the late 1970s, HE® Polymers have proven to be particularly beneficial in hostile environments, high temperatures, high salinity and high hardness conditions. When crosslinked with phenyl acetate and HMTA, HE® Polymers 100 (<250ºF or <121ºC) and 300 (>200ºF or >149ºC) produce rigid, stable gels. Moreover, phenyl acetate and HMTA are cost-competitive to chromium and other organic crosslinkers used in the industry.

Historically, the classic organic crosslinkers of phenol and formaldehyde provided considerable versatility in crosslinking HE® Polymers. However, the toxicity of these chemicals limits their utility.

HMTA promises to be a viable alternative to formaldehyde in many applications. Phenyl acetate is a relatively low-toxicity alternative to phenol. In combination, phenyl acetate and HMTA provide delayed gelation of HE® Polymers, even at high temperatures.

Objectives for Water Control

Water control objectives vary, depending upon whether the treatment is for near-wellbore or profile modification. In producing wells, gelled polymers are used to reduce operating costs from water lifting and disposal. On the other hand, applications for gelled polymers used in injection wells are designed to improve sweep efficiency and thus increase incremental oil production.

According to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology:

More than 20 billion barrels of salt water are produced each year in the United States during oil field operations. A tremendous economic incentive exists to reduce water production. For each one percent of reduction in water production, the cost-saving to the oil industry is estimated to be between $50,000,000 and $100,000,000 per year. Reduced water production would result directly in improved oil recovery efficiency in addition to reduced oil-production costs. A substantial positive environmental impact could also be realized if significant reductions are achieved in the amount of water produced during oil field operations.

Low-toxic and safe nanomaterials by surface-chemical design, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, metallofullerenes, and graphenes

The toxicity grade for a bulk material can be approximately determined by three factors (chemical composition, dose, and exposure route). However, for a nanomaterial it depends on more than ten factors. Interestingly, some nano-factors (like huge surface adsorbability, small size, etc.) that endow nanomaterials with new biomedical functions are also potential causes leading to toxicity or damage to the living organism. Is it possible to create safe nanomaterials if such a number of complicated factors need to be regulated? We herein try to find answers to this important question. We first discuss chemical processes that are applicable for nanosurface modifications, in order to improve biocompatibility, regulate ADME, and reduce the toxicity of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, metallofullerenes, and graphenes). Then the biological/toxicological effects of surface-modified and unmodified carbon nanomaterials are comparatively discussed from two aspects: the lowered toxic responses or the enhanced biomedical functions. We summarize the eight biggest challenges in creating low-toxicity and safer nanomaterials and some significant topics of future research needs: to find out safer nanofactors; to establish controllable surface modifications and simpler chemistries for low-toxic nanomaterials; to explore the nanotoxicity mechanisms; to justify the validity of current toxicological theories in nanotoxicology; to create standardized nanomaterials for toxicity tests; to build theoretical models for cellular and molecular interactions of nanoparticles; and to establish systematical knowledge frameworks for nanotoxicology.

Ethical Production Resources are Endangered!

At 47 years of age, this is my first blog entry ever and this will probably take a candidly editorial turn for this venue but my intention here is to point out an alarming trend that I see in the local “Production” industry. This trend can be identified by the multiple players that are increasingly involved in our field and the dillema can be further explained by determining if these players within the local Production industry have the credentials to perform the work they are obviously carrying out in the name of price. Do they carry basic liability insurance?; do they have a business license?; do they have certifications within the appropriate disciplines required to produce these events?; If you hire these “companies”, do they provide for the safety of your clients and ultimately provide you with this peace of mind for your event?; Is your event worth the worry and stress of not having these necessities in place to insure that you pay less for these services? PDA is committed today… and tomorrow to provide you with the quality you have come to expect, at a price that is reasonable, with the proper credentials in place to properly, ethically and professionally produce your event. One Company, Many Solutions.  

Sika Designs: when ethical production meets fashion

African prints are hot. The latest, unexpected fashion trend to emerge from the catwalks used to be an underground statement. Whether it be afro twists sheathed in a kente cloth scarf or an ethnic bag hanging from some boho chick’s tattooed shoulder – African prints have always been worn by a conscious few, up until now. Phyllis Taylor, aka Sika, could be described as the pioneer ofmodern African-inspired clothing. Catch A Vibe caught up her with her for a quick discussion on fashion, heritage and ethical issues.

CAV: What inspired you to create Sika?
Phyllis Taylor: My Ghanaian roots inspired me to create Sika. I have always loved Kente cloth and Ghanaian materials and I began to realise there was a niche for clothes inspired from African prints. I began designing clothes and it basically took off from there.

CAV: What does Ghana mean to you?
Phyllis Taylor: It’s my roots. So much energy and inspiration comes from there! Africa as a source of inspiration often gets overlooked, with all the negativity that goes on – it can affect people’s judgement. I want to begin to change those negative stereotypes of Africa and I think I can make a start by bringing African prints to the forefront of fashion.

CAV: How you source materials for your clothes?
Phyllis Taylor: I personally choose all the fabrics and materials for the designs in Ghana. The range is vast so I have a lot to pore over. I then have my team start to make the clothes with the chosen cloth based on my designs.

CAV: How important is it that your designs are ethical produced?
Phyllis Taylor: It’s very important. I source all materials and fabrics from local traders and stockists in Ghana, where my garments are also made. It’s good to buy directly from the people who make the materials. It’s a principle Sika believes in and it also provides work for the locals. I work with this in mind, it’s a top priority in what I do.

CAV: Can you envisage Sika going mainstream?
Phyllis Taylor: Yes and no. My product is quite niche and unusual – African prints aren’t really used in mainstream fashion. It’s only with the recent interest in exotic prints that African cloth is becoming popular. In a way popularity is good because if Sika becomes more accessible to the fashion buying public, more people will be wearing African prints, but then I’m not too sure how it would take off and if there’ll be enough interest to make it mainstream. I have had a lot of interest from the fashion mags – Vogue and Marie Claire and the shirtdress from my Spellbound collection was recently featured in Grazia.

CAV: Any plans to venture into menswear or open a shop?
Phyllis Taylor: Yes, definitely, that’s a priority along with maybe a menswear line in the future. I’ve had a lot of men who’ve come into the shop and asked if I stock menswear – so that’s a venture I’d like to explore in the future. (ed – I’m there already!)At the moment, Cherry Picked (a boutique in Greenwich, London) stocks most of the line and pieces from the new collection.

A journey to value and ethical production

Sangdong – Tungsten and Molybdenum

␣ Meetings with government and stakeholders held this month were very positive and reached informal agreement of mutual cooperation to work together to move Sangdong forward as quick as possible.

␣ Independent Geological and Environmental review currently taking place of core assets.

␣ Wardrop engineers has been appointed to produce a scoping study of two options due early March 2010. The past concept Option One for a large 7 million tonne mine and Option Two a smaller higher grade underground operation using the existing access, ventilation and possibly tailings dam which will allow for rapid project delivery. The mine was operating till 1993 and has significant infrastructure in place such as a mining town that has only 600 people remaining against a peak of 20,000, roads, power, water, tailings dams and an area that was the location of the process plant that was removed. This is a great advantage in the reopening the mine.

␣ The Phase 1 mine plan will be drafted in conjunction with the scoping study. This plan will involve reopening underground, short drilling from underground, trial mining and bulk metallurgical sampling for test work. Noting that ore was treated for 40 years at an average recovery of 70% and mining operations were conducted making the operational risks far lower than un-mined projects.

Muguk Gold

This is historically Korea’s largest gold mine and had produced at a long term average head grade of 8 g/t when it closed in 1997. Independent assessment of historical channel sampling data i from 1353 assays from underground mine workings from the Samhyungje vein suggest that the vein was between 0.3m and 2.7m in width with an average width of 1.15m and an average sampled gold grade of around 30g/t. The median gold grade of these samples is 13.9g/t with a value for the highest assay at the 95th percentile of 104 g/t. tIf the data is regularized to metre x grams the average is around 30m.g with a median value of 16.2 and a value at the 95th percentile of 102g/t. The sampling methods and quality control procedures are undocumented for this data so it must be treated as purely an historical guide to mineralisation as it does not comply to NI43101 standards. It is however very encouraging. At the time of closure the “Reserve” estimated to Korean national standards by KORES (an agency of the Korean government) was given as 1.4 million tonnes at 13.5 grams of gold and 72.8 g/t silver. This does not comply with the requirements of NI43-101 in Canada and should not be considered to comply. It is included in order to give an indication of the tenor of the mineraliasation to be tested. There are an additional 99 NQ size diamond drill holes from the surface. When analysis of all available data iis complete drilling will be carried out with twin holes of some of the previous KORES holes to verify the voracity of the drill hole data base and exploratory holes to assess the extent and quality of the of mineraliasation which has veins known to extend f for a distance 2.5 km ..

The scientific and technical information contained in this release has been reviewed and approved by Colin Lutherburrow, AusIMM, an independent geological consultant to Oriental..

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Company’s periodic filings with Canadian Securities Regulators. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations, accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in production and operations, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability, competition, loss of key employees, and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Ethical Production

“Handmade with love” in Nairobi is Vivienne Westwood’s latest project destined to supply a line of accessories made out of recycled materials for her autumn/winter collection. The production is organised in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), supporting the work of over 7000 women in marginalized African communities by creating fair and dignified employment for some of the world’s poorest people while protecting the environment.

Why it’s Cool:

Fairtrade and recycled are and will be the keywords and big decision influencers for a purchase. Therefore production criterions as where / how / who will play an always more important part for the marketing of a product. Of, course these factors were also relevant in the past but only for finding the cheapest way of production. Now, a production process which is respectful of human labour and environment gives a reason and justification to produce and buy a new product. At the same time, the brand differentiates them for consumers and makes the products unique by using recycled materials. And most importantly, every product tells a story and gets a meaning. A bag is not just another bag but represents in this way values such as hope, inspiration, future, equality, etc. – it represents the dream of “a better world”. The feeling to make a difference by shopping the right products gives the best experience.

Ethical Production

Most modern organic and natural cosmetic companies have very specific policies regarding ethical production. This does not however always extend to the manufacture or harvesting of the raw ingredients used in their products.

Avea ensures that all it suppliers assume full social and ethical responsibility for the sourcing and purchase of all raw ingredients supplied by third world countries. You may recognise this policy under the more familiar name of "Fair Trade", a term easily bandied about by companies wishing to appeal to ethical shoppers.

Avea will also not enter into business with companies who market products manufactured from raw ingredients cultivated on cleared tracks of rain forest or utilize markets where child labour is used.

Where animal by-products such as Lanolin and bees wax are used, these should be sourced from organic, ethically managed farms with clear animal welfare policies.

The Power of Social Innovation

The Power of Social Innovation is an initiative of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. Stephen Goldsmith provides a framework that will guide and encourage government, nonprofit and private sector practitioners to rethink how their communities address today’s toughest public problems. Based on conversations with some 100 innovators from across all sectors, The Power of Social Innovation is full of inspiring and illustrative case studies and common sense strategies for transforming social service delivery.

Social Innovation: what it is, why it matters and how it can be accelerated

This report examines how social innovation happens in NGOs, the public sector, movements, networks and markets. Following on from ‘Social Silicon Valleys: a manifesto for social innovation’, ‘Social Innovation’ presents a deeper, extended analysis of the history, the theory and the process, paving a way for social innovation to play an increasingly significant role in society.

Social innovations – new ideas that work to meet pressing unmet needs - are all around us. Examples include distance learning, patient-led healthcare, fair trade, Wikipedia and restorative justice. Many social innovations (from the Open University to laws against age discrimination) were successfully promoted by the Young Foundation in its previous incarnations.

Huge energies - and resources - are devoted to innovation in science and technology. But far less attention has been paid to social innovation, despite pressing needs in fields as diverse as chronic disease and climate change.

This report examines the growing importance of social innovation and how we can improve societies’ capacities to solve their problems.

It looks at the history of great social innovators – from Robert Owen to Wangari Maathai - and at what can be learned from research in related fields, including science and technology, design, social enterprise and public policy.

It makes the case for much more systematic initiatives to tap the ubiquitous intelligence that exists in every society and shows the practical ways in which successful social innovation can be accelerated.

This third edition represents a work in progress and we are grateful to the team at Saïd Business School in Oxford for earlier inputs and for enabling us to share it with the participants in their world forum on social entrepreneurship.

What is social innovation?

Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas and organizations that meet social needs of all kinds - from working conditions and education to community development and health - and that extend and strengthen civil society.

The term has overlapping meanings. It can be used to refer to social processes of innovation, such as open source methods and techniques. Alternatively it refers to innovations which have a social purpose - like microcredit or distance learning. The concept can also be related to social entrepreneurship (entrepreneurship is not necessarily innovative, but it can be a means of innovation) and it also overlaps with innovation in public policy and governance. Social innovation can take place within government, within the for-profit sector, or within the nonprofit sector (also known as the third sector), or in the space between them. Research has focused on the types of platforms needed to facilitate such cross-sector collaborative social innovation.^[1] Social innovation is gaining visibility within academia.^[2]

Prominent innovators associated with the term include Bangladeshi Mohammed Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank which pioneered the concept of microcredit for supporting innovators in multiple developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and Stephen Goldsmith, former Indianapolis mayor who engaged the private sector in providing many city services.

Bug = Water collection

The Stenocara beetle is a master water collector. The small black bug lives in a harsh, dry desert environment and is able to survive thanks to the unique design of its shell. The Stenocara's back is covered in small, smooth bumps that serve as collection points for condensed water or fog. The entire shell is covered in a slick, Teflon-like wax and is channeled so that condensed water from morning fog is funneled into the beetle's mouth. It's brilliant in its simplicity.

 

Researchers at MIT have been able to build on a concept inspired by the Stenocara's shell and first described by Oxford University's Andrew Parker. They have crafted a material that collects water from the air more efficiently than existing designs. About 22 countries around the world use nets to collect water from the air, so such a boost in efficiency could have a big impact.

Lotus = Paint

The lotus flower is sort of like the sharkskin of dry land. The flower's micro-rough surface naturally repels dust and dirt particles, keeping its petals sparkling clean. If you've ever looked at a lotus leaf under a microscope, you've seen a sea of tiny nail-like protuberances that can fend off specks of dust. When water rolls over a lotus leaf, it collects anything on the surface, leaving a clean and healthy leaf behind.

A German company, Ispo, spent four years researching this phenomenon and has developed a paint with similar properties. The micro-rough surface of the paint pushes away dust and dirt, diminishing the need to wash the outside of a house.

Birds = Jets

Birds have been able to boost the distance they're able to fly by more than 70 percent though the use of the V-shape. Scientists have discovered that when a flocks takes on the familiar V-formation, when one bird flaps its wings it creates a small updraft that lifts the bird behind. As each bird passes, they add their own energy to the stroke helping all the birds maintain flight. By rotating their order through the stack, they spread out the exertion.

 

A group of researchers at Stanford Universitythinks passenger airlines could realize fuel savings by taking the same tactic. The team, lead by Professor Ilan Kroo, envisions scenarios where jets from West Coast airports meet up and fly in formation en route to their East Coast destinations. By traveling in a V-shape with planes taking turns in front as birds do, Kroo and his researchers think aircraft could use 15 percent less fuel compared to flying solo.