A newly developed alternative to oil-based varnish is making wood an even more sustainable choice. Varnish is necessary to prevent wood from degrading due to moisture and high temperatures. Up to now, varnish has generally contained chemicals harmful to the environment, but the EU-funded ECOVARN project has developed a new formula using vegetable oil, a water-based solvent, and nano particles.

The project team is pleased with the results, as previously an environmentally friendly varnish that also provides a nice finish was not available.Pushing the process further, the EU-funded NEXT1KOAT project is using seaweed grown off the coast of Scotland and Ireland to create alcohol that can be processed into sustainable paints and varnishes.

These coatings are safer for workers, as they do not need to be used in highly ventilated areas due to the lack of toxic fumes. The new varnish has also been found to enhance the ability of wood to act as an insulator.

For more information, click here.Image copyright: Image (Flickr) by "Chris RubberDragon", licensed under CC BY 2.0 more   7 September 2016 European Smart City Manifesto open for commentsThe Manifesto on Inclusive Smart Cities, also known as the European Manifesto on Citizen Engagement, will be launched and officially signed in Brussels (Belgium) on 23 November at a ceremony that will gather EU level networks of regional and local authorities, civil society organisations, and industry representatives. The manifesto is supported and co-created by ICLEI "“ Local Governments for Sustainability. The full text of the manifesto is available online and is open for feedback and contributions until 15 September 2016.

Those who sign the manifesto declare their commitment to "create and foster new urban services for citizens in order to improve the quality of life of all citizens and contribute to sustainable cities." They also agree to focus on citizen needs and to embrace citizen-centric design when developing the smart city. The manifesto details the importance of engaging "population groups [that are] difficult to reach, such as the economically disadvantaged, elderly and migrants, [and] people with disabilities." Citizen engagement activities should additionally strive for a gender balance, the text states.

Through the manifesto, signatories hope to "generate empowered and engaged citizens who will contribute positively towards their city, municipality, region or community." The Brussels event will see speeches from Gà¼nther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society; Wolfgang Teubner, ICLEI Regional Director for Europe; and the presentation of best smart city practices from cities across the continent.

For more information, visit eu-smartcities.euImage copyright: Image (Pixabay) more

» Publication Date: 09/09/2016

» Source: Iclei Europe

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