Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The story about a small town in Bulgaria watering veggies with mineral water
Today, the municipality of Mineralni Bani in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria announced that several local greenhouses now run on municipal thermal mineral water. The greenhouses, in their own right, produce cucumbers and according to Mayor Mumun Iskender, one of the greenhouses even features music, allowing the veggies to grow in a relaxed spa environment.
Apart from the apparent emotional benefits of growing cucumbers with spa water, there is also a very real cost savings benefit for using geothermal water. According to a statement by the city, the natural spring water comes to the ground with a temperature of 56 to 67 degrees Celcius, meaning that the greenhouses will require very little additional heating.
This is a key development in greenhouse farming, as high energy prices in the winter can drive the cost of produce up an unreasonable amount.
The small town of Mineralni Bani (the name translates as Mineral Baths) has around 14 natural hot springs and has been in use as a resort spot since at least roman times. In recent decades, the town has remained somewhat insular, due to its mountain location and low population count.
Nevertheless, it still manages to attract quite a bit of visitors and tourists, as it’s an obscure spa location for the region. Despite a population of just 6,000 people Mineralni Bani has spa and hotel services to offer.
Now, the city has opted to sell off the rights to some of that water to agricultural investors. According to an official statement, the springs flow with a capacity of around 50 litres per second. The municipality has sold off 17 litres per second for agriculture.
This includes greenhouses of 60 acres in Mineralni Bani itself and 17 acres in a nearby village. This brings around 100,000 euros per year in the form of income that local authorities can use to improve infrastructure.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
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