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 new technology has proven to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly
Last month, Helsinki’s construction service company STARA began testing a new snow-melting and cleaning device that uses seawater heat. On 27 April, the municipality revealed the results of the experiment, noting that the new method has proven to be much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than transporting snow to snow-receiving sites.
Expanding on this, the City of Helsinki shared that the innovative device used an average of 40 kWh of electricity to melt one snow load (costing only about 5 euros). This result is undoubtedly impressive when considering that transporting one snow load in Helsinki otherwise consumes much more energy and costs 80-120 euros instead.
“Such solutions save both costs and the environment. Of course, a single device will not replace a large snow receiving site, but when there are more devices in different parts of the city, the change will be significant. Next winter, we will try an even bigger and more energy efficient device,” explained the Head of Stara’s Urban Technology Maintenance Unit, Ville Alatyppö.
In addition to melting snow, the device can also filter debris and contribute to a cleaner city. According to a press release, more than 8 cubic metres of rubbish were discarded during the experiment. Taking this further, one snow load contained roughly 50 litres of rubbish (face masks, gloves, empty cans, bottles, and others).
The Production Manager for Urban Technology Maintenance at STARA, Tero Koppinen, commented on the device’s cleaning feature last month, sharing:
“In cramped Helsinki, there is little space for storing snow, and there is a lot of pressure to find solutions, especially near the beaches. If the experiment is successful, then we are closer to a solution where the snow no longer has to be dumped untreated into the sea.”
Now, after having melted 160 truckloads of snow and filtered out litres of rubbish, the device has indeed proven to be a success.
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
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital