UK cleantech news: 20 July 2009

UK government urged to focus on energy efficiency for low-carbon switch

The Cumbria Green Business Forum says the Government’s Low Carbon Transition Plan will require a much greater emphasis on business energy-efficiency measures. The plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020.

Deadline extended for entries to UK IT industry awards

The entry deadline for the BCS and Computing UK IT Industry Awards has been extended until 7 August. The awards are open to both private, public and third sector organisations, include 25 categories ranging from best new product developed in the UK, environment project, best IT strategy and IT leader to name but a few.

Cranfield involved in designing unique hydrogen-powered car

A collaboration between leading automotive engineering facilities, including Cranfield University, has seen the development of a unique lightweight hydrogen-powered car: the Riversimple Urban Car.

North East named UK’s first specialist region for low-carbon vehicles

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today welcomed Nissan’s intention to invest more than £200 million over the next five years in a new battery factory in Sunderland. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery plant, Nissan’s European Centre of Excellence for Battery Manufacturing, comes as the Prime Minister announced the region would become the UK’s first low-carbon economic area specialising in ultra-low carbon vehicles.

Smart clothes for better healthcare

Comfortable smart clothes that monitor the wearer’s heart, breathing and body temperature promise to revolutionise healthcare by reducing hospital visits and allowing patients to lead more active lives. Unlike many remote health monitoring systems that rely on sensors strapped to users’ arms or chests connected by wires to bulky equipment, a European team has embedded sensing devices directly into textiles, creating garments that are not only smart but also comfortable and practical to wear.