The Urbanist
Reusing waste heat, The British Library’s solar project and India’s stepwells
Apr 10, 2025
In this discussion, Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy, dives into innovative solar thermal solutions that are helping reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Geetan Jali Krishna highlights the historical significance of India's stepwells and their potential in addressing modern water challenges. Felicity Macefield shares insights on the integration of solar technology at the British Library, balancing heritage with sustainability. Together, they explore the transformative potential of renewable energy and ancient architecture in urban development.
33:15
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Quick takeaways
- Innovative systems for capturing waste heat can enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy bills in buildings.
- The restoration of India's stepwells exemplifies how ancient water management techniques can address modern water scarcity challenges effectively.
Deep dives
Harnessing Waste Heat for Energy Efficiency
Innovative approaches to capturing waste heat from buildings and industrial processes are being explored to enhance energy efficiency. Waste heat, which is generated during cooling and heating, represents an untapped energy resource that could potentially power 90% of residential buildings in the EU and UK. Utilizing systems that capture this heat can lead to reduced energy bills while simultaneously decreasing carbon emissions, making it a viable strategy for combating rising energy costs. Techniques being implemented include advanced heat networks and heat pump technology, which allow for the efficient reuse of energy across mixed-use developments like Bankside Yards in London.
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