As world heats up, UN cools itself the cool way: with water
Deep in the bowels of the UN headquarters, a pump sucks in huge amounts of water from the East River to help cool the complex with an old but energy-efficient mechanism.
As more and more people want to stay cool in a planet that is steadily heating up, energy experts point to this kind of water-based system as a good alternative to air conditioning. But in many cases they are hard to set up.
The system has been part of the New York complex since it opened in the 1950s, chief building engineer Michael Martini told AFP during a tour of the cooling equipment.
The system, overhauled with the rest of the complex from 2008 to 2014, cools the UN center using less energy than a conventional air conditioning system. UN policy is to bring the air temperature down to about 24 degrees Celsius, or 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summer in New York, the river running beside the UN headquarters -- it is actually a salt water estuary -- stays much cooler than the surrounding air, which can reach 100 degrees. So cooling the building eats up less energy.
As many as 26,000 liters per minute (7,000 gallons) of water flow through fiber glass pipes to the complex's cooling plant, which uses it and a refrigerant gas to produce cold.
The system has two independent loops to prevent contamination of the water that flows back into the river at a higher temperature, said the head of the cooling system, David Lindsay.
Looking at the gleaming glass tower of the UN headquarters and the dome of the General Assembly, you would never know that the East River serves this purpose for the UN and is more than just part of the scenery.
The UN's New York headquarters is not its only building that depends on water.
In Geneva, its Palais de Nations features a cooling system that uses water from Lake Geneva. And the UN City complex in Copenhagen, which houses 10 UN agencies, depends on cold seawater that almost eliminates the need for electricity to cool the place.
This a huge benefit compared to the estimated two billion air conditioning units installed around a world.
- Why so rare? -
With the number of air conditioners due to increase so as to help people who are more and more exposed to dangerous temperatures, energy consumption for the purpose of cooling has already tripled since 1990, says the International Energy Agency, which wants more efficient systems.
Examples of these are centralized air conditioning networks using electricity, geothermal systems or ones that use water, like the UN complex in New York.
This latter system "has not been deployed as much as it should be for the issues we face today," said Lily Riahi, coordinator of Cool Coalition, a grouping of states, cities and companies under the aegis of the United Nations.
Some big organizations have been able to run such systems on their own, like the United Nations or Cornell University in New York State, which relies on water from Lake Cayuga.
But for the most part these systems require a lot of coordination among multiple stakeholders, said Riahi.
"We know it's technically possible, and we know actually there are many cases that prove the economics as well," said Rob Thornton, president of the International District Energy Association, which helps develop district cooling and heating networks.
"But it requires someone, some agent, whether it's a champion, a city, or a utility or someone, to actually undertake the aggregation of the market," he said.
"The challenge is just gathering and aggregating the customers to the point where there's enough, where the risk can be managed," Thornton said.
He cited Paris as an example, which uses the Seine River to run Europe's largest water-based cooling grid.
These networks allow for the reduced use toxic substances as coolants, and lower the risk of leaks.
And they avoid emissions of hot air -- like air conditioning units spew -- into cities already enduring heat waves.
But hot water from cooling units, when dumped back into rivers and other bodies of water, is dangerous for aquatic ecosystems, environmentalists say.
"This challenge is quite small, compared to the discharge from nuclear plants," said Riahi, adding the problem can be addressed by setting a temperate limit on this water.
abd/ico/eml/dw/jbr
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Major runway at Chicago Midway Airport gets $47 million makeover
A major runway at Chicago Midway International Airport is getting a multi-million dollar makeover, and the project broke ground Thursday. The Chicago Department of Aviation will be reconfiguring Runway 13C/31C to create two new taxiways, as well as doing some major repaving and installing new runway guard lights. The project has been in the works since 2022. As a part of the ongoing efforts to improve operations at Midway, the existing Runway 13L/31R, which the city said has been closed since 2023, will be permanently decommissioned as of June 12. When that happens, Runway 13C/31C will be redesignated as Runway 13L/31R. The goal of the project is for aircraft to be able to take off more efficiently, and reduce delays and traffic across the airfield. The groundbreaking event was attended by officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Bird Feeder Tips From a Wildlife Expert: How to Set Up and Care for Your Bird Feeder
As a wellness writer and amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to and watching birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can boost our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city. I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders, quickly realizing I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder, figuring out where to place it and which feed to use. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about placing and caring for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just an important term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can impact the birds and other local wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from said bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET The only visitor I saw for the first week after installing my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wasn't hogging the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I currently have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird friends didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but it can take up to a few weeks before birds interact with a new one. They are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I was jumping for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor -- a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time. I am confident that with abundant patience and the right food, it's only a matter of time before this feeder becomes part of their routine. This little mountain chickadee was the first to check out the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after installing it. Bird Buddy/Aly Lopez/CNET Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. The placement of your bird feeder impacts the number of birds that visit and the presence of other animals and predators. Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird sickness and disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
News24
an hour ago
- News24
A lens through the fire: A tribute to Rashid Lombard
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
