Green is growing13 July 2023

Environmental issues run through this month’s magazine like a stick of rock. The cover feature addresses coming regulation of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ used for their waterproofing and non-stick properties, and many other consumer and industrial uses. Thanks to the work of campaigners, we are becoming more aware of the problems that these chemicals pose, since they don’t break down in the environment. Like nuclear waste, they will require specialised disposal; but unlike that highly-regulated substance, PFAS are all around us, and such ubiquity will no doubt complicate their control.

Ten years ago, the use of high-intensity LED lamps used for high-productivity indoor agriculture would bring to mind illegal marijuana farms. Nowadays, such methods have been scaled up and applied to the cultivation of non-psychoactive veg in industrial units all around the UK, without pesticides and recycling most of the water used. The only cloud on that horizon is the cost of electricity required for the lights and all of the systems; it has proven to be too much for at least one UK business, as Brian Wall reports. Following is a discussion of the sophisticated systems and sensors used to keep the plants in optimal health.

Industrial units housing operations such as that live in industrial parks that are, from the outside anyway, poor-quality habitat for beetles, bugs and butterflies (and other plants and animals). That is set to change, as solicitor firm Wright Hassall explains, with the advent of new biodiversity rules that apply not only to housing estates but also industrial developments.

All are current examples of the spread of environmental issues into industry; it seems like the sway of green issues, whether through regulation or business opportunity, is growing ever more important.

Will Dalrymple

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