Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world.
I’m Emily, and I’m always fascinated by the heat levels in subway stations. The concept of utilizing this heat elsewhere to cool down the stations sounds intriguing to me. I’ve discussed heating buildings with waste heat from sources like nuclear power plants, paper mills, and sewers. So, why not apply this concept to subways?
This Week:
– Canadian technology aims to cool down hot subways in New York City
– The Big Picture: Exploring how wildfires produce thunderclouds
– Understanding ‘wishcycling’ and the crackdown on this practice in some municipalities
Canadian tech is being tested in New York City’s subway system to provide an energy-efficient cooling solution. Cascara Energy, based in Toronto, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York are implementing a radiant cooling system in the ceiling arches of the East Broadway station. The system, using chilled water-filled pipes, is set to be operational by the end of August, with the pilot phase running until the end of 2027.
This innovative system, unlike traditional air conditioning, operates without fans, making it more space-efficient and easier to maintain. It is expected to be 25 to 35 percent more energy-efficient. The goal is not only to enhance passenger comfort but also to recycle the recovered heat for other purposes, as outlined in the MTA’s Climate Resilience Roadmap of October 2025.
Subway stations accumulate heat from various sources like people, electronics, and train systems. Cascara Energy’s CEO, Robert Croghan, explains that their system aims to capture and utilize this excess heat efficiently. The recovered heat can potentially be used for heating water and buildings, presenting a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional heating methods like geothermal drilling.
In London, waste heat from the Underground is already being harnessed for district heating, demonstrating the potential of utilizing subway heat for beneficial purposes. Cascara Energy hopes that the success of the New York pilot, largely self-funded by the company, will spark interest from other transit systems.
The rising issue of ‘wishcycling,’ the improper inclusion of non-recyclable materials in recycling bins, is challenging recycling systems. Nanaimo, B.C., is considering penalties for offenders due to contamination rates exceeding acceptable thresholds set by Recycle B.C. Proper recycling practices are crucial to ensure efficient recycling processes and reduce environmental impact.
For any feedback, questions, or story suggestions, please reach out to us at whatonearth@cbc.ca. Stay tuned for our weekly newsletter every Thursday.
Editor: Emily Chung | Logo design: Sködt McNalty