Episode 165: Paint, predictive data and the path to reduced shipping emissions

Week in Review

Tune in around 5:15 for commentary on this week’s stories.

1. Corporate climate action: A matter of policy
2. Concrete steps: Inside the building pressure to make climate-friendly cement
3. Blockchain, meet supply chain

Features

What floats your boat? (19:25)

The material nature of paints and coatings dramatically can affect the performance of cargo ships, and AkzoNobel has the data to prove it. When barnacles and other creatures attach themselves to a vessel’s hull, they can be a huge drag on efficiency and hydrodynamics — sometimes increasing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. Klaas Kruithof, the Dutch multinational’s chief technology officer, chats about how AkzoNobel uses analytics and other technologies to predict the performance of certain coatings and make design adjustments: “We can make sure a product does what it’s supposed to do.” 

How Soylent is cooking up more affordable alternatives to animal protein (25:05)

Increasingly, the meal replacement company is prioritizing research into well-established processes, such as fermentation. Soylent CEO Bryan Crowley talks about why his company is looking to existing sources in the food supply chain to mix up the ingredients for its products.  

* This episode was sponsored by Stanford University’s Strategies for Sustainability professional education program. All music by Lee Rosevere: “Curiosity,” “Thinking About It” and “Start the Day.”

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