Greenpeace applauds Coca-Cola’s commitment to use climate-friendly coolers and vending machines in all official venues of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, to be held in Beijing and six co-host cities throughout China. This is the first time 100 percent of the Coca-Cola coolers and vending machines for the Games will feature hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-free insulation, HFC-free natural refrigerant, and a proprietary technology called Energy Management System (EMS) that improves energy-efficiency by up to 35 percent. Calculated based on an expected 10-year life span of the units, the approximately 6,350 climate-friendly refrigeration units to be placed by Coca-Cola in the venues reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 45,000 tons. To help put this number in perspective, it is comparable to taking about 218,000 cars off the road for two weeks during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is adding a third undergraduate degree to its course offerings. Information Systems (IS) is an internationally recognized, bachelor of science degree for students who want to understand and solve information problems for organizations. “The new IS program is an obvious and welcome addition to our two existing programs: It is the natural bridge between computer science and business administration,” said Charles E. Thorpe, dean of Carnegie Mellon Qatar. “Besides the IS majors themselves, our other students will benefit from the new major. The courses offered in IS will be natural electives for CS students wanting to understand the application of computer science in a business setting, or for business administration students wanting to understand how to process information.” IS program aims at on giving students the knowledge and skills necessary to design systems for the effective use of information.
L&T
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), India’s leading engineering, technology and Construction Company, has been awarded an order worth around $60 million from Methanol Chemicals Company (Chemanol) in Saudi Arabia. This E&P (engineering & procurement) order involves setting up high technology methyl amines & dimethyl formamide plants. Chemanol (earlier known as Saudi Formaldehyde Chemical Company Ltd.) is a private sector enterprise, operating grass roots, second-generation petrochemical complex located in the Al-Jubail Industrial City, manufacturing formaldehyde and its derivative products. Davy Process Technology, UK (DPT), has provided the process technology for the 50,000 MTPA Methyl Amines & 60,000 MTPA dimethyl formamide plants incorporating advance design elements & elaborate environment control measures. L&T’s scope of work comprises residual process design, detailed engineering, project management and procurement of the equipment and materials for the plant. L&T will also provide the technical services for the erection and commissioning of the plant. Larsen & Toubro is a $5 billion technology, engineering and construction company, with global operations. It is one of the largest and most respected companies in India’s private sector. L&T is already executing 700 tons per day (TPD) of methanol and 100 TPD of carbon monoxide plant for Chemanol as part of its backward integration project.
Natura Bisse
Natura Bisse International, a major luxury skincare brand, has joined forces with Spain-based NGO Intermon Oxfam to promote livelihood of women in the urban and rural areas of Mauritania. The joint initiative is aimed at gradually improving women’s living conditions in a country where rural areas suffer from extreme drought and inefficient use of fertile land, compounded by overpopulation due to lack of resources and unemployment. More than 2,400 women and 20,000 people overall will benefit through the granting of interest free microcredit loans designed to boost productivity and enhance marketing capabilities of agricultural and fishing products, while increasing local incomes and promoting sustainability. Ricardo Fisas Mulleras, president of Natura Bisse said: “In Mauritania, 76 percent of all those in poverty are women, and there is a majority of female headed households. Our aim is to provide a reliable source of nutrition through a variety of methods such as improving agricultural productivity and techniques.”
Al-Dar Al-Khasa
Al-Dar Al-Khasa for Urban Development Company, developers of “The Headquarters Business Park” has announced the start of the Elite floor sales. The limited time offer is extended to floors starting from the 35th floor up to the 50th offering the “most exclusive, luxurious and unique office space unrivalled in the city of Jeddah and the entire Kingdom.” The Elite floors will offer an unparalleled 360-degree view with open spaces, a private elevator and all the amenities associated with the best in office technology. The floors are being offered to a selective few and for a limited time only as space is limited. Issam Fakieh, Al-Dar Al-Khasa, managing partner, said “The Elite floors are part of our effort to offer the very best in office space to business men who demand nothing less than perfection and an address that reflects their success, taste and status.” He added: “The Headquarters Business Park in its concept and execution is revolutionizing the construction and architectural world within the region, providing tenants with an overall experience that has no equal.” Situated on Jeddah Corniche, the business park offers “architectural beauty reflected by its magical execution, blending in naturally with the sharp sun rays hitting the Red Sea Shores. Its luxury is only transcended by its smart design, providing the latest technology in security, surveillance, electrical conservatory infrastructure, Internet networking and much more.” The tower will also be home to the most elite 5-star restaurants serving the most splendid Arabic and international cuisine in a great ambience topped only by its impeccable sea front view.
Interpipe
Major steel pipe and wheel producer Interpipe has announced its plans to increase production of tubing with upset ends in accordance with API 5CT / GOST 633 at its Interpipe Niko Tube facility. The project will see the installation of new equipment for wet magnetic inspection of pipe ends provided by Czech companies PTS Josef Solnar and Prestar. The enhancement, which is already under way, is being overseen by Starokramatorsk engineering. Interpipe is also replacing its straightening press on its heat treatment line with new equipment that will be provided by British firm Bronx Tailor Willson. Interpipe director for production and investments Andrey Korotkov said: “This step in our investment program gives Interpipe new capability to produce 88.9mm pipes as well as pipes of higher durability with a broader range of applications.” Completion of the upgrade to production lines toward the end of 2007 will see line capacity increase to 36,000 tons per year. The total production capacity of tubing with upset ends at Interpipe Niko Tube facility will be 62,000 tons per year after completion of this investment project.
