Natalia Zhidkova

Natalia Zhidkova

Spain Turns Abandoned Railways Into Smart Green Mobility Labs

Spain’s disused railways could soon carry passengers again, not through costly new trains, but with solar-powered, autonomous mini-trains designed for rural mobility. The RuRail project aims to repurpose hundreds of kilometres of unused tracks, offering low-emission, on-demand transport that reconnects…

Energy Week 2025 and Beyond: An Interview with Inessa Shahnazarova on Opportunities in the Western Balkans

Inessa Shahnazarova
The Western Balkans is stepping onto the energy stage with new auctions, ambitious targets, and a push to integrate into Europe’s power market. In this interview, Inessa Shahnazarova, Founder and Executive Director of Invest In Network, shares why 2025 feels like a turning point for the region. From grid modernization to fresh opportunities for investors, she explains what makes this year’s Energy Week is so important.

Setting the Stage for Change: The Vision Behind the Upcoming SBS Leaders Forum

Geoff Archenhold
As part of our partnership with the Smart Building and Sustainability Leaders Forum, we spoke with Geoff Archenhold, Chair and Co-Founder of the event, to discuss the Forum’s unique approach to driving practical change in the built environment sector. Set to take place next month, the SBS Forum has quickly gained recognition as a vital platform for cross-sector collaboration on smart and sustainable buildings. In this interview, Geoff shares the vision behind the Forum, the challenges it aims to address, and why bridging the gap between technology, policy, and real-world implementation is more urgent than ever.

Above the Heat: Why Cities Need White Roofs Now

As global temperatures rise, cities need affordable ways to stay cool—white roofs offer one. Reflective coatings can lower indoor temperatures by up to 6 °C and reduce urban heat by 2 °C. Case studies from London to Delhi slums show clear benefits in comfort, energy savings, and emissions. These coatings are low-cost, easy to apply, and often community-led. Despite some trade-offs, white roofs are a powerful tool for cooler, healthier cities.