Convergence 8/22/17 Convergence 8/22/17

China to Ban Imports of 24 Types of Solid Waste

On 1 August, China registered two filings with the World Trade Organization signaling China’s intent on banning imports of 24 kinds of solid waste, effective 1 September. China imports a huge amount of solid waste, particularly from the United States; according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), China imported $5.6 billion worth of scrap commodities from the United States in 2016. The filings cite “protection of human health or safety” and “protection of the environment” as its reasons for banning the 24 types of solid wastes.

Convergence 8/7/17 Convergence 8/7/17

AI Monitors Workplace Safety in Real Time - Microsoft Offers a Glimpse into the Future of EHS

At the Microsoft Build conference in Seattle this past May, Microsoft representatives presented a demo of artificial intelligence (AI) that could track workplace safety in real time. Follow this link to watch the entire 5-minute demo.

Convergence 8/3/17 Convergence 8/3/17

Nepal Aviation Industry Sheds ICAO “Significant Safety Concern” Status

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) announced on 21 July that Nepal’s aviation industry passed a safety audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Because of this, the ICAO removed Nepal’s “Significant Safety Concern” status, allowing Nepal to expand its state-owned and private airlines into a number of foreign countries.

Convergence 7/31/17 Convergence 7/31/17

G20 Countries Finance Coal Projects in Developing Countries Despite Commitment to Paris Accord

A number of G20 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Germany, are continuing to fund highly polluting coal mining projects despite their commitments to the Paris Accord which in theory obligates them to lower their carbon footprint. None of these G20-funded coal projects are based within those countries’ borders, however; they are all located in developing nations such as Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam and Bangladesh, technically contributing to the developing nations’ carbon footprints instead of those of the G20 countries.

Convergence 7/28/17 Convergence 7/28/17

Same ACM Cladding Used in Grenfell Tower Found in 44 Scottish Schools

In the wake of the tragic burning of Grenfell Tower in London in June, the Ministerial Working Group for building and fire safety was established to oversee a review of fire safety regulatory frameworks across the UK. The Working Group reported on 17 July that they had found the same type of aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding used in Grenfell Tower in 44 schools across Scotland. Scottish building regulations forbid the use of this type of ACM cladding in high-rise buildings but allow it for other buildings, including schools.

About convergence

convergence is an environmental, health, safety and social management consultancy that specializes in multi-country (international) projects and programs. We are able to meet our clients’ needs on a global scale while recognizing the important regional differences that our clients face in conducting business. We are one of the leading international EHS audit consultancies; and our country health and safety legal compliance tools for offices, retail and service sectors, known as CORE, are the foremost resource of its kind.