Sustainability – Shanghai Metal Corporation

VERTICAL FARMS: ECO SOLUTION FOR URBAN CONSOMMATION

As the world population continues to expand everyday, one of the main question of today’s researchers is to find new ecological and sustainable solutions to feed everyone.

In big cities, most of the food come generally from the outskirts of their territory. Having little space or even none at all, urban zones cannot produce their own food and rely their food stock on productions outside of their active territory. Therefore, the system is mostly based on peripheral to central relation that consists mainly on feeding the large number of population concentrated in the central or in the city itself.

DICKSON DESPOMMIER, an american professor of microbiology and public health, has proposed a solution concerning this matter : THE VERTICAL FARM CONCEPT.

So what exactly is it ?

The Vertical Farm consists of cultivating plants mainly for human consumption such as vegetables within a skyscraper or on a vertically inclined surface, hence the name. The concept is almost similar to glass houses which captures the optimal natural sunlight. The use of artificial lightning is also possible to accelerate the growth of the plants and to modify their properties according to different dietary preferences.

The idea of this concept is a possible answer to some of the urban issues we mention before :

1. Vertical surfaces are more suited for the lack of space in urban cities.

2. Producing food IN the urban zone reduces pollution related to transportation, food waste, etc.

3. Vertical Farms permit to produce various types of food in a small surface and therefore can satisfy different needs of the population.

Various models of Vertical Farms :

Singapore’s and world’s first commercial vertical farm

Spanish architect Javier Ponce reveals his plans for a vertical farm in Tai Po

Completely constructed from glass and steel, this model is just one of Despommier’s designs of a vertical farm

Tell us your opinion about this farm of the future ! Brilliant ideas like this one is important in times like ours where the main goal is keeping up with the population growth by maintaining a good environmental level. Shanghai Metal Corporation shares this vision and wants you to spread innovations like Vertical farming and sustainability.

As representatives of the metal industry, Shanghai Metal Corporation is one of the leading businesses in the manufacturing of metal quality products in the global field. As a major producer of metal related products and reliable services, our most important value is to promote environmental sustainability.

To know more about our company please visit our website. Also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also download our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

Maria // SMC Editor

#AddingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Maria // SMC Editor

Iron-air batteries: a cheap and eco-friendly solution for energy storage

After more than 40 after preparing the first prototype of a cheap , rechargeable, high energy density iron-air battery, researchers at the University of Southern California are now finishing the job of the patent-pending design of the battery.

The technical characteristics of the batteries look particularly well-suited to the kind of large-scale energy storage that could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Back in the 70’s, researchers were already working on environmentally friendly rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and only recent advances in materials technology have made this technology into one of the most common, high-performing solutions for today’s portable electronics.

Iron compared to other materials has a few advantages: it’s durable, it has a great capacity to pack energy (per unit of mass), it’s recyclable but most importantly it’s cheap with costs around US$1/kg (2.2 lb).

Iron-air batteries were first expected to be used for electric vehicles and military applications after the 1973 oil crisis. However, research stopped abruptly only years later, when scientists realized that iron-air batteries presented a serious limitation: whenever the battery was being charged, a wasteful process of hydrolysis drained away about half of the battery’s energy.

With today’s technology and advanced research, University of Southern California found a solution to this problem. They learned that adding a small amount of bismuth sulfide into the battery shut down the harmful reaction and reduced the waste of energy more than tenfold, from 50 down to just 4% .

The other good characteristic cost-effective design of its iron electrode. The researchers combined iron powder with a polyethylene binder, heating the mix to obtain a “pressed-plate” electrode that is simple to make and has high specific energy.

The iron-air battery is exhibiting very promising durability, with a target life of 5,000 charge-discharge cycles. Even more importantly, the batteries seem to retain good performance when they are being drained quickly: at a two-hour rate of discharge, the batteries are showing a twenty-fold increase in capacity compared to commercially available electrodes.

Shanghai Metal Corporation encourages the development and innovation of new technologies. You can visit the company’s website , contact us and follow us on twitter and facebook for more information and news on metal.

Scan the QR code below and stay informed about our latest updates:

Houria // SMC Editor

The Benefits of Bamboo Plywood

In many countries, bamboo is utilized as a building material. It is strong as steel in tension and stronger than concrete in compression. It is also easy to work with because it is much more lightweight than wood, concrete or steel. It has therefore a great ration of strength to weight.

Other than its strong physical properties, bamboo has the advantage to be easily available. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant on Earth, with reported growth rates of 250 cm in 24 hours, depending on local soil, climatic conditions and species. Bamboo grows so fast that it can produce 20 times more timber than tress on the same area of land.

Bamboo also has environmental benefits, it can grow and spread quickly without fertilizers, pesticides or much water. A bamboo grove releases 35% more oxygen into the air than similar-sized trees.

Main uses of bamboo plywood :

Given the increasing awareness of global environment, bamboo, as a fast-growing, high-yielding and sustainable natural resource is gaining more and more advantage over timber and steel.

Architectural cement formwork

Photo from : www.peluangproperti.com

Used as a substitute for steel, bamboo plywood formwork can improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of concrete. It is strong, lightweight, does not rust, has smooth surface, low heat conductivity and low water absorption.

Floorboards

Photo from : made-in-china.com

Bamboo is as dense as the largest hardwoods, making it water resistant, longer lasting and therefore more sustainable. Bamboo flooring is more resistant, harder and more stable than oak!

Bamboo Packing Board

Photo from www.envirogadget.com

In places where wood resources are difficult, bamboo packing board is the solution.

Check out this website to see other inspirations of using bamboo plants.

In Shanghai Metal Corporation, you can find many types of bamboo plywood to create beautiful furniture, cabinets and the ideal building material. Our products can be customized according to your need. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have English-speaking staff that will be very glad to help you. To find out more about us, follow us on social media.

Sources : life.gaiam.com, www.tristantiteux.com, www.fao.org, permaculturenews.org

Ayu P.//SMC Editor

How to select the right type of container for different kinds of cargo

With the increased amount of international trade exchange that persists among countries all over the world, as people are constantly seeking to buy in regions of better quality, price and other preferences, the need for shipping containers can not be over emphasized.

Knowing the right type of shipping container to use to transport what kind of goods is therefore imperative, before one takes the decision of transporting goods.

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of shipping containers in China, Shanghai Metal Corporation offers several types of containers for different kinds of goods. We offer both dry bulk shipping containers and offshore containers. Our containers are all of international standard and are characterized by steel structural composition on the walls, timber flooring, secure and lockable doors, and most of all they are stackable, making them highly convenient.

The most popular type is the 20 feet and 40 feet, 40 feet high cube standard shipping containers which are used for dry bulk shipping. This type of container can also be used for domestic transportation of goods, for instance on the back of a truck, in instances where people are moving goods such as furniture; or shipping of any dry bulk cargo. The open-top container is most convenient for heavy loads which can be unpacked with fork lifters.

Open-side containers are suitable for domestic transportation or can be used as self-storage structures. Open doors allow full access to goods, hence handling loading and offloading is made easy.

For cargo that needs to be kept regulated at certain cool temperatures, reefer containers are best.

Offshore containers are also handy as storage structures. Our selection of these are the waste skips, open-top offshore containers work well as storage in back yards etc. Half height offshore containers are commonly used for storing goods where there is limited space. Their relatively small surface area allows one to save space, as they can be stacked as well.

For more details about our full range of containers please visit our website. If interested, please feel free to contact us for an inquiry . Scan the QR code below to see our latest updates, or follow us on these social media platforms:

Lebo Seopane//SMC Editor

Sources: SMC website,Google

Why Containers work best as Apartments

Shipping container architecture has seen increased popularity over the years. This is largely due to the fact that containers are a much cheaper building system, as compared to conventional ways of building, and they are simple building inputs.

(image via http://www.containerhome.info)

Here are a few reasons why you need to build apartments with containers:

1. It takes far less time to transform a container into a living space! All it takes to have it from being the cargo carrier to being your comfortable home is, changing the floor, insulating the walls, and adding fixtures and windows. At SMC, we have specially made, pre-fabricated container houses which are fitted with plumbing, electricity and fixtures.

2. It takes less time to have the structure ready for people to live in, as opposed to building with bricks which are stacked one by one, a container is already a sturdy structure, thus, time taken to build from scratch is saved.

3. Containers used as apartments save a lot of land, as they can be easily stacked up to make an array of apartments. They are a perfect solution for housing in busy, overcrowded big cities and metropolis as they serve well to solve the problem of student housing and bachelor housing.

(image via http://www.tinyhouselover.com)

4.Container apartments help tenants to enjoy affordable rent! This is tangible reality can be seen here where container apartments were built up in London strategically for young people to be able to live comfortably and be can afford to pay rent. Since containers are a cheap input, hence the cheap rent!

5. Containers have high strength in their own structure, therefore it makes building with them very simple and more stronger buildings result. The high structural strength also enables homes to built in otherwise difficult-to-build areas such as wilderness homes and other adventurous types of homes.

So, why not reduce costs spent on building, while you save on construction time with container apartments? Visit our website to get more information about our container range, we are a leading manufacturer and supplier of containers in China.

Contact us for an inquiry or further assistance. Stay clued up on our latest news and info by scanning the QR code below, or follow us on these social media:

Lebo Seopane//SMC Editor

Credits: Google images, SMC website,www.inhabitat.com

Recreate your recreational areas!

Refresh your mind after a long day and relax in a beautiful, luxurious patio made from our wood plastic composite deck (WPC deck). At SMC, we offer a great deal of building systems to suit your needs. Our version of WPC deck is particularly beneficial because it has featured characteristics of both wood and plastic, making it highly durable.

Enjoy a not only lovely looking patio but also, but also reap the benefits of low maintenance work, and less energy towards cleaning. Our wood plastic allows you to just wipe the floor, as opposed to pure wood which needs varnishing. We save you the trouble!

We offer durable, less hassle flooring solution for your patios, children’s playground, pool side and other outdoor areas; as well as indoor facilities such as restaurants, halls, etc. WPC decks are great, you don’t have to worry about wood rotting like the natural one would, thus making it more sustainable.

Our WPC deck’s combined features of plastic and wood enables it to have the enhanced look of wood, and gives you liberty to have less worries about varnishing ,or worrying about the wood changing colour or getting damaged for instance when it rains or children spill liquids on it . Worry not about those spills ruining the floor!

For your more intimate ,indoor events, our WPC deck building system comes handy as a dance floor, for gyms, halls, theatres and other recreational areas that need operational open space.

Compliment your outdoor areas with our WPC deck paired with artificial grass and flaunt your attractive, soothing and calming environment created from our best suited products. Save water with our artificial grass, and enjoy the eco-friendly features of the WPC deck. Cut down maintenance costs and save your energy with SMC! Save the planet and have less trees cut down for your lovely floor, at SMC we care about the earth.

Get an inquiry or visit our website for more information. Scan the QR code below to download our application; and stay clued up with our latest updates, follow us on these social media platforms:

Lebogang Seopane//SMC Intern

Credits: SMC website, Google images

Build your own safe haven!

At SMC, we not only recommend our shipping containers to be used for shipping, but we also have some other innovative ways to use them to share with you. We manufacture shipping containers of different dimensions, and different functionality, which can serve your specific needs accordingly. All our containers are characterized by durability, relatively inexpensive price, and sustainability.

If you are looking to build an underground shelter or basement to make into a safe haven for your family, for example in times of hurricanes and other natural disasters, containers are a good resource to build this shelter. They are easy-to-set up, highly durable, and can be fixed onto a foundation made from cement, bricks or even wood. This is merely just to ensure that the shelter is anchored well to the ground, and more secure.

Make yourself a comfortable underground bunker using our containers!

The idea of making a shelter out of containers also comes handy for military bases, which may be in remote areas where it isn’t so easy to build with conventional building materials; and can sometimes be of great use when making a secret hideout place for soldiers at war for instance. We have a variation of prefabricated containers which ensure great durability and are more sustainable for containers used as shelter of a dwelling place in nature.

Our containers also come handy as affordable, easy to set up structures. In developing countries’ remote areas, where there may not be enough resources to build a hospital for instance, our containers can be used as a mobile clinic as it is can easily loaded onto the back of a truck and driven to the place of need.

To make the perfect shelter for your needs, visit our website for more information about our various containers and other products. Contact us for free inquiry.

Get our latest news and updates by downloading the QR code below; follow us on the following social media platforms:

Lebogang Seopane// SMC Intern

Credits: Google images, SMC website

China – The World’s Leading Market of E-Bikes

The process of industrialization has given much contribution to the development of a country. However there is a price for it. China is often criticized for its industrial pollution which has caused widespread environmental and health problems. Pressured by the international communities and the health problems of its population,the country has made one of the most important improvement to protect the environment. Some has said that China has done more for the environment than other industrialized countries during their earlier stages of development.

There is a fast increase of cars and traffic jams in China. However, most of the individuals still uses bicycle as transportation. When I first arrived at Shanghai on November 2014, I was really surprised by the number of 2 wheeled vehicles that circulates on the road. Most of them are electric bikes. Let’s check them out.

The model in the photo below is very common.

The vespa-style electric bikes are eye-catching and are popular among expats.

Many main roads in China have paths for bicycle. Even though not all Chinese respect the traffic rules, it is quite safe and convenient to transport with bike if you’re extra careful.

Today, China is the world’s leading producer of e-bikes. Recently, China’s largest search engine, Baidu, revealead that they’re working on the production of a smart bike, called DuBike.

In Shanghai Metal Corporation, we also want to help in protecting the environment. We manufacture bike rack that is convenient for bike-sharing system and also other metal products that is need to manufacture bicycles. We accept customized order. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested or if you need further information. We have English speaking staff who will be glad to help you find your best product. Follow us on social media to know us better.

Sources :
Wikipedia
Chinatravel
shanghai.wikia.com
dubike.baidu.com
Google Image

Ayu P.//SMC editor

Construction Made Easy

A lot of people often get disgruntled at the thought of beginning a new project of building a structure such as a house or warehouse for instance, because it usually takes a long time to get such structures up. Well, at SMC we offer state of the art building systems which allows a lot of businesses operating in the construction industry to breathe easy,as they can enjoy shortened construction duration, as well as great, durable and versatile buildings. Steel building system is particularly useful in mega structures such as bridges and high-rise buildings as it is very strong, firm and sturdy, therefore making it resistant; and also enables flexible designs.

Learn more about our building systems here.

With the fast paced growth of the real estate industry, we see more and more of unique and spectacular structures coming up, as people try to be more innovative and creative in creating their dream homes. Steel homes are unique, cost efficient, easy -to-set-up structures.

Not only are steel structures eye catching, they are also easy to set up because unlike brick-built structures, big chunks of steel are used to set up on side of a structure for instance, hence is easier and faster to get the material on-site; as opposed to bricks which are brought on-site one by one, thus it can greatly reduce the time taken to set up a built structure.

These structures are every architect’s dream, as they are a gateway to their limitless creativity; and these unique structures usually encompass very intricate architectural designs. At SMC we offer steel grating, which can be used for steel building, steel floors and other building structures of your desire. Our steel grating used on floors can enhance resistance and enable the flooring to withstand heavy loads, unlike floor tiles which are susceptible to cracks when heavy loads are placed on them. For this reason steel flooring is perfect for warehouses! Again, steel is an affordable, cost efficient flooring solution, and gives your structure a one-of-a-kind feel. Steel is also more durable, easy to clean, and thus sustainable. Incorporate steel in your home, and warehouse. With SMC, great savings can be made with using steel building systems!

Stay up-to-date with our latest posts, follow us on the following social media platforms

Lebogang Seopane//SMC Intern

Sources: Google Images

The Sharing Economy

In today’s society where the pressure of environmental sustainability is growing, the problems of overproduction and overconsumption are becoming more and more important. To answer this problem, a new system of economy begins to appear : “The Sharing Economy”, also called “The Collaborative Economy”. Just like what it is called, this system is all about sharing goods and services between different people and organisations. In other words, rather than owning a product or service, you give other people access to it and share it. This sharing system has different category of example. Let us take you to discover some of the famous one.

Real Estate

Home Exchange

You’d like to go for vacation but your budget is limited. Fortunately there is new way to find a cheap accommodation ! The Home Exchange system allows you to swap your home for a set period of time, with no monetary exchange ! Plus there is the internet that has made the process of finding a swap easier.

Barter

Barter is a system of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money.

The “Clothing Swap” is THE magical solution for those who love experiencing with new looks ! You can exchange your no-longer used clothing for clothing that you’d love to have.

Transportation

Carsharing

This system is very convenient for those who only need an occasional use of vehicle, as well as others who would love to get a taste of a new and different type of car.

Bicycle Sharing System

This service lets people to borrow a bike from a bicycle station and return it to any other stations located in the city. This system are often inexpensive, which encourages their use as transportation. Many systems have a smartphone mapping apps which shows how how many bikes and how many open parking are available at each station, increasing convenience for users.

Shanghai Metal Corporation has a vast range of bicycle dock. We offer personalized service and can accomodate any number of parking place in one bicycle dock. Every product that we provide is rust resistant, weather resistant, and theft-proof. To learn more, please visit our website or send us your inquiry. Our English speaking staff will guide you to find your wanted product with the best quality and price. Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media.

For more information : Wikipedia
Pictures from : Google Image

Ayu P.//SMC editor