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The strategic importance and future development of the raw material industries across Europe are the subject of two recent reports published by the EU institutions.

Globalisation, economic development and population growth are combining to create ever greater competition for natural resources in all sectors. EU industries active in the telecoms, transport, energy and other hi-tech sectors are facing tougher competition from rapidly expanding economies.

What could have been a relatively pleasant train journey in October to visit the Dutch Young Greens in Groningen turned into an hour-long bus ordeal. The reason: copper from the railway lines had been stolen.

Eurometaux, the voice of the European Non-Ferrous Metals industry, offered its support to the Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee following the adoption of amendments to Mr Bütikofer’s ‘Report on effective raw materials strategy for Europe’ and called for the swift and concrete implementation of the objectives and actions identified.

The European Copper Institute attended AquaNor 2011 in Trondheim, Norway. ECI demonstrated the use of innovative copper alloys for both near- and off-shore marine aquaculture enclosures.

The winners of the 2011 European Copper in Architecture Awards were announced at a presentation ceremony in Brussels on 27th September. With 66 entries – the highest so far – and generally exhibiting a high standard of design, the Awards are a celebration of the very best in contemporary European architecture.

The recent E.coli outbreak proves how vulnerable we all are to harmful bacteria. So, it is a good time to emphasise the role copper plays in our health and in the prevention and control of infections.

Early results from a comprehensive, multi-site clinical trial in the US demonstrate that the use of antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care unit rooms resulted in a 40.4% reduction in the risk of acquiring a hospital infection.

Due to its natural biological and metallurgical properties, copper alloys are a perfect material for both surface and submersible marine aquaculture enclosures for near- and off-shore sites.

ECI focused on binding energy efficiency targets and support for copper recovery and recycling during the European Commission’s Green Week.

Concurrently with the Green Week, ECI participated in the European Solar Days – Closing Event, celebrated in Brussels on 26th May.

A recent clinical study in the United Kingdom proves that copper pens are efficient in combating the transmission of microbial infections via touch surfaces.

The E. coli bacteria, which recently infected more than 1,800 people across Europe and produced a weekly economic damage of 300 million Euro, is eliminated on copper surfaces in less than 10 minutes.
Antimicrobial copper  eliminates greater than 99.9% of the pathogens that causes healthcare-associated infections.
80% of the EU’s electrical installations should be renovated over the next [...]

An energy efficient and sustainable home depends highly on copper. Whether it is integrated into your plumbing, roofing, heating or photovoltaic systems, copper based systems deliver unmatched benefits.

Between 12 and 15 October 2011, our Copper Development Association in UK will participate at the 11th Congress of the International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC), organised in Venice, Italy. We will present the latest evidence which demonstrates that copper plays a critical role in preventing and fighting germs, pathogens and bacteria which cause a wide range of [...]

Copper plays an essential role in nearly every aspect of our lives – and in Europe’s future. Following EU’s Sustainable Energy Week, this issue focuses on copper’s many important contributions towards sustainable energy, including energy efficiency.

The Polish Copper Development Association (CDA) is helping pave the way towards achieving the Commission’s objectives by promoting copper in the modernisation of over 11.2 million Polish private and public buildings.

Arianna Vitali Roscini, Policy Officer for energy conservation, WWF European Policy Office, argues that the European Union is still missing measures that effectively deliver energy savings.

One prerequisite to achieving ambitious sustainable energy results is to employ the right raw materials in the most efficient manner possible. The recent use of MicroGroove technology is achieving this in air conditioners.

On Monday, 4 April 2011, Professor William Keevil performed a scientific experiment live from Southampton University in the UK and webcast to over 2,000 web channels in 93 countries.

ECI will exhibit at the European Green Week 2011 taking place in Brussels, 24-27 May 2011. This year’s edition is dedicated to “Resource Efficiency: Using less, Living better.”

From 16 to 19 August, ECI will be at the AquaNor Forum in Trondheim, Norway

Copper: the more you use, the less you lose. By increasing the cross section of a copper conductor, the losses go down, saving energy and CO2.

The Sabre Awards recognise superior achievement in branding and reputation across the North America, EMEA and the Asia-Pacific regions.

The Leonardo ENERGY initiative (LE) provides professionals and regulators with market intelligence and knowledge updates on sustainable energy. This article explores how LE has generated a global community for sustainable energy professionals.

University of Southampton Professor Bill Keevil conducts continued research into the physiology and adaptive mechanisms for survival of pathogens and biofilms in the environment. In this article, he explores what makes copper an antimicrobial super-agent.

Follow these links to learn more about the ECI’s recent activity
The Energy Efficiency Industrial Forum (EEIF, which ECI is member of) met with EU Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, to discuss further strategy to ensure the EU’s 20% energy savings target is met by 2020. Click here

With the strong support of the ECI Secretariat, the Lead [...]

Thanks in part to ECI’s efforts, it’s no secret that copper is essential for everyone. It is in our blood, our food and is at the core of many of tomorrow’s technologies. Without copper, continued improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energies, healthcare, smart grids and transportation will not be possible.
In an [...]

Over 3,000 attendees witnessed copper for healthcare, renewable energy and technologies during “Copper: Essential for Everyone,” an exhibition organised by ECI and held in the European Parliament 29 June – 1 July 2010. Visit the ECI’s YouTube Channel, “Imagine Life Without”, to watch a video about the exhibition and panel debate.

Recycling meets about 40% of European copper demand.

Did you know that copper alloys have been used in both surface and submersible, near- and off-shore marine aquaculture for many years? Or that alloy mesh cages improve the sanitary conditions, productivity and sustainability of operations for aquaculture farmers raising salmon, trout, sea bream, and many other species?
These are just some of the highlights the European [...]

Copper is a part of almost every aspect of our lives, from energy efficiency and healthcare to transportation systems and our overall health and lifestyles. That’s why it is important to understand the role that copper, as a raw material, will play in Europe’s future.
For years, the European Copper Institute (ECI) has evaluated copper’s role [...]