The Week ending April 4, 2025
NVIDIA’s Innovations in AI and Data Centers
At the NVIDIA GTC 2025 conference, CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a series of groundbreaking developments:
- Blackwell Ultra NVL72: Set for release in late 2025, this new generation GPU promises significant enhancements in AI processing capabilities.
- NVIDIA Dynamo: Introduced as the operating system for AI factories, aiming to optimize AI inference computing efficiency.
- Collaborations: NVIDIA announced partnerships with General Motors for autonomous vehicle technologies and with Oracle for agentic AI developments.
Visteon’s Automotive System Integrations
Visteon unveiled several key innovations in automotive technology:
- cognitoAI: An in-vehicle AI system that processes data locally, providing real-time insights into vehicle health and performance without relying on cloud connectivity.
- Next-Gen Central Computing Platform: A production-ready system capable of managing multiple critical functions simultaneously, such as advanced driver assistance, 3D controls, augmented reality navigation, and AI-powered driver monitoring.
- Revolutionary Display Technologies: Introduction of curved OLED displays, active privacy features, and deco trim that integrates controls within decorative surfaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in vehicle interiors.
Siemens and JetZero’s Collaboration on Sustainable Aviation
Siemens announced a partnership with aviation startup JetZero to develop a revolutionary blended wing aircraft. Utilizing Siemens’ Xcelerator open digital business platform, the collaboration aims to achieve:
- 50% Improvement in Fuel Efficiency: The blended wing design is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
- Zero Carbon Emissions by 2035: Aiming for environmentally sustainable air travel through innovative design and manufacturing processes.
DISTRIBUTECH 2025 Conference Insights
The DISTRIBUTECH 2025 conference featured keynotes emphasizing transformation in the transmission and distribution industry:
- Vision to Transform: John Josephakis, Global Vice President of Supercomputing at NVIDIA, discussed leveraging AI and data centers to drive growth and efficiency in power grid development.
- Vision to Innovate: Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring, shared principles for redefining industries through innovation, drawing from his experience in creating transformative products.
The Week ending March 28, 2025
Autonomous Vehicle Design: Cognizant Mobility successfully developed the entire electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture for the autonomous Holon mover using PREEvision, adhering to model-based system design principles. This project showcases the application of holistic system design in creating inclusive, on-demand public transportation solutions.
SaaS Platform Development: A holistic design strategy in Software as a Service (SaaS) platform development emphasizes aligning user experience, technical architecture, scalability, and business goals. This integrated approach aims to prevent fragmented systems and enhance customer satisfaction.
Energy Systems Optimization: Researchers introduced CAMEO (Co-design Architecture for Multi-objective Energy System Optimization), a framework facilitating design space exploration for energy systems. CAMEO employs a modular and automated workflow to enhance flexibility and accelerate design and validation cycles, promoting efficiency and sustainability in energy system planning.
Regenerative Design: Regenerative design focuses on creating systems that restore, renew, or revitalize their own energy and materials sources, emphasizing resilience and sustainability. This approach is gaining traction in various sectors, including agriculture, architecture, and urban planning, aiming to develop systems that are beneficial for both humans and the environment.
The week of 03/17/25 – 03/21/25
Nvidia’s GTC 2025 Conference:
- Introduction of Blackwell Ultra AI Chips: Nvidia unveiled its next-generation Blackwell Ultra NVL72 GPUs, designed to enhance AI capabilities across various sectors. This advancement reflects a holistic approach to system design, integrating cutting-edge hardware with AI applications.
- Launch of Nvidia Dynamo: The company introduced Nvidia Dynamo, an operating system tailored for AI factories, aiming to streamline AI inference computing. This initiative exemplifies whole system design by integrating software and hardware to optimize AI operations.
- Debut of Isaac GROOT N1 Robot: Nvidia presented the Isaac GROOT N1, a robot powered by advanced AI models, showcasing the integration of robotics and AI in a cohesive system.
Advancements in Off-Highway Emission Solutions:
- Cummins’ Aftertreatment Systems: Cummins discussed its comprehensive approach to designing and integrating exhaust aftertreatment systems for off-highway applications. Their strategy addresses diverse requirements, regional regulations, and operational challenges, embodying whole system design principles to meet stringent emission standards.
Interior Design Trends for 2025:
- AD PRO’s Forecast: The 2025 interior design forecast emphasizes a holistic approach to home interiors, integrating personal comfort, technological advancements, and sustainable materials. Trends include the resurgence of nostalgic designs, the use of rich textures and colors, and the incorporation of smart-home technologies focused on health and well-being.
Supermicro’s Petascale All-Flash Storage Server
Supermicro introduced a new petascale all-flash storage server utilizing the NVIDIA Grace CPU Superchip. This system is engineered for high-performance, software-defined storage workloads, including AI and machine learning applications. The server features a high-density architecture, supporting up to 16 hot-swap EDSFF PCIe Gen5 E3.S NVMe drives, enabling a raw capacity of 983TB with 61.44TB SSDs. In a standard rack configuration with 40 systems, it offers a total raw storage capacity of 39.3PB. This design aims to deliver power-efficient, high-performance storage solutions for AI infrastructures.
Microchip’s Entry-Level Microcontrollers
Microchip Technology announced new entry-level microcontrollers designed to reduce system cost and complexity in safety-critical applications. These microcontrollers are tailored for applications where safety and reliability are paramount, offering a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. They are intended to streamline design processes and enhance the efficiency of safety-critical systems.
Knapsack’s Webinar on Design Systems
Knapsack.cloud hosted a webinar titled “Composition & Prototyping at Scale: How Teams Can Build Faster with Your Design System.” The session focused on maximizing the potential of design systems to enable teams to prototype, iterate, and deliver high-quality products more efficiently. The webinar introduced Knapsack’s new Consumer user role and showcased real-world use cases demonstrating the business value it offers.
AI’s Transformative Potential Across Sectors
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, discussed the expansive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global systems. He envisions AI addressing complex challenges such as curing diseases and resolving energy issues, underscoring the necessity for a holistic approach to technological integration.
Innovations in Sustainable Data Center Cooling
In Australia, architectural firm HDR is pioneering the use of recycled water systems to cool data centers. This initiative exemplifies whole system design by integrating wastewater management with data center infrastructure, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
Advancements in Automotive Manufacturing
Czinger, a Los Angeles-based company, is revolutionizing car manufacturing through the convergence of 3D printing and AI. Their approach allows for rapid design iterations and reduced material usage, reflecting a comprehensive rethinking of traditional manufacturing processes.
Redesign of Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station
Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station is set for a significant redesign to transform it into a ‘world-class’ transport hub. The project aims to enhance user experience, improve transport links, and develop a future-focused master plan, including provisions for electric buses. This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to urban infrastructure development.
General Motors’ Strategic Shift from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
General Motors (GM) announced its decision to discontinue the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most of its vehicles. Baris Cetinok, GM’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services, emphasized that this move aims to develop a more integrated and seamless user experience through GM’s proprietary software platform, Ultifi. By gaining greater control over the user interface, GM intends to accelerate innovation and achieve deeper integration between hardware and software, reflecting a whole system design approach to enhance vehicle functionality and customer satisfaction.
Innovative Use of Recycled Water for Data Center Cooling in Australia
Architecture firm HDR is pioneering the use of recycled water, including treated wastewater, to cool data centers in Australia. This initiative, set to be implemented in a new data center design expected by late 2026, represents the first application of wastewater for cooling systems in Australian data centers. By exploring sewer mining and rainwater harvesting, HDR aims to reduce reliance on potable water, showcasing a holistic approach to resource management and sustainability in infrastructure design.
Czinger’s 3D-Printed Hypercar: A Paradigm Shift in Automotive Manufacturing
Los Angeles-based company Czinger unveiled the 21C, a 3D-printed hypercar designed using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing. The 21C has set multiple records, including at California’s Laguna Seca track and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. Through its Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), Czinger aims to revolutionize automobile manufacturing by reducing material usage and production costs while enhancing sustainability, embodying a whole system design philosophy that could transform manufacturing processes across various industries.
Redesign of Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station into a World-Class Transport Hub
Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow’s largest and busiest bus terminal, is set for a significant redesign by engineering firm AtkinsRéalis. The project aims to transform the station into a world-class transport hub by enhancing user experience, improving transport links, and integrating public transport with active travel and future mass transit options. This comprehensive approach reflects whole system design principles, focusing on sustainability, safety, and service efficiency to meet the evolving needs of the city’s transportation infrastructure.
03/13/25
Regenerative design is a process-oriented, whole-systems approach that seeks to create resilient and equitable systems by integrating human needs with the well-being of nature. This approach emphasizes designing systems that work in harmony with natural ecosystems, promoting sustainability and regeneration. Recent developments in regenerative design have been applied across various sectors, including agriculture, architecture, community planning, and urban development. These applications aim to revitalize communities and ecosystems by utilizing principles from biomimicry, permaculture, and circular economics.
Ecological engineering combines systems ecology with engineering design to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions. This discipline focuses on creating systems that integrate human activities with natural processes, enhancing ecosystem health and resilience. Recent advancements in ecological engineering include the development of design guidelines and principles that emphasize energy efficiency, biodiversity, and the use of renewable resources. These principles have been applied in areas such as wastewater treatment, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture, contributing to the development of systems that are both functional and environmentally sound.
These developments highlight a growing trend towards holistic approaches in system design, aiming to create sustainable and regenerative solutions that benefit both human societies and the natural environment
03/12/25
Exhibition Advocates Nature-Centric Design
The Design Museum in London is preparing to open the “More Than Human” exhibition on July 11, 2025. Curated by Justin McGuirk, this exhibition emphasizes a shift from human-centric design to approaches that prioritize the health of other species and ecosystems. Featured projects include a pavilion designed for insects, a wave breaker constructed using oysters, and a seaweed installation by Julia Lohmann. The exhibition aims to promote design practices that enhance biodiversity and ecological well-being.
Sustainable Design Trends Embrace Natural Elements
Recent reports indicate a growing preference for sustainable design trends that incorporate natural materials and biophilic elements. Designers are moving away from cold minimalism, favoring traditional aesthetics with repurposed materials and craftsmanship. Curved forms, organic lines, and warm, earthy tones are gaining popularity, reflecting a holistic approach that emphasizes wellness and a connection to nature.
Global Conference Focuses on Sustainability
Sustainability Week, organized by The Economist, is taking place in London from March 10-12, 2025. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the event focuses on balancing planetary health with profitability. New features include the Sustainable Supply Chain and Procurement Summit, aiming to enhance sustainable practices across industries.
Webinar Explores Wellness in Design
Architectural Record is hosting a webinar titled “A Holistic and Comprehensive Approach to Wellness” on March 12, 2025. The session will explore how design can promote physical and mental well-being, integrating sustainable materials and biophilic design principles to create healthier living environments.
Task Force Addresses Senior Sustainability
The Holistic and Sustainable Solutions for Seniors Task Force is holding a public meeting on March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The focus is on developing sustainable and holistic approaches to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, addressing both environmental and social aspects of design.
03/11/25
Whole System Design
- Geothermal-Powered High-Rise in Brooklyn: The Riverie, a two-tower residential development at 1 Java St. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is set to become New York’s largest all-geothermal-powered apartment complex. Utilizing a vertical closed-loop geoexchange system with 300 boreholes reaching nearly 500 feet deep, the building will harness thermal energy for heating, cooling, and powering amenities. This design aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and alleviate strain on the electric grid, aligning with sustainable urban development principles.
- Innovative Data Center Cooling in Australia: Architecture firm HDR is developing a system to use recycled wastewater for cooling data centers. This approach, inspired by a Sydney golf course that treats millions of liters of wastewater daily for irrigation, aims to reduce reliance on potable water. The initiative reflects a holistic design perspective, addressing water conservation and energy efficiency in critical infrastructure.
Ecological Economics
- Advancements in Degrowth Research: A 2025 review in The Lancet Planetary Health analyzed 201 recent studies on post-growth research. The findings highlight progress in ecological macroeconomic models, exploring policies that decouple well-being from GDP growth and reduce resource use while enhancing societal welfare. This research contributes to ecological economics by challenging traditional growth paradigms and proposing sustainable alternatives.
- Critique of Green Growth Narratives: Scholar Jason Hickel, in collaboration with ecological economist Giorgos Kallis, has argued against the feasibility of “green growth.” Their research suggests that high-income nations cannot achieve absolute reductions in resource use or sufficiently reduce emissions while pursuing GDP growth at historical rates. They advocate for scaling down excessive energy and resource consumption to facilitate a transition to renewable energy and mitigate ecological degradation.
03/10/25
Advancements in Transportation through Systems Thinking
Professor Marco Nie from Northwestern University emphasizes the importance of systems thinking in enhancing transportation systems. By analyzing the intricate interactions among infrastructure, technology, and human behavior, this approach aims to create transportation networks that are more efficient, sustainable, and equitable. Nie’s research underscores the need for holistic strategies to address the complexities inherent in modern transportation challenges.
Biomimicry: Nature-Inspired Design Innovations
Innovators are increasingly turning to biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature to address human challenges. Notable examples include the design of Japan’s 500-series Shinkansen bullet train, which emulates the kingfisher bird’s beak to enhance speed and reduce noise. Organizations like Biomimicry 3.8 have collaborated with over 250 companies, including Interface and Boeing, to integrate nature-based solutions into product development. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of whole system design thinking to foster sustainable and efficient innovations.
Educational Initiatives Embracing Systems Thinking
Educational programs are incorporating systems thinking to provide students with practical, real-world problem-solving experiences. For instance, students in the Darling Downs region of Australia engaged in projects analyzing air quality and developing technological solutions, such as building sensors and 3D printing housings. These initiatives highlight the value of hands-on learning and the application of whole system design principles in education.
Redefining Human-Centered Design
The evolution of design thinking is steering towards a more holistic perspective, integrating systems thinking to address complex, interconnected challenges. This approach moves beyond traditional user-centric methods, considering broader systemic factors to create sustainable and impactful solutions. Such integration is crucial for organizations aiming to innovate effectively in today’s multifaceted environment.
These developments underscore a growing recognition of the importance of whole system design thinking in creating sustainable, efficient, and innovative solutions across various domains.
03/06/25
London Exhibition Promotes Nature-Centric Design: The Design Museum in London is set to host the “More Than Human” exhibition starting July 11. Curated by Justin McGuirk, the exhibition emphasizes designing with consideration for nature and animals, moving beyond human-centric approaches. Featured projects include insect nesting pavilions and oyster-based wave breakers, highlighting innovative methods to restore marine ecosystems and coral reefs.
“Healthiest Home in America” Unveiled: A 5,000-square-foot residence named Solace has been introduced in Park City, Utah, as part of the Velvære wellness community. Designed to promote longer and healthier lives, Solace incorporates advanced air and water purification systems, circadian rhythm-aligned lighting, and a comprehensive fitness suite. The home also emphasizes biophilic design and uses VOC-free materials to enhance occupant well-being.
Permaculture Institute Continues Educational Initiatives: The Permaculture Institute remains dedicated to promoting ecological culture by offering education in ecosystem, self, and community transformation. With over 25 years of experience, the institute provides courses such as the Permaculture Design Course, introducing participants to the ethics, principles, and practices of permaculture design.
ECHOcommunity Supports Sustainable Agriculture: ECHO continues its mission to reduce hunger and improve lives through agricultural training and resources. Operating through regional impact centers worldwide, ECHO connects small-scale farmers with essential resources and each other, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
China’s Ambitious Renewable Energy Projects
China announced a series of major renewable energy initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. These projects are part of the country’s strategy to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
03/05/25
EU Updates Waste Codes to Enhance Circular Economy
The European Commission updated the List of Waste to classify ‘black mass’ from batteries as hazardous waste. This change aims to improve the management of battery recycling and retain critical raw materials within the economy, supporting the EU’s transition to a circular economy.
SK Telecom and Schneider Electric Collaborate on AI Data Centers
SK Telecom and Schneider Electric announced a partnership to develop AI-driven data centers. By integrating advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems with artificial intelligence, the collaboration aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in data center operations.
Ecological Threat Report 2024 Released
The Institute for Economics and Peace released the 2024 Ecological Threat Report, highlighting policy and program responses to reduce vulnerability to ecological threats and promote sustainable natural resource management.
03/04/25
Villanova Engineering Professor Awarded Patent for Isothermal Compression System Design
Dr. Sylvie Lorente, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at Villanova University, received a patent for her design of an isothermal compression system. This innovation compresses and expands air without significant temperature changes, aiming to improve the efficiency of compressed air energy storage (CAES). By maintaining a constant gas temperature during compression and expansion, the system reduces the additional energy input typically required due to temperature fluctuations in conventional systems. This advancement aligns with whole system design principles by enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
03/04/25 Brother Group Revises Environmental Vision 2050 with Updated Medium-Term Targets
Brother Industries, Ltd. announced revisions to its medium-term targets for FY2030 as part of its “Brother Group Environmental Vision 2050.” The updated goals include a 65% reduction in CO₂ emissions from FY2015 levels for Scopes 1 and 2, and a 28.5% reduction from FY2022 levels for Scope 3 (Categories 1, 11, and 12). These targets reflect the company’s commitment to ecological economics by integrating environmental sustainability into its long-term economic planning.
03/04/25 The Role of Aluminum in a Circular Economy
A recent press release highlighted the significance of aluminum in promoting a circular economy. Producing aluminum from recycled materials requires 95% less energy than primary aluminum production, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced environmental impact. This underscores the importance of recycling and resource efficiency in ecological economics, where the focus is on sustainable resource use and minimizing waste.
The Galien Foundation announced the introduction of the Prix Galien Global Award, recognizing innovations in EcoHealth and environmental sustainability. This award aims to honor significant contributions that address ecological and health challenges through innovative solutions, reflecting the integration of ecological economics principles in recognizing the value of environmental health initiatives.
03/02/25
International Agreements and Policy Developments
- COP16 Biodiversity Summit Reaches Compromise on Nature Finance: On February 28, 2025, the UN biodiversity conference (COP16) concluded with a last-minute agreement aimed at halting nature loss by 2030. The deal includes raising $200 billion annually for nature finance, involving development banks, and setting indicators for progress. However, some critics argue that the agreement lacks urgency and concrete measures, leaving issues like the creation of a new fund and tackling nature-destroying subsidies unresolved.
Institutional Changes in Economic Research
- Closure of IZA Institute of Labour Economics: Economists have expressed significant concerns over the impending closure of the IZA Institute of Labour Economics, a prominent labor-market think tank based in Bonn. The closure, set for December 2025, follows the decision of its primary backer, the Deutsche Post Foundation, to cease funding. This development is expected to impact labor economics research in Germany and Europe, as the IZA has been a cornerstone in the field with an extensive network of economists and research contributions.
Legal Actions for Environmental Accountability
- Rise in Climate Litigation: There has been a notable increase in legal actions targeting inadequate climate policies and corporate practices. Climate litigation cases have doubled between 2017 and 2022, with more cases now targeting corporations. In Ireland, Community Law & Mediation (CLM) is leading a landmark case against the government for failing to meet climate targets set in the 2015 Climate Act. This trend reflects a growing use of litigation as a tool to enforce environmental accountability and address the climate crisis4
Resource Control and Economic Implications
- Indonesia’s Dominance in the Nickel Market: Indonesia has emerged as a dominant player in the global nickel market, drawing parallels to OPEC’s influence over oil. The country’s control over nickel production has significant implications for global supply chains, especially given nickel’s critical role in battery production for electric vehicles. This development underscores the strategic importance of resource control in the transition to sustainable technologies.
Academic Discussions on Sustainable Development
- Advancements in Degrowth Research: Recent scholarly reviews have highlighted progress in degrowth and post-growth research. A 2025 review in The Lancet Planetary Health surveyed 201 studies, noting advances in ecological macroeconomic models and the testing of post-growth policies. Additionally, a 2025 comparative review in Ecological Economics analyzed 75 modeling studies, finding that reducing resource use can facilitate ambitious climate goals without compromising well-being. These discussions emphasize the need to rethink traditional economic growth models to achieve sustainability.
Investment Initiatives
- BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund: Planet Ark and Boston Global have partnered to launch the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund, aiming to raise $1 billion by 2030. This fund focuses on investing in businesses that promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the circular economy. The initiative builds on Australia’s Circular Economy Framework, targeting a doubling of circularity by 2035 and potentially adding $26 billion annually to the GDP.
Community Programs
- Treasure Trail in Glenorchy, Tasmania: The Glenorchy mayor, Sue Hickey, has introduced the Treasure Trail, promoting nine op shops between Glenorchy and Claremont. This initiative encourages the community to reduce, reuse, and repurpose items, combating the environmental impact of fast fashion by giving products a second life. It also supports disadvantaged individuals, fosters volunteering, and connects shoppers to local businesses.
Conferences and Expert Discussions
- VII International Meeting on Circular Economy in Gipuzkoa: Gipuzkoa hosted the VII International Meeting on Circular Economy, bringing together over 40 experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in this economic model. Key topics included strategic autonomy, resource efficiency, the role of artificial intelligence in the circular economy, decarbonization strategies, recycling in the food industry, bioeconomy, and the impact on energy transition and female entrepreneurship.
Policy Developments
- European Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan: The European Commission proposed making €100 billion available to support EU-made clean manufacturing, along with measures to lower power bills. This plan aims to boost clean technology and promote circular economic practices within the energy sector
Technological Innovations
- Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Vegetable Oil: Scientists have developed a new method to recycle lithium-ion batteries using vegetable oil. This innovative approach aligns with circular economy principles by providing a sustainable solution to battery waste and promoting the reuse of valuable materials.
