Newswise — As people around the world prepare to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) are doing their part by developing smart, practical, green solutions to better the environment.

Green researchers at the U of S include:

"¢ Engineer Satya Panigrahi, who has designed Eco-Bricks as a natural fibre building material that can cut building and energy costs by more than 50 per cent. Eco-Bricks are made from hemp stalk and flax straw. They are resistant to moisture, fire and fungus and are 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than concrete forms. These bricks are providing an environmental benefit by taking organic waste material and turning it into durable building material.

"¢ Researcher Janusz Kozinski, who wants to turn tonnes of useless and sometimes dangerously toxic biological waste into clean, green energy. The U of S engineer is behind the SunFuel research project, which aims to produce fuel from virtually any biomass. This includes underused resources such as wood slash left over from logging operations, straw from farmers' fields and more troublesome waste created when recycling paper.

More information on this research can be found in Explore magazine: http://www.usask.ca/research/communications/explore/vol1no1/biofuels_research.php

"¢ Engineering researcher Barry Hertz, who has developed a canola biodiesel system that has been tested in a number of Saskatoon buses. His project has resulted in Saskatoon buses with cleaner exhaust that smells like fries.

More information on this research can be found in Explore magazine: http://www.usask.ca/research/communications/explore/vol1no1/biofuels_research-2.php

Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the U of S is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.