Green Technology: Staying true to the essentials of sustainability

Source : NST 10 October 2012| last updated at 02:19PM 

Green technology, clean technology and sustainable technology are terms used to describe how various products, systems and equipment are used for the purpose of conserving the natural environment. Green technology plays an important role in both reducing and minimising the adverse impact of human activities on the environment. Due to various forms of industrial productivity, the environment has been badly polluted. Green technology aims to counter such negative effects, and thus boost the quality of life in all living communities. It seeks the conservation and the more responsible use of natural resources, with emphasis on finding more renewable resources.

Products, systems and equipment that fall under the banner of green technology adhere to the conditions that they reduce any, if not all negative impact on the environment, and emit either very little or no greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they should work actively towards the conservation of energy, natural resources, and foster the use of renewable resources. 

Green technology as a concept encompasses technology, policies, conservation and resource management, among other things, to reduce anthropological damage to the natural environment. Questions asked by green technology include is it fuel efficient? Is it sustainable? Is it renewable? Are the materials being used recyclable? Is this technology safe for humans and the environment? In terms of application, green technology includes matters such energy generation, building technology, waste management, air purification, transportation, home efficiency and even food production. In a nutshell, green technology equals green living.

Some key areas in green technology include:

Green Transportation

With more than a billion cars zooming around the world today, it is terrifying to think about the amount of fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, and greenhouse gases being released. Issues such as these have led researchers and inventors to create greener modes of transportation. Green transportation refers to vehicles that use alternative energies, have higher fuel efficiency and emit lesser or no harmful gases. Green vehicles include electrically powered vehicles, hybrids, and stop-start engine hybrids. As the name suggests, an electrical vehicle runs on an electric motor, a hybrid car on the other hand, has both the conventional engine and an electric motor, and the stop-start engine hybrids uses a technology that stops the car’s engine when the driver slows down or stops, and starts the engine back up when the driver accelerates. One of the biggest question that arises when we look at green transportation is, is it really as green as it claims to be; as consumers, we look at the affordability of the car. Although most hybrid cars are more expensive than the conventional car, in the long run its fuel efficiency should balance out the initial investment. In Malaysia, the government provides tax incentives to encourage car buyers to purchase hybrid cars.

Green buildings

A green building is a house, office, apartment, school or hospital building that fulfils certain criteria and is built according to particular standards. A building’s ‘greenness’ begins at the construction level, where it uses renewable energy sources, carefully chosen materials (non-toxic) and is eco-friendly. Once built, the building would function with higher energy efficiency, better water quality, improved internal air quality and efficient space utilisation. Green buildings should stay true to their green characteristics even when they are renovated or refurbished and therefore, a green building remains green throughout its lifecycle. Green buildings are safer and healthier for people and the environment and in the long run are cost efficient, as it would have well managed energy and water systems

Waste Management

Waste management is the process of handling waste material, including the transportation and disposal. It is exceedingly important that we adopt the right waste management techniques because space is a scarcity and landfills are filling up at an alarming pace. Different technologies and methods need to be applied in terms of adopting different technologies for different kind of waste; municipal waste, medical waste, industrial waste. Eco-friendly incinerators, landfill rehabilitation, as well as conversion of landfill waste into heat and electricity are some of the methods that could be adopted. Education and awareness are also pivotal in encouraging recycling and other waste reducing practices.

Read more: Green Technology: Staying true to the essentials of sustainability - Extras - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/extras/green-technology-staying-true-to-the-essentials-of-sustainability-1.155068?cache=ynzfkhhlsup%3Fpage%3D0#ixzz2tZB55kEC