What is Sustainable Technology?
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Sustainable technology has become mainstream, transforming the ways we use everyday items. Its dependence on clean energy sources minimizes its impact on the environment — which is key in the global push to fight climate change. That’s why it is so important to understand what sustainable technology is and what it means for the future.
With climate change an ever-growing threat, it is more critical than ever to embrace sustainable technology. Sustainable technology refers to clean energy sources and systems that minimize environmental impact. This includes everything from solar and wind power to electric cars, battery storage and green building materials.
As a society, we are slowly but surely moving toward sustainable technology. In this article, we will discuss what to expect from the sustainable technology space now and in the future.
What Is Sustainable Technology?
Sustainable technology is an overarching term that refers to any kind of technology with a sustainable or green focus. Sustainable technology aims to create systems and products that positively impact the environment while also meeting the needs of society, the economy and the environment. This includes everything from sustainable energy solutions to sustainable agriculture practices.?
How It Is Made
Sustainable technology is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is made with sustainable materials that you can reuse or recycle, and it uses clean energy sources like:
These technologies are all designed to generate clean, renewable energy that powers homes and businesses while minimally impacting the environment .
In a recent interview , LinkedIn News spoke with April Salas , an expert in the sustainability field, about clean energy.?
“The energy industry as a whole is undergoing immense change and clean energy, more specifically, offers a very diverse set of career pathways, like sustainability in fashion and consumer goods to the wave of new EV companies, to a growing set of really cool home comfort technologies like smart controls and solar and battery systems,” said Salas.
Now, more than ever, companies are embedding sustainability, environmental, social and governance into their corporate initiatives, she said. This is good for the environment and the future careers in this sector.
What It Is Made From
Clean energy is sustainable, meaning it is both replenishable and replaceable. Examples include:?
Pollution From Shipping?
The shipping industry is struggling to meet clean energy goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 . ?
A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we would have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43% to keep the planet from warming past 1.5 degrees Celsius this century. While the IPCC report suggests the shipping industry has made considerable progress since 2019, there is still a long way to go. If shipping were a country, it would be the world’s sixth largest emitter of greenhouse gases .
“Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for hundreds or even thousands of years,” said David Bennell , sustainability strategist and LinkedIn Learning author. “For most of the Earth's history, these greenhouse gases were produced by the natural systems of the planet, and have been in balance.”
Now with more manufactured systems including pollution from shipping, we’re in a race to make changes that benefit our planet and its inhabitants.
Pollution From Disposal
The growing popularity of sustainable, clean energy technologies is leading to an increase in? waste each year. While clean energy produces less pollution than traditional energy sources, the manufacturing and disposal of clean tech products can cause environmental damage.?
For example, solar panels and wind turbines contain hazardous materials, and their large size makes them difficult to recycle. As a result, many end up in landfills and release harmful chemicals into the environment.?
Top 5 Green Technologies to Watch For in 2023
With so much progress on the clean energy front, tracking which technologies will make the most significant impact is a challenge. Here are five promising green technologies expected to make a splash in 2023 and beyond.
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1. LED Lighting
LED lighting is more efficient and sustainable than traditional lighting solutions. Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED lights do not use heat to produce light, making them more energy-efficient. New developments in LED technology like organic LEDs and quantum dots are making lights more energy-efficient and sustainable.
2. Solar Power
Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources, and it is only getting cheaper and more efficient. New solar cell technologies are being developed that can increase efficiency by up to 50% .?
Solar technologies for homes and businesses are photovoltaics for electricity, passive solar design for space heating and cooling and solar water heating. Businesses and industries use solar technology to diversify energy sources, increase efficiency and save money.
3. Wind Power
Wind power is another renewable energy source that is becoming increasingly popular . Wind energy provides a quarter of the electricity produced in eight states. Newer wind turbines are more efficient and have a more negligible environmental impact than older models. Wind power also feeds battery backups for sustainable power during outages.
4. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is a sustainable and renewable resource used to heat and cool buildings. Geothermal power plants use the Earth’s heat to generate electricity. Once the infrastructure is in place, geothermal energy is an efficient and sustainable way to generate power.
5. Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is a sustainable and renewable energy source that uses the power of moving water to generate electricity.?
This industry has traditionally relied on hydroelectric dams to generate power, but newer technologies harness the flow of water in rivers and streams. This is a more environmentally friendly way to generate power than traditional dams because it doesn’t require the damming of a river.
How to Be More Sustainable with Technology
Sustainability can no longer be ignored. The effects of climate change are evident, and the need to find sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. Clean technology plays a major role in sustainable development, but there are many ways to make your home or office more green-friendly.
Consume Less Technology
One way to live more sustainably is to consume less technology. This doesn’t mean giving up gadgets, but it does mean using them more efficiently. Use power-saving features on devices and make sure to turn off computers when you’re not using them. Unplugging devices that are not in use and recycling old electronics are other ways to consume less.
Always Repair When Possible
Another way to be more sustainable with technology is to repair instead of replacing whenever possible. This prolongs the life of gadgets and reduces electronic waste. It also saves money. Try to find a local repair shop, or look online for instructions on how to fix devices.
Buy Refurbished
When the time comes to replace a device, opt for refurbished items. They are often just like new. Find refurbished electronics at major retailers. Some retailers even offer warranties.
Dispose of Old Tech Consciously
When disposing of old technology, it is important to consider sustainable solutions that protect our environment. Look for sustainable recycling programs that use clean energy to power the recycling process. Another option may be to donate your old technology to a sustainability-focused organization that will put it to good use.
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What is Sustainability?
(Reporting by NPD and Mariah Flores )