Sustainable technologies focus on making positive impacts on the environment. This includes preventing deterioration, pollution and other negative impacts while promoting economic and social development.
Major sustainability shifts require substantial energy and resources to implement. These initiatives often require new infrastructure to facilitate production processes.
Using sustainable technology shows that your company is eco-conscious, improving your brand image. It also attracts millennial workers who want to work for companies that care about the environment.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy uses a virtually inexhaustible supply of natural “fuels” to produce electricity and other forms of energy. Its development is essential to maintaining our planet’s environment, and it can also reduce a nation’s dependence on aging power grids.
Examples of sustainable energy technologies include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass (organic material burned as fuel), and tidal power. These sources generate clean, reliable energy that is a vital component of solving the climate crisis and making our systems more resilient to market shocks and disasters.
These types of resources are incredibly diverse, and the ways they are harnessed vary so widely that laws and regulations usually treat them on an individual basis. For example, large hydroelectric dams often divert and limit the flow of natural rivers – this can negatively impact wildlife, as well as people who rely on those rivers for drinking water and agriculture. However, smaller hydroelectric plants often do not have these effects.
Recycling
One of the most important aspects of sustainable technology is recycling. This involves the collection and reprocessing of discarded materials to create new products. This reduces waste, prevents pollution, and preserves natural resources. It also helps to prevent the overuse of landfills, which can damage the environment.
A business that incorporates sustainable environmental technologies into its operations can save money on energy costs and improve employee morale. In addition, it can attract young talent who are keen on preserving the planet.
Effective waste management and recycling systems are essential for sustainable cities. They can help to reduce the amount of rubbish produced and prevent overcrowding in urban areas. This can be accomplished through smart waste management systems, which can monitor and optimize the use of energy and water resources. It can also encourage the use of alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These can be used to generate electricity and heat buildings.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform a task without compromising the output. This is accomplished through the use of technologies and design features that reduce energy waste.
Using less energy cuts greenhouse gas emissions and limits the demand for fossil fuels. It also protects our air, water and land from pollution and helps people live healthier lives. For example, lowering nationwide energy use by 15 percent for just one year could prevent up to $20 billion in health-related problems like respiratory illnesses.
Energy efficiency is the cheapest – and often the fastest – way to cut our dependence on traditional fossil fuels. EERE’s four technology offices work to improve energy efficiency across the buildings, transportation and industrial sectors. Some of these efforts include reducing embodied energy in building materials, increasing the efficiency of electrical appliances and equipment, and facilitating the adoption of low-energy vehicles. Other improvements involve incorporating renewables into energy systems and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Green Buildings
In green construction technology, the structure itself is a key component of sustainability. These structures are designed with environmentally friendly materials, and they prioritize energy efficiency and water conservation. They also use renewable energy sources to help reduce carbon emissions.
Smart appliances are another key feature of sustainable construction technology. These devices are tied into a building’s smart system and are built to prioritize energy efficiency. They are also made with non-toxic and ethical materials.
Another example of sustainable construction technology is a net zero or zero-energy building, which can generate its own electricity. This can cut down on the need for the expansion of the electric grid, which is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. Additionally, these buildings can be powered by renewable energy, such as solar or wind power. They also use water-efficient plumbing, which reduces the strain on shared water resources. These sustainable building technologies can lower maintenance costs and make a business more environmentally responsible.
