Emergence of Green Technologies Towards Sustainable Growth

Abstract

Environmental technology (abbreviated as envirotech) or green technology (abbreviated as greentech) or clean technology (abbreviated as cleantech) is the application of the environmental science and green chemistry to conserve the natural environment and resources and to curb the negative impacts of human involvement. A growing wave of global environmentalism is forcing manufacturers to produce greener products through greener processes. Sustainable growth demands that market should take steps both to expand the number of green-oriented products they receive and to reduce heavy environmental footprint. For the technology industries at large, going green requires transformation along virtually every step of every value chain.

This chapter deals with the 4 principal requirements for sustainable development, 12 principles of green engineering, 5 major attributes of green technology and 9 Rs for waste minimisation and waste to wealth paradigm shift and addresses ‘end-of-life’ issues. Emphasis should be laid on ecosystem protection and reduction in the waste and greenhouse gas emission within the limits of the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. Under no circumstances, the biodiversity should be sacrificed in the name of development. Safety, health and environmental (SHE) issues must be given top priority in all developmental ventures so that sustainable development with environment and health security is ensured for all the time. Special emphasis is laid on adoption of environmental carrying capacity–based planning process. Policy and regulation based on scientific and economic tools (natural resource accounting, polluter pays, damage assessment, risk-based standards and remediation) are the key ingredients for sustainable consumption and development.