The role of technology in advancing sustainability.

One of the biggest challenges our planet faces today is the regression of the environment, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution. In order to overcome these challenges, sustainable practices can be adopted, ensuring that a balance between our needs and the well-being of the environment can be achieved. With today’s technological advancements, the ability to adopt sustainable practices has become easier. This blog explores some of the ways technology can help us achieve sustainability with facts and figures, and suggests actions we as civilians can take to join this movement.

The biggest sustainability movement thus far, in the realm of technology, has been of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy, as the name implies, is anything derived from natural sources, such as wind, sunlight, water, and biomass. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for almost 30% of global electricity, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This reduced global CO2 emissions by approximately two billion tonnes. As a result of this, the cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems has also decreased by 82% between 2010 and 2020. Renewable energy hasn’t only served to be beneficial for the environment, but also for the economy and society as it generates jobs, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and improves access to electricity for remote and rural areas.

To support renewable energy, we can start by contacting our local electric utility to find out more about their renewable energy programs and enroll in a fitting one. This gives us control over how much of our home is powered by renewable energy. Another option could be the installation of solar panels on rooftops to generate clean energy for homes and offices.

Technology has also supported sustainability by improving energy efficiency across various sectors. Being energy efficient means using minimal energy to provide the same or better service or output. The IEA has revealed that the global energy intensity (energy used per unit of GDP) improved by 1.8% in 2019, suggesting that the world economy is able to produce higher value with lower energy; saving money and reducing emissions. The use of smart home systems and energy efficient appliances can help reduce our energy consumption in households by up to 30%. Energy conservation can also be practiced with simple actions like turning off light and appliances when not in use, and unplugging electronics when out of use or fully charged.

Technology is also being used on a greater scale to power entire cities sustainably. Known as ‘smart cities,’ they make use of technology to enhance the efficiency, liveability, and resilience of their infrastructure and services. In a report by McKinsey, smart mobility solutions could reduce urban transport emissions by up to 80% by 2050. These solutions include, but are not limited to, public transit, shared mobility, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. The deployment of smart grids can also improve electricity distribution efficiency by up to 15%. Smart grids are networks that use digital technology to monitor and manage the flow of electricity, enabling more integration of renewable energy sources and demand response.

The effects of technology are also being noticed in the agricultural sector. Precision agriculture is one such practice that makes use of technology to optimise the use of farming inputs, such as water, fertiliser, pesticides, seeds, and to monitor the growth and health of crops and livestock. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), precision irrigation technologies can reduce water usage by up to 50% and increase crop yield by up to 20%. Precision agriculture also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, and water pollution. On our end, to support sustainable agriculture we can buy organic and locally sourced produce, and further by composting and recycling our organic waste.

Technology has transitioned the economy from linear to circular. A linear economy is one that follows a “take-make-dispose” model, where resources are extracted, processed, consumed and discarded. A circular economy on the other hand, is one that follows a “reduce-reuse-recycle” model. Resources are kept in use for as long as possible, and waste is minimised or turned into new resources. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the adoption of circular economy principles could generate a net economic benefit of $4.5 trillion by 2030. The use of technology can help us achieve a circular economy by providing digital platforms and IoT devices that can help us track and optimise resource flows, reducing waste generation. Circular economy principles can also be embraced by choosing products with minimal packaging, and by supporting companies that prioritise recyclability and sustainability, like us at EnvoPAP.

As we face the urgent need for sustainability, technology emerges as a powerful ally in our efforts to build a more environmentally responsible future. By implementing these technological advancements and making sustainable choices in our everyday lives, we can collectively make a significant impact in addressing the environmental challenges we face. Let’s continue to invest in research and development, promote collaboration, and raise awareness about the role of technology in advancing sustainability.