The term “technology” refers to the application of knowledge for practical purposes.

The field of “green technology” encompasses a continuously evolving group of methods and materials, from techniques for generating energy to non-toxic cleaning products.

The present expectation is that this field will bring innovation and changes in daily life of similar magnitude to the “information technology” explosion over the last two decades. In these early stages, it is impossible to predict what “green technology” may eventually encompass.

The goals that inform developments in this rapidly growing field include:

Sustainability – meeting the needs of society in ways that can continue indefinitely into the future without damaging or depleting natural resources. In short, meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“Cradle to cradle” design – ending the “cradle to grave” cycle of manufactured products, by creating products that can be fully reclaimed or re-used.

Source reduction – reducing waste and pollution by changing patterns of production and consumption.

Innovation – developing alternatives to technologies – whether fossil fuel or chemical intensive agriculture – that have been demonstrated to damage health and the environment.

Viability – creating a center of economic activity around technologies and products that benefit the environment, speeding their implementation and creating new careers that truly protect the planet.

Examples of green technology subject areas

Energy
Perhaps the most urgent issue for green technology, this includes the development of alternative fuels, new means of generating energy and energy efficiency.

Green building
Green building encompasses everything from the choice of building materials to where a building is located.

Environmentally preferred purchasing
This government innovation involves the search for products whose contents and methods of production have the smallest possible impact on the environment, and mandates that these be the preferred products for government purchasing.

Green chemistry
The invention, design and application of chemical products and processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Green nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the scale of the nanometer, one billionth of a meter. Some scientists believe that mastery of this subject is forthcoming that will transform the way that everything in the world is manufactured. “Green nanotechnology” is the application of green chemistry and green engineering principles to this field.

OK… Great philosophy… some things to discuss here but I like this as it is being fair and non-marketing. Nothing is being “sold” in this. Though little is really be said as well.

Now, more “GREEN” newz…

CADILLAC SCORES FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGY AT WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW

The new Cadillac ELR features “Regen on Demand” technology that allows the battery to store more energy. (Photo : Cadillac )

Cadillac has received Green Car Journal‘s 2014 Green Car Technology Award for its innovative electric car technology, the company announced Wednesday.

OK… I’ll consider this as “important” and maybe think it is “GREEN” but I note this technology has been around for a long time. Look at a Segway and how it operates. So I am thinking this is more marketing than science.

This is a forum discussion per a self-sufficient solar collection system which, by reading, tells me that a) the subsidy is at work, and b) that even with the subsidy the financial viability is questionable at best…

• My first year of solar – 5.2kW System

Well my first year of production has finally arrived and here is the result:

Total Production=7.273MWh
Efficiency=3.832kWh/kW
Daily average=19.926kWh
No of days=365 days

The system is split with 18x200watt panels on the NE side and 8 on the NW side. There is some shade in the mornings and the house is situated in a hollow.

The readings on the EM1000 meter are +4,666 and -5,029 meaning we’ve exported more than we’ve imported (excluding the hot water on a separate meter). While there is only the two of us living here we do have a pool and A/C. The pool being the biggest consumer as the A/C hardly gets used.

Overall I’m pleased with the system. Export has been sufficient (with a 50cent fit) to get refund checks except for the winter quarter when we had to pay $40.

OK… I’ll keep working on this but I fear this is what people think of as “GREEN” technology…