Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
TOOL
Understand the Four Generations of Environmental Technology
T h e re are four generations of env i ronmental technology, ranging fro m
remediation to sustainable. Some technologies can be modified to achieve the
next step along the evolutionary path. The generations illustrate the increasing
sophistication of science and society in dealing with environmental problems.
This tool can help entrepreneurs understand the risks and opportunities
relevant to each generation.
Remediation Technologies
Remediation technologies treat env i ronmental problems after they hav e
occurred and attempt to repair or remediate the damage.They include various
soil clean up methods, treatment of surface or ground water, and a variety of
technologies to restore damaged or degraded landscapes (e.g., replanting
tailings areas). Remediation technologies are typically very expensive and prove
the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Abatement Technologies
Over the past 30 years many abatement or “end-of-the-pipe”technologies have
been developed to capture or treat pollutants before they escape into the
environment. These technologies employ physical, chemical, or biological
mechanisms to reduce emissions. Such technologies range from municipal
sewage treatment systems, to catalytic converters for cars, to heavy metal
treatment for the plating industry, to electrostatic precipitators and flue gas
desulphurization equipment for the smoke stacks of coal-fired power plants.
Generally, these technologies do not prevent or eliminate the pollutant; they
m e rely capture or treat the waste stream before it enters the natura l
environment. Abatement technologies are usually capital and technology
intensive, require significant amounts of energy and resources to operate, and
produce a waste disposal problem of their own.Most regulatory and investment
activity in the environmental field remains focused on abatement technologies.
Huge industries have developed to serve these markets and billions of dollars
have been spent to purchase and install abatement technologies. Enormous
vested interests have slowed the transition to the next generation of
technologies.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
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