5711128, 10:30AM Five Sustainabilty Technologies To Anticipate In 2024
FORBES > INNOVATION
Five Sustainability
Technologies To Anticipate In
2024.
Michael Dennis Forbes Councils Member
Forbes Technology Council
COUNCIL POST | Membership (Fee-Based)
a Jan 8, 2024, 06:30am EST
Vice President, Legal, PMO and Innovation for CAS.
ceny
Sustainability and environmental consciousness are of paramount
importance to people’s lives and well-being. For businesses, they
also present an opportunity to drive change and innovation.
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This article explores five technologies set to revolutionize the
sustainability landscape in 2024 that could hold the key to a
greener future.
1. CO2 Absorption
About 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced every year,
which takes hundreds of years to decompose. At the same time,
rising levels of atmospheric CO2 could increase the Earth’s
temperature by 4.4 C by 2100.
At Singapore's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering
(IMRE), researchers are trying to solve both problems at once by
using mixed plastic feedstock to generate porous carbon materials
for CO2 capture. State-of-the-art CO2 capture and utilization with
solid wastes such as steel slag, conerete waste, fly ash, red mud and
biomass are also under investigation.
There are significant challenges ahead, so these developments will
necessitate close collaboration among industry stakeholders and
researchers.
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2. Wastewater Treatment
Research teams are exploring an array of innovative technologies to
confront the pressing issue of water pollution.
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solution has emerged in the form of an environmentally friendly
1GO). This material has the potential for combating water
pollution, particularly concerning the removal of bisphenol A
(BPA), a chemical produced in large quantities primarily in the
production of polycarbonate plastics and correlated to health
effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate glands in fetuses,
infants and young children.
CFO-rGO has shown the capability to eliminate over 99% of BPA
from water sources and stands out due to its recyclability and
stability.
3. Sustainable Shelter
UN-Habitat estimates that, by 2030, a staggering 40% of the global
population will require access to adequate housing.
In the pursuit of sustainable urban design, 3D-printed construction
offers a solution to this escalating demand and also promises
substantial environmental benefits. This approach enhances
resource efficiency, elevates construction quality, reduces costs and
lessens the environmental footprint.
Ina recent development, the U.S.-based 3D-printing construction
company Mighty Buildings joined forces with Fortera to develop a
material that converts CO2 into cement. Also, with the recent
unveiling of recyclable 3D-printed homes crafted from natural
materials, the future of sustainable housing may be at our doorstep.
4. Supercharged Solar Cells
While solar power holds promise for renewable energy, efficiency
and cost-effectiveness have posed challenges. Perovskite solar cells,
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atype of photovoltaic technology, have emerged as a focal point.
They boast a remarkable conversion efficiency of up to 25.5%,
surpassing other emerging photovoltaic cells.
However, their practical application is hindered by susceptibility to
moisture, heat and voltage, along with concerns about lead-based
layer toxicity. To reduce the negative environmental impact,
researchers have used encapsulation methods and recycling to
extend the life of the entire unit and its components and to prevent
lead leakage.
By precisely controlling the crystallinity and surface morphology of
perovskite layers, they've achieved a 26.08% power conversion
efficiency, significantly outperforming silicon solar cells.
Widespread commercial adoption of perovskite solar cells will take
time, but further research and development could lead to a time
when we harness more of the sun's energy.
5. Boundless Clean Energy
Although the concept of boundless clean energy may appear
unattainable, a Chinese research team achieved a historic feat in
2022 that brought it within closer reach. The EAST (Experimental
Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) nuclear fusion reactor
superheated a plasma loop to temperatures surpassing the core of
the sun.
This milestone serves as a prelude to an even more ambitious
endeavor: the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
Q
seeks to construct the world's largest magnetic-fusion device.
R) (“The Way” in Latin). Uniting 35 nations, this collaboration
Fusion is the energy source of the sun and stars. In the heat and
gravity at the core of these stellar bodies, hydrogen nuclei collide,
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fuse into heavier helium atoms and release enormous amounts of
energy. In the process, ITER will replicate that here on Earth.
While the timeline remains uncertain, this initiative holds promise
for offering a sustainable, carbon-free energy supply.
Conclusion
Looking to 2024, these sustainability-focused technologies will
require the collaborative efforts of interdisciplinary teams. As
author Robert Swan once said, “The greatest threat to our planet is
the belief that someone else will save it.”
As industry leaders, it is our responsibility to take this opportunity
to prioritize sustainable technology. Many of the technologies that
were once regulated to the realms of science fiction now seem
tantalizingly close. We must be brave enough to reach for it. Here
are a few key steps to achieving a more sustainable future:
1. Actively promote collaboration across industries. We all
need to work together to accelerate the development of sustainable
technology. Actively engaging with researchers and other industry
leaders will create a culture of collaboration that is vital to
accelerating the development of sustainable technologies.
2. Develop a long-term vision. The technologies mentioned
above are some of the key 2024 highlights, but the industry should
always be thinking ahead. How can we best prepare for 2030, 2050
and beyond?
3. Commit to transparency in communication. This is a time
to build a sincere culture of environmental responsibility. There are
many specific challenges, such as ensuring supply chain
sustainability, which must not be neglected.
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In summary, now is the time for industry leaders to proactively
integrate sustainable tech, foster collaboration, address challenges,
commit to transparency and invest in a long-term vision. These
strategies not only contribute to a greener future but also ensure
business resilience in a changing global landscape.
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@e Michael Dennis
Vice President, Legal, PMO and Innovation for CAS. Read Michael Dennis’ full
executive profile here.
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