Published at : 07 Dec 2023
Volume : IJtech
Vol 14, No 7 (2023)
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v14i7.6869
Seeram Ramakrishna | 1. Division of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent 119260, Singapore 2. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge |
Eny Kusrini | 1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok, 16424, Indonesia, 2. Research Group ofGreen Product and Fine Chemical Engineering, Laborato |
Retno Wahyu Nurhayati | 1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok 16424, Indonesia 2. Research Center for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Uni |
Yudan Whulanza | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok, 16424, Indonesia |
In some countries, the rules about how
to grow their economy are changing. They are focusing more on green economic
growth to develop despite global uncertainties. Green growth means changing
current industries and creating new eco-friendly ones. Figuring out how to do
this well is a big question, like a billion-dollar question. The answers depend
on each country's economy, industries, location, people, resources,
technologies, relationships with other countries, money, and politics.
We're shifting towards materials that are low in carbon and
can be recycled in various products, such as plastics, packaging, and textiles.
Achieving this requires innovative methods for manufacturing, designing
products, and running businesses smartly. This involves developing new items
with low-carbon materials like steel, aluminium, and concrete. When
constructing highly energy-efficient buildings with no net emissions, we must
use materials that can be recycled, effectively manage temperature, and employ
digital technology to reduce both the initial and ongoing carbon footprint.
More and more people moving to cities means there's a good
chance for new and smart ideas in engineering and design to grow. These ideas
are important because they help make cities sustainable and build important
things like data centers and the latest tech. The many different digital
technologies we use today are a big part of making green growth happen. They
help with ideas that recycle and are good for the environment in our tech
stuff.
Human activities, urbanization, and
climate change contribute to biodiversity loss. Engineering approaches, such as
habitat restoration, conservation planning, and sustainable land use practices,
are crucial for preserving and restoring ecosystems. The increasing frequency
and intensity of extreme weather events require innovative engineering
solutions for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient
infrastructure to minimize the impact of natural calamities on communities.
Degraded land and deforestation can be
addressed through reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable land management
practices. Engineering solutions may involve soil conservation, watershed
management, and the restoration of degraded landscapes. Overfishing, pollution,
and climate change threaten marine ecosystems. Engineering interventions, such
as marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and the restoration
of coral reefs, contribute to the preservation and rehabilitation of marine
environments. Urbanization often disrupts natural ecosystems. Sustainable urban
planning, green infrastructure, and smart city technologies are examples of
engineering solutions that can help restore and enhance urban ecosystems while
fostering a balance between urban development and environmental conservation.
Transforming food and farm waste into
valuable materials presents an eco-friendly growth opportunity. This aligns
with the concept of a circular economy, where waste is considered a resource
that can be repurposed. Recycling and repurposing waste contribute to resource
efficiency by reducing the environmental impact associated with disposal. It
can also lead to the development of new industries and markets for recycled
materials. Converting waste into valuable materials supports environmental
sustainability by minimizing the generation of pollution and reducing the
pressure on natural resources.
The concept of a circular economy
involves minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials.
Digital technologies play a crucial role in enabling circular economy practices
for e-waste by improving the efficiency of collection, sorting, and recycling
processes. Advanced sorting and segregation technologies contribute to resource
recovery from e-waste. Precious metals, rare earth elements, and other valuable
materials can be extracted and reused in the production of new electronic
devices, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Digital technologies can be employed
to create labelling systems that provide information about the components and
materials used in electronic devices. This facilitates efficient sorting and
recycling by providing essential details for automated processes. These
machines allow users to return used electronic devices for recycling in
exchange for incentives or discounts. By incorporating digital technology,
these machines can identify and sort different types of devices, ensuring that
each component is properly handled during the recycling process. Automated
robotic systems equipped with artificial intelligence and computer vision
capabilities can efficiently sort and segregate various components of e-waste.
This not only improves the accuracy and speed of the recycling process but also
reduces the manual labour required.
The adoption of digital technologies
in e-waste management creates opportunities for skilled jobs related to the
development, implementation, and maintenance of these technologies. This
includes roles in robotics, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and software
development. As e-waste recycling processes become more sophisticated and
automated, new jobs are likely to emerge in the recycling industry. These jobs
may include positions related to the operation and maintenance of recycling
facilities, as well as roles in research and development for innovative
recycling technologies. The emphasis on sustainable practices in e-waste
management contributes to the growth of the green technology sector. This
sector can generate employment in various fields, including renewable energy,
waste management, and environmental consulting.
Green growth starts with using certain
technologies. To make it happen, we need to come up with better engineering
ideas, use eco-friendly infrastructure, invest in sustainable practices, make
the market encourage green choices, improve our workforce skills, try new
business approaches, and get people to make greener choices. When a country
does all these things, it can grow in a green way and not fall behind others in
the world who are also trying to be environmentally friendly.