4.1 Environmental Sustainability
Technological advancements and rapid development make everyday human tasks faster and simpler. However, these activities also cause environmental pollution and deplete natural resources. To overcome this environmental damage and promote sustainable development, Green Technology initiatives are implemented.
Learning Objectives
- Define Green Technology and explain its importance in environmental conservation.
- State the four main pillars of the National Green Technology Policy launched in July 2009.
- Explain the meaning and importance of energy efficiency.
- List and describe the sectors involved in Green Technology.
The 7 Sectors of Green Technology and the 4 Pillars of the National Policy
The four pillars branch into seven distinct sectors of Green Technology to assist recall.
Short Explanation
What is Green Technology?
Green Technology is the development and application of products, equipment, and systems used to conserve the environment and nature, as well as minimising and reducing the negative effects of human activities.
Green Technology provides innovative products, equipment, and systems that minimise environmental degradation while meeting societal and economic needs.
Importance of Green Technology
It helps in overcoming the destruction of the environment, reducing carbon emissions, improving human health and lifestyle, and conserving the country's natural resources by applying renewable energy sources.
Examples in Daily Life
Solar vehicles are used to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric are used to generate clean energy.
Relating Energy Efficiency to Green Technology
The National Green Technology Policy and the role of energy efficiency.
National Green Technology Policy
Launched in July 2009, the policy is supported by four main pillars:
- Energy – promoting energy efficiency and seeking energy independence.
- Environment – minimising negative effects and conserving the environment.
- Economy – enhancing the country's economy through the use of technology.
- Social – improving the quality of life for all.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the use of less energy to carry out work at the same or higher rate without affecting the production and the quality of the desired outcome.
Benefits when prioritised in a country:
- Energy conservation can be increased.
- The country's economy can be strengthened and wastage can be reduced.
- Wastes can be converted into a cleaner and safer form of renewable energy.
Initiatives and Efforts in Malaysia
Implementation of energy efficiency labels for electrical appliances using the star rating system by the Energy Commission. The Green Building Index (GBI) is a rating system given to buildings with environmentally-friendly features, such as the Raja Haji Fi Sabilillah Mosque in Cyberjaya, the first green mosque in Malaysia. Other efforts include energy efficiency technology campaigns, campaigns using electricity from solar sources, and consumer awareness campaigns promoting energy-saving practices.
Sectors in Green Technology
Green Technology is divided into several sectors for focused implementation.
| Sector | Focus |
|---|---|
| Energy Sector | Focuses on the use of cleaner and carbon-free alternative energy to replace fossil fuels. Examples include hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy. |
| Agriculture and Forestry Sector | Focuses on controlling the rate of carbon dioxide in the air through agriculture and forestry. Emphasises soil nutrient care and improvement in agricultural practices. |
| Transportation Sector | Focuses on the improvement of cleaner transportation infrastructure, vehicle fuels, and public transportation. |
| Waste and Wastewater Management Sector | Focuses on minimising the disposal of solid waste and wastewater into the environment by converting waste or wastewater into something new, such as compost. |
| Building Sector | Focuses on Green Building construction. Example: The Diamond Building (Energy Commission headquarters), which integrates green construction materials, efficient use of energy and water, good solid waste management, and close scrutiny of the environment. |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Sector | Focuses on energy efficiency and energy management programmes to reduce the negative effects of the greenhouse effect, haze, and acid rain. |
| Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector | Focuses on green ICT practices in manufacturing, design, usage, and disposal of computer equipment. Aims to reduce dangerous materials by using biodegradable materials and conserving energy. |
Try to Answer First
Answer in your mind, then press “Check Answer”.
What is meant by Green Technology?
State two advantages of prioritising energy efficiency in a country.
Which Green Technology sector focuses on using biodegradable materials and reducing hazardous substances during the manufacturing and disposal of computer equipment?
Common Mistakes
- Confusing energy efficiency with energy reduction that reduces output. Energy efficiency maintains or enhances the quality and rate of production using less energy; it does not compromise output.
- Assuming Green Technology only applies to renewable energy generation. It also encompasses agriculture, waste management, transportation, green building construction, ICT, and industrial manufacturing.
- Forgetting that the National Green Technology Policy has four pillars, not just environmental protection. It integrates Energy, Environment, Economy, and Social pillars.
Concept Misunderstandings
Using Green Technology means stopping the use of technology completely to protect nature.
Green Technology does not stop technological advancement; instead, it develops and applies eco-friendly technologies, equipment, and practices to satisfy human needs while conserving nature.
Green buildings only mean buildings surrounded by trees and plants.
Green buildings are designed with environmentally-friendly features, such as green construction materials, efficient use of energy and water, and solid waste management. Examples include the Diamond Building and the Raja Haji Fi Sabilillah Mosque.
Summary
- Green Technology develops and applies systems and products to conserve natural resources and minimise environmental damage.
- Launched in July 2009, Malaysia's National Green Technology Policy is built upon four pillars: Energy, Environment, Economy, and Social.
- Energy efficiency is a core focus, supported by rating initiatives like the Green Building Index (GBI) and energy efficiency labels.
- The implementation of Green Technology is structured across seven major sectors: Energy, Agriculture and Forestry, Transportation, Waste and Wastewater Management, Building, Industrial and Manufacturing, and ICT.
Short Activity
A. Objective Quiz
1 Which of the following is NOT one of the four main pillars of the National Green Technology Policy launched in July 2009?
2 What is the primary focus of the Waste and Wastewater Management Sector in Green Technology?
B. Fill in the Blanks
3 Energy refers to using less energy to carry out work at the same or higher rate without affecting output quality.
4 The Building in Putrajaya is an example of green building construction that serves as the headquarters of the Energy Commission.
C. Drag and Drop: Match the Sector to Its Focus
Drag each Green Technology sector to the correct focus description. On a phone, tap an answer first, then tap a matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
C. Match the Sector to Its Focus
Write the correct Green Technology sector next to each focus description.
| Focus Description | Sector |
|---|---|
| 1. Uses cleaner, carbon-free renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric to replace fossil fuels. | |
| 2. Controls carbon dioxide rates and emphasises soil nutrient care and improved agricultural practices. | |
| 3. Practices green manufacturing, design, and disposal of computer equipment using biodegradable materials. | |
| 4. Employs energy management programmes to curb the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and haze. |
Answer choices: Energy Sector • Agriculture and Forestry Sector • ICT Sector • Industrial and Manufacturing Sector
