Innovation and Sustainable

development
EPNG 404
LECTURER: Eng. GWAVAVA T.T
 Introduction

Sustainable development:
The concept of SD can be interpreted in so many different ways but
basically at its core its just an approach to development that strikes
a balance societal needs and environmental, social and economic
limitations. This is development that meets the needs of the
present, without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs i.e. like using natural resources to better the
livelihoods of the present generation without depleting them so that
future generations will also benefit from those same resources.
Sustainable development

 Living within our environmental limits is one of the central principles of

SD, implications of not doing so has dire consequences. Climate change
is one of those consequences.
 SD is not only all about the environment but its also about meeting
diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting
personal wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal
opportunities.
 Because SD focuses on the future it does not mean that the present is
not equally important, its only about changing the way of doing things
without reducing our present quality of life.
 The way we approach development affects everyone, the impacts our
decisions as a society have very real consequences on peoples lives,
poor planning of communities as an example reduces the quality of life
for the people who live in them.
 SD provides a platform for better decision making on issues that affect
Sustainable Innovation

 This is the process of developing and implementing new products,

services, technologies or models that have a positive impact on the
environment, society and economy.
 It involves finding creative and efficient solutions to address pressing
challenges i.e. climate change, resource depletion, pollution, inequality
and poverty.
 SI is the tool that is used inorder for SD to be achieved.
Sustainability
 There is not a singular agreed definition of the term sustainability mainly
because the terms means different things to different people and in different
contexts, below are some of the definitions:

 According to the 1987 Brundtland Report, sustainability is “meeting

the needs of the present generation without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
 Another definition which is broader : Sustainability is “… an
economic, social, and ecological concept. It is intended to be a
means of configuring civilisation and human activity so that society
and its members are able to meet their needs and express their
greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and
planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals
indefinitely. Sustainability affects every level of organisation, from
the local neighbourhood to the entire globe”.
 According to Lee and O’Neil (2004:2), sustainability is: ”A synergistic
process whereby environmental and economic and quality of life
considerations are effectively balanced in project planning, design,
construction, operation and maintenance in meeting the needs of the
present without compromising the quality of life for future
Sustainability

 IUCN definition 1991 – it states that sustainable development is

the improving of the quality of human life while living within the
carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.
 Monet definition 2004 – sustainable development is the means
of ensuring dignified living conditions with regards to human
rights by creating and maintaining the widest possible range of
options for freely defining life plans. The principle of fairness
among and between present and future generations should be
taken into account in the use of environmental, economic and
social resources, putting these needs into practise entails
comprehensive protection of biodiversity in terms of ecosystem,
species and generic diversity all of which are the vital
foundations of life
Why is Sustainability important

 It meets and protect the future needs of both people and businesses by
maintaining or rather increasing resources.
 Drives innovation
 Enhances risk management
 Encourages cost reduction
 Associated with high quality
 Encourages stakeholder engagements at all levels
 Protects the environment
 Types of Sustainability
• Institutional sustainability: that is, can the strengthened institutional structure
continue to deliver the results of the technical cooperation to the ultimate end-users?
The results may not be sustainable if, for example, the planning unit strengthened by
the technical cooperation ceases to have access to top-management, or is not
provided with adequate resources for the effective performance, after the technical
cooperation terminates
• Economical and financial sustainability: that is, can the results of the technical
cooperation continue to yield an economic benefit after the technical cooperation is
withdrawn? For example, the benefits from the introduction of new crops may not be
sustained if the constraints to marketing the crops are not resolved. Similarly,
economic (as distinct from financial) sustainability may be at risk, if the end-users
continue to depend on heavily-subsidised activities and inputs
• Ecological sustainability: that is, are the benefits to be generated by the technical
cooperation likely to lead to a deterioration in the physical environment (thus
indirectly contributing to a fall in production) or well-being of the groups targeted,
and those of their society.
 Four Pillars of Sustainability

 Introducing the our pillars of sustainability and they are:

Human, social, economic and environmental
The four pillars of sustainability concept
was initially developed from the 3 pillars
concept and these are :

1. Economic growth
2. Social Inclusion
3.Environmental balance

In recent years there had been

considerable pressure to expand this
model as it has been felt that it failed to
represent the complex nature of modern
society. Thus a 4th pillar was required.
Interconnected 3 pillars of
sustainability
 The 3 pillars of sustainability lack a clear and consistent definition, they
are subject to different interpretations.
 They are meant to work in connection to one another with true
sustainability occurring when the 3 pillars are balanced.
 As an example efforts to increase social sustainability can also benefit
the environment i.e peoples diet choices can have a substantial impact
on both human health and that of the environment, therefore advocacy
for healthier eating can benefit the environment too.
Environmental Sustainability

 This is the ability in a broad sense is the ability to maintain an ecological

balance in our planet’s natural environment and conserve natural
resources to support the wellbeing of current and future generations.
 It is all about taking steps to enhance efficiencies, reduce resource
consumption, waste, measuring and monitoring carbon emissions.
Human Sustainability

 Aims to maintain and improve the human capital in society. Investments in

the health and education systems, access to services, nutrition, knowledge
and skills are all included.
 In the context of business, an organisation will view itself as a member of
the society and promote business values that respect human capital i.e it
focuses on the importance of anyone who is directly or indirectly involved
in the making of products, or provision of services.
 Communities around the globe maybe positively or negatively affected by
business activities or impacted through methods used to source raw
material.
 Human sustainability encompasses the development of skills and human
capacity to support the functions and sustainability of the organisation and
to promote the wellbeing of of society and communities
Social Sustainability

 It aims to preserve social capital by investing and creating services that

constitute the framework of our society.
 It includes environmental justice, human health, resource security and
education.
 The concept accommodates a larger view of the world in relation to
communities, cultures and globalisation.
 It means to preserve future generations and to acknowledge that what we do
can have an impact on others and on the world.
 It maintains social quality with concepts such as cohesion, reciprocity and
honesty as well as importance of relationships amongst people.
 It supports equality and rights, it can be encouraged and supported by laws
and sharing of information.
 For businesses, social sustainability includes important workplace and
employee issues like health and safety, inclusion, empowerment, professional
development opportunities, and work-life balance
Economic Sustainability
 Aims to maintain the capital intact. If social sustainability focuses on improving
social equality, economic sustainability aims to improve the standards of living.
 Maintaining high and stable levels of economic growth is one of the key
objectives of SD.
 Abandoning economic growth is not an option.
 But sustainable development is more than just economic growth.
 The quality of growth matters as well as the quantity.
 A more recent approach to economics acknowledges the limited the limited
incorporation of ecological and social components in this model.
 New economics is inclusive of natural capital ( ecological systems) and social
capital ( relationships between people) and challenges the mantra of capital
that continual growth is good and bigger is better, if it risks causing harm to
the ecological and human system.
 While it may seem like this pillar is focused on business organization’s ability to
remain profitable throughout its lifetime, economic sustainability isn’t just
about money. An economically sustainable organization is one that can drive
revenue and maintain long-term business growth without negatively impacting
the community, environment, or health and wellbeing of its employees.
Assignment question : 1

Briefly explain how abandoning economic growth affects sustainable

development using Zimbabwe as a reference in your answer.
Key principles of sustainability

 According to Cotter and Hannan (1999:171-172), some of the key

principles of sustainability are:
 • Integration: The effective integration of environmental, social and
economic considerations in decision-making. An integrated approach
means that decision making processes at all levels should include
consideration of a broad range of environmental, social and economic
effects. The separation of functions within councils can result in a
decision-maker in one area overlooking impacts that would be readily
apparent to people in other areas. Integration involves developing
organisational processes that allow such impacts to be easily seen and
considered across council departments before decision making occurs.
Integration also suggests the effectiveness of working more closely and
cooperatively with other organisations, including neighbouring councils,
other levels of government and, most significantly, all sectors of the
local community
Key principles of sustainability

 Community involvement: Recognition that sustainability cannot be

achieved, nor significant progress made toward it, without the support
and involvement of the whole community. A cooperative
council/community approach, from the early stages through to
implementation of a project, allows for resource sharing, and fosters a
supportive and active community that perceives itself as owning both
the problems and the solutions. The effectiveness of this approach is
already recognized in many local authority programs such as those of
waste minimization or greenhouse-gas emission reduction. Community
involvement is also essential to monitoring the state of the environment
Key principles of sustainability

 Precautionary behavior: Where there are threats of serious or

irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should
not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent
environmental degradation, such as taking measures to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Precautionary behavior requires the careful
consideration of possible adverse environmental effects of planning,
policy and practice. Where a threat of serious or irreversible
environmental damage exists, it would be imprudent and inadequate to
wait for scientific certainty before acting. Precautionary behavior
implies a conservation ethic within councils’ environmental planning and
management frameworks to guard against future environmental
degradation
Principles of sustainability

 Equity within and between generations: Fairness and equal access to

opportunities both in our lifetimes, as well as for future generations.
This notion of equity implies the importance of maintaining both
ecological integrity and the Earth’s resources in order to provide for a
certain quality of life, in both the short and long term. As such, present
activities should not compromise the right of the present generation, or
of future generations, to healthy and dynamic environments nor must
they foreclose on opportunities. This approach involves asking, “Is the
current quality of life obtained at the expense of others, or of
generations to come?”
 Principles of sustainability
 Continual improvement: The declining environmental situation means there is
an imperative to take immediate action to become more sustainable and to
make continual improvement. Change will not occur all at once, however, it is
important to make continual improvements, making the most of advances in
technology and scientific understanding about what is sustainable, and of
increases in community awareness of sustainability issues
 • Ecological integrity: This requires the protection of biological diversity and
maintenance of essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
Recognising the interdependence of all parts of the natural environment, that
nothing is separate from it, the protection of the natural environment in its
many diverse forms is essential for there is a heavy dependence on it. For
example, each region has a unique climate, geomorphology, biota and habitat
qualities and patterns that determine the issues and responses to maintaining
ecological integrity. Therefore, urban, rural and coastal councils may have
significantly different perspectives in preserving ecological integrity in their
own region. These could include maintenance and enhancement of vegetation,
waterways, coasts and wildlife corridors as well as soil, water and air quality.

The Evans Sustainability Elemental
concepts
 Evans (2000) states that sustainability is seen to involve five elemental
concepts, namely:
 1. The integration of environmental and developmental aspirations at all
levels of decision-making.
 2. Intra-generational and intergenerational equity. This last is the
fundamental ethical basis of sustainability.

 3. Application of the precautionary principle or approach. The

precautionary approach, as expressed in Principle 15 of the Rio
Declaration, requires that where there are threats of serious or irreversible
damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for
postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.
 The maintenance of biological diversity and biological integrity.
 5. The internalisation of environmental costs. This requires new economic
attitudes and mechanisms for measuring and evaluating the costs of
maintaining balances of environmental inputs, outputs and effects at
sustainable levels.

 Each of the principles discussed above is clearly and directly referable

to the conservation of natural heritage. Evans (2000) concludes that
“… to the extent that any human right to a whole environment carries
with it a human duty to care for the environment, together with a
parallel duty to care for nature and culture owed to present and
future generations, sustainability principles and the stewardship ethic
are tending to define such a human duty”.
The Ecosteps Sustainability Tree
*

 The sustainability tree is described as a coherent conceptual framework for

sustainability, by integrating the social, environmental and economic dimensions in a
systems approach. Various stakeholders can use this tool when linking with others.
This practical and useful approach is widely understood by all stakeholders, who can
then appreciate how their particular interests and efforts link in with those of others. It
is based on the

 international principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD). This starting

point in generating consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders allows
everyone to gain an appreciation of the different dimensions and components of the
sustainability agenda. The ‘roots’ of the tree are science, ethics and values, and then
progressing up the ‘trunk’ are the first order principles of ESD. The three main
‘branches’ are the triple bottom line that leads into the more detailed areas of
strategies, plans, management systems and indicators. At the top of the tree, the
‘leaves’ represent the actions and interests of individual stakeholders.
 the sustainability tree greatly assists in the communication and
education of complex sustainability, ESD and Local Agenda 21 (LA 21)
issues to diverse stakeholder groups. The metaphorical tree was
constructed using differing hierarchical levels to represent the various
dimensions of the sustainability agenda, from the core scientific
principles through to individual actions. The process allows a ‘common
language’ to be used by all stakeholders which then assists an
understanding of the change management processes necessary to
implement ESD. By mapping existing personal and organisational
activities on to the sustainability tree, a gap analysis may be undertaken
which can then inform the development of a coherent sustainability/LA
21 strategy. Linkages are clearly identifiable. The sustainability tree is
scalable and adaptable to the differing needs of organisations.
 states that organisations which start moving down the path of sustainability
are undertaking a task that is at once both simple and complex. It requires
the integration of sustainability concepts and systems into the frame of
organisational and operational reality. It is a simple task because
sustainability concepts and principles are becoming well known. It is also a
complex task because it often requires re-thinking long held assumptions
and often significantly re-designing systems, products and services.
 Working out the optimal path towards ESD and sustainability is not easy for
any organisation and many practical, organisational, cultural and political
issues must be addressed along the way. Ultimately, the rewards are
numerous including greater community engagement, greater operational
efficiency, quicker and more accurate responses to community needs, more
strategic focus on the future, appreciation of future generations’ needs.
Assignment question 2

 In practice sustainability has been very broad and difficult to achieve.

Discuss why is that so stating the different ideologies which have
emerged.
Sustainable Development goals
(SDGs)
 These are an urgent call for action by all the UN member countries
developing and developed in global partnership which recognize that
ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand in hand with
strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and
spur economic growth- all while tackling climate change and working to
preserve our oceans and forests.
The 17 SDGs

 1. No to poverty
 2. Zero hunger
 3. Good health and wellbeing
 4. Quality education
 5. Gender equality
 6. Clean water and sanitation
 7. Affordable and clean energy
 8. Decent work and economic growth
 9. Industry innovation and infrastructure
 10. Reduced inequalities
 The 17 SDGs

 11. Sustainable cities and communities

 12. Responsible consumption and production
 13. Climate action
 14. Life below water
 15. Life on land
 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
 17. Partnerships for the goals
 Summits held to build up and
implement the SDGs
 The SDGs build up on decades of work by countries and the UN Department of Economic
and Social affairs.

 1. In June 1992 The Earth Summit in Rio DeJaneiro, Brazil more than 178 countries
adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to build a global partnership for SD to
improve human lives and protect the Environment.

 2. Millenium summit - Member states unanimously adopted the Millennium declaration in

September 2000 at UN Headquaters New York USA – this summit led to elaboration of 8
Millenium development goals to reduce extreme poverty by 2015.

 3. World Summit on Sustainable Development – The Johannesburg Declaration on

sustainable development and the plan on implementation was adopted in SA in 2002 ,
there was reaffirmation of the global communities commitments to poverty eradication
and the environment and built on Agenda 21 and millennium declaration by including
more emphasis on multilateral partnerships.
 The Future we Want – ‘the future we want’ is an outcome document
which was adopted by member states in June 2012 at the UN
Conference on sustainable Development (RIO +20), in Rio DeJaneiro
Brazil. They decided to launch a process to develop a set of SDGs to
build upon the MDGs and establish the UN High Level Political Forum on
Sustainable Development. The outcome also contained other measures
for implementing SD including mandates for future programmes of work
in development finance for small islands and developing states.

 In 2013 the general assembly set up a 30 member OPEN WORKING

GROUP to develop a proposal on the SDGs.

 POST – 2015 Development Agenda – in 2015 the General Assembly

began the negotiation process and subsequent adoption of the 2030
Agenda for SD with 17SDGs at its core at the UN Sustainable
Development Summit.
Major Agreements on SD

 2015 was a landmark year for multilateralism and international policy

shaping, with the adoption of several major agreements:

 1. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (March 2015)

 2. Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (July 2015)
 3. Transforming our World : the 2030 Agenda for SD with its 17 SDGs
was adopted in New York (September 2015)
 4. Paris Agreement on Climate Change (December 2015)
Assignment question 3

 The recently released Global Sustainable Development report by

the United Nations as of June 2023 highlights that “At the half-
way point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the
world is still far off-track” in terms of implementation of SDGs,
give a brief explanation on the causes of this reported
stagnation in face of multiple crises that the world is facing and
recommend some actions which the Nations need to take
inorder to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
 Introduction
 ES is about ecological balance, for nearly 2 millennia, humans have been
carbonizing our planet, which has contributed to global climate change.
 According to the inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPPC), the United
Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, it is undeniable
that human actions have impacted the planet, resulting in the warming of the
atmosphere, ocean, and land.
 As we continue to see the negative impacts of climate change, an increasing
number of governments, organizations, and individuals are embracing and
promoting environmental sustainability. These various groups are working
towards the lofty goal of decarbonizing our world to protect our global
ecosystems for the sake of future generations.
 In 2015, 196 parties adopted the Paris Agreement at an international
climate summit known as COP (Conference of the Parties.) According to
the United Nations, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international
treaty, which was adopted by almost every nation in the world in an
effort to tackle climate change. The goal of the agreement is to reduce
carbon emissions enough to limit the global temperature rise to no more
than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—with an aim to keep
the increase lower than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
 In more recent years, many organizations have made environmental
sustainability a priority, expanding their efforts to decrease carbon
emissions, reduce and eliminate waste, and consume less water.
Importance of Environmental Sustainability

 Environmental sustainability is important for the wellbeing of current and future

generations. Climate change presents a variety of complex environmental, social, and
economic challenges for countries across the globe. In recent decades, the consequences
of climate change have become increasingly apparent—from rising global temperatures
and more extreme droughts to strengthening tropical storms, destructive wildfires, and
devasting floods.
 As humans and ecosystems across the planet are suffering from the damaging impacts of
climate change, many individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide are
embracing environmental sustainability and making this critical cause a priority. These
efforts will allow us to decarbonize our planet and conserve natural resources to support
the health and wellbeing of future generations.
 For organizations, environmental sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it’s
also good for business. By advocating for sustainability and launching programs that
support a healthier environment, organizations across all industries can build brand trust,
boost customer loyalty, and enhance employee satisfaction. Environmental sustainability is
no longer a luxury for organizations—it’s now a corporate social responsibility.
Ways in which to achieve
Environmental sustainability
6 ways to reduce the footprint
 While many nations across the globe want to accelerate their
sustainability efforts, many don’t know where to begin. They are
organizations like IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) for
example which assists countries with the process of transition to a
sustainable energy future by serving as a principal platform for
international cooperation, repository of policy, technology, resource and
financial knowledge on renewable energy.
1. Switching to renewable energy

 In an effort to reduce their environmental footprint, many are shifting to

renewable energy sources like solar, hydro, geothermal, and wind.
Projections show that 50 percent of total power generation after 2035
will be renewables—mainly wind, solar, and hydroelectric.
 The renewable energy technologies reduce environmental deterioration
as they do not emit greenhouse gases in energy generation processes,
making them the cleanest and most viable solution to prevent
environmental degradation.
 The costs of RETs is also economically sustainable as they are falling at a
sustainable rate, whereas the general cost of trend for fossil fuels is in
the opposite direction in spite of their present volatility.
Clean energy to combat climate
change
 Clean energy development is vital for combating climate change and limiting its
most devastating effects
 Electricity production is our number 1 source of greenhouse gases, more than
all of our driving and flying combined. It is the leading cause of industrial air
pollution.
 Most of our electricity comes from coal, nuclear and other non-renewable power
plants.
 Continual production of energy from these resources takes a severe toll on our
environment polluting our air, land and water.
 Renew
 able energy sources produce energy with fewer environmental impacts as it is
possible to make electricity from renewable energy sources without producing
carbon dioxide which is the leading cause of global climate change.
Current global energy consumption
Renewable Energy potential
 Renewable Energy Potential in Zimbabwe
 Solar – Zimbabwe has got a solar potential of 16 -20 MJ/m2/day that is vastly unexploited and is
present in several regions of the country. It has a present installed capacity of 41MW that is
well short of the potential.

 Small hydro – power –significant small hydro power potential is present in the Eastern
Highlands around 130 MW is estimated.

 Wind – Wind speeds of 3m/s are not significant for power generation but can be used for
powering wind pumps as per national policy. Detailed resource assessment studies are being
conducted for hub heights of 80m in order to determine and understand the actual potential for
electricity generation.

 Biomass –Based on IRENA reports Zimbabwe has a total potential of 1 000MW, from biomass in
the form of Bargasse, agricultural and municipal waste, forestry residues and other forms.
Forestry residues from commercial forests have been estimated at 70 000 tonnes which has the
potential to generate nearly 150MW power. Detailed energy resource assessment still needs to
be done.

 Geothermal – Geothermal energy potential of 50MW has been estimated and is yet to be
harnessed and presents scope for future exploitation.
Assignment question 4

 Zimbabwe has a huge potential that lies in unexploited renewable

energy sources, for various renewable energy technologies. Give a
detailed account of each RE potential generation and reasons hindering
the exploitation of the RE resources which if fully exploited will bridge
the gap between energy supply and demand in the country.
Energy efficiency as a tool to reduce
the impacts on climate change
 Energy efficiency is the process of reducing the amount of energy required to provide
same quality products and services.
 EF is one of the most cost effective which can be taken in order for energy
consumption to be drastically reduced.
 Energy efficient technologies such as lighting based on LEDs, use less energy whilst
providing the same or better light output.
 Deployment of such technologies substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
 EF also provides other benefits like economic development, job creation, pollution
reduction, human health improvement and alleviation from poverty.
 In practical situations therefore, to monitor energy efficiency over time, we need to
relate energy consumption to a specific level of activity or output. The indicators used
to express energy efficiency are not percentages but will have defined units, and
changes observed from one time period to another will indicate if the activity is being
carried out more or less efficiently—other factors remaining unchanged (e.g. no change
in a manufacturing process, no fuel switching, similar weather conditions, etc.)
OVERVIEW OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ACTIONS
 Energy efficiency improvements particularly focus on available technology to
make such improvements, with some technology options being well-known and
proven over many years of application, and some of which may be relatively
new and less well-known. Indeed, lack of information is a key barrier to energy
efficiency improvements in many situations. However, experience in many
countries of supply and demand-side activities shows that existing plants,
buildings and equipment can often be improved substantially through simple
low-cost/no-cost actions that have little bearing on technology.
 At a national (or regional) level, energy efficiency interventions are best
promoted in a strategic and integrated manner to use more efficient energy
technologies and management practices within the context of an energy
efficiency programme. For convenience, technologies and management
programmes can be split into those applied to supply-side and those to demand-
side activities. There are of course many similarities amongst the measures
actually adopted for such activities.
 Supply-side interventions are typically technical or management
interventions, which are implemented by generators, grid operators
and/or energy distributors, i.e. on the utility side of the meter or fuel
pump. Demand-side interventions address aspects of energy efficiency,
which can be implemented and achieved through changes in operating
procedures and technologies by the customer/ energy user, i.e. on the
customer’s side of the meter.
EE Interventions practices and
technologies
On the supply side
 • More efficient generation/conversion, including: - Minimizing waste heat
generation and recovering waste heat to an economic maximum; - Improving
maintenance practices; - Utilizing equipment that has been manufactured to the
best modern standards of efficiency, e.g. electric motors, steam and gas
turbines, transformers, boilers; - Applying modern process technologies including
clean coal processes; - Cogeneration (particularly where this can be combined
with biomass fuel from a renewable source, e.g. bagasse, or with the utilization of
waste heat); - Better control systems and metering of key operating parameters.
 • More efficient transmission and distribution systems, including: - Closer and
improved control of existing systems, e.g. better balancing of phases, voltage
regulation, power factor improvement, SCADA systems for better routine data
acquisition and analysis; - Increased use of distributed generation; - Higher
transmission voltages; - State-of-the-art technologies such as low-loss
transformers, fibre optics for data acquisition, smart metering, etc.
EE Interventions practices and
technologies
On the demand side
 • More efficient equipment and appliances in all sectors, e.g. motors, boilers, furnaces, industrial dryers,
pumps, compressors, lighting, domestic appliances, air conditioning systems. This is particularly
important for equipment that is operated over long periods or continuously.
 • Improved maintenance of all equipment.
 • Improved metering of fuel, electricity and steam flows and of key operating parameters such as
temperatures. Such figures feed into routine monitoring and performance analysis, activities that can be
applied in all sectors. Information on energy usage and related levels of “activity” such as production
data allows energy consumers to appreciate better the quantities of energy consumed and the time and
purpose of such consumption: this is an essential initial step to improving energy efficiency, Control and
energy system optimization, often made practical by the improved metering mentioned above. This can
include variable speed drives for electric motors, thermostats in buildings and industrial equipment,
ripple control, smart appliances and power factor improvement.
 • Behavioural change on the part of the energy user, such as: - Monitoring energy efficiencies in major
energy-consuming industrial processes and equipment to ensure design operating parameters and
performance are respected.
 - Reporting leaks and equipment failures systematically, e.g. in industrial plants, and checking the cost
incurred through such deficiencies to ensure priority attention is given to repairs and replacement.
2. Committing to zero waste

 Each year people consume 100 billion tons of materials and in 2020, only
8.6% of those materials were recycled back into the economy after use.
 To help reduce waste some organizations are taking an increasingly
circular approach to materials management.
 This not only means increasing the use of recycled content, but also
responsibly sourcing materials for operations, products and packaging.
 Steps to achieve zero waste must be taken from household level to
commercial and industry.
 Zero waste is defined as the conservation of all resources by means of
responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products,
packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to land,
water or air that threaten the environment.
3. Reduction of GHGs emissions

 Innovative environmental sustainability solutions allow for

measurement, recording and reporting of carbon emissions.
 This results in reduction of environmental impact, gaining of efficiencies
and making of lasting changes.
 This requires huge efforts from the industry as industrial processes are
one of the major emitters of GHGs .

Presentations:
1. Define climate change and the Effects of GHGs on the
Environment (look into the greenhouse hypothesis) according to
UNFCC – R201856P, R201854N
2. How to reduce GHGs in industry AND Criticism on the existence
and magnitude of the consequences of the greenhouse effect and
highlight the basis of the critics argument. – R201848E, R201852Y
4. Protection of Ecosystem

 Healthy ecosystems are essential for a healthy planet.

 According to the UN the health of the worlds ecosystems are rapidly
deteriorating more rapidly than previously realized. That’s why
environmentally conscious organizations are looking for ways to manage
their impact on ecosystems and taking steps to help preserve natural
resources for a climate stable future.
 An ecosystem is characterised by well defined soil, climate, vegetation
and fauna or communities and can adapt to and change with changes in
the external environment.
 Ecosystems become unsustainable when the interactive controls
oscillate outside stable bounds.
 Components of an ecosystem include: Living and non-living components
eg climate, soil, water bodies, creatures, food chains, energy flows etc.
 In this course we mainly going to zero in on soil which is an essential
 Land Degradation
 Definitions:
 Land degradation is a process in which the value of the biophysical environment
is affected by a combination of human-induced processes acting upon the land.
 It is viewed as any change or disturbance to the land perceived to be deleterious or
undesirable.
 According to the UNCCD – it is the result of human induced actions which exploit
land , causing its utility, biodiversity, soil fertility and overall health to decline.
 Soil erosion and desertification are terms that many confuse with land degradation, though
the three scenarios are closely related they are not the same.
 Soil erosion is – a gradual process that occurs when the impact of water and /
wind detaches and removes soil particles, causing the soil to deteriorate.
 UNCCD definition of desertification – it is the degradation of land in arid, semi-
arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is a gradual process of soil productivity loss and
thinning out of the vegetative cover because of human activities and climatic
variations such as prolonged droughts and floods. It takes only a few seasons of
land mistreatment of land for the land to build up the process require centuries.
 Land degradation is one of the most direct negative environmental impacts
arising from human activities and habitation patterns.
 According to the United Nations Convention to combat Desertification UNCDD
over 250 million people on the planet are affected by directly by land
degradation and an additional 1 billion people in over 100 countries are at risk
these including many of the worlds poorest, most marginalised and politically
weak citizens.
 Responses to land degradation issues must address challenges being brought
about by:
 1. soil erosion due to wind/water and human activities
 2.deteriorationof the physical/ chemical and biological economic properties of
soil
 3. Long – term loss of vegetation
Causes of Land degradation

 Presentation on the causes of degradation – R201842K,

R201844W
Approaches and practices to combat
land degradation
 Among practical measures undertaken to prevent and restore degraded land
are:
 1. Prevention of soil erosion
 2. Improved early warning systems
 3. Water resource management
 4. Sustainable pasture
 5. Forest and livestock management
 6. Aero-seeding over shifting sand dunes
 7. Narrow strip planting
 8. Wind breaks and shelterbelts of live plants
 9. Agro-forestry ecosystems
 10. Afforestation and reforestation
 11. Introduction of new species and varieties with a capacity to tolerate salinity
5. Conservation of water

 Reduction of overall water consumption is one of the many ways to

commit to environmental sustainability.
 Some have set goals to be water positive within the next decade.
 Due to political growth, economic development and ever increasing
consumption there is a global increase in water demand.
 If we don’t take action projections show that there will be 56 percent
deficit in water supply relative to demand by 2030.
6. Advocacy for sustainability
policies
 Another way countries can increase their sustainability efforts is by
advocating for policies that support cause.
 This includes policies designed to help reduce carbon emissions,
advance zero carbon energy, effective management of ecosystems and
increase in water access, availability and quality.

 Policy – a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by

an organization or individual in layman’s term.
 It is best described as a set of ideas or a plan for action followed
by a business, a government, a political party or a group of
people.
 Policy formulation and implementation is very critical if we are to see
the sustainable development goals being met by 2030. Policies they
force people to adhere to the agreed upon initiatives.
 Examples of a sustainable policies:
 1. Giving away items such as computers and printers we no
longer use
 2. Keep energy usage low by making use of low energy light
bulbs and ensuring that computers are shut down after work
 3. Minimise waste by reduction ie reuse and recycling methods
 4. Reduce water consumption
 5. Mandatory fuel blending with renewable sources like ethanol
etc

 To understand more on how policies influence sustainability we going to

dig deeper into Renewable energy policy using Zimbabwe as a case.
Zimbabwe Renewable Energy
Policy
Policy Vision, Goal and objectives
Renewable Energy refers to small hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels
and biomass and other clean energy sources as approved by the Ministry
responsible for energy. The policy is designed to promote RE projects
including small hydro projects ( less than or equal to 30MW).
Vision
To provide energy access to all in a sustainable manner by increasing the
contribution of renewables in the country’s energy mix.
Goal
The goal is to increase access to clean and affordable energy through
addition of installed RE capacity of:
• 1 100MW by the year 2025 or 16.5% of the total generation from
renewable sources whichever is higher.
•
Principles and objectives on which the
Renewable Energy is founded on.

 Presentation – above stated topic – R201845B, R201838E