The concept of sustainability is relatively new and has many definitions depending on the context where used, but use more power refers to the ability to develop an activity using resources efficiently utilizing and protecting the environment.
United Nations in 1992 adopted a definition of "sustainable development" as a way to "meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
population growth, accelerated development in recent years the world's most populous countries, China and India and misuse that modern man has given to natural resources, we have a door an unprecedented energy crisis and a irreversible environmental degradation. This course is seriously affecting the sustainability of our planet and is jeopardizing the natural resources for future generations.
Given this reality and rising oil and other fossil fuels, the industrialized world begins to wake up and find solutions to correct this situation and generate technologies and practices that involve the rational and efficient use of resources, also seeking to stop and eventually reduce the level of CO2 in the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect is causing this.
boom is interesting that the concept of "sustainable development" has been among the governments and large corporations worldwide and especially in the U.S. and Europe. Sustainable development not only refers to the efficient use of energy and the development and use of clean renewable energy or cleaner, but also refers to the protection of natural resources, the elimination or reduction of waste, the management of refuse and recycling, and even the welfare of the working class and their physical environment and community. Wal-Mart
chain retail stores world's largest, recently embarked on a sustainability program and it was set three major goals that frame the vision for the future of your business and are incapable of providing in 100% renewable energy in all its operations, reduce to zero their own waste operation and sell goods and services which in turn have been obtained under the criteria of sustainability. This implies that in the near future to become a supplier of Wal Mart will prove that I know is a company that provides products and services eco-friendly. This change has meant a complete transformation of its working practices and redesigning their stores.
General Electric, another big U.S. corporations, which is involved in many sectors of the economy, such as: household electrical appliances, electronics, energy, distribution energy, financial services, oil and gas among others, is deeply committed to the development of technologies and practices that involve resource savings and environmental protection. Among other things, has created a research and development section called "eco-imagination" which sets out new designs and technologies for their companies and products in order to increase by 30% by 2012 the efficiency of energy use and 1% reduction in greenhouse gas production.
These two examples are just a tiny sampling of what is being done in this direction. There are many other companies that could be cited to demonstrate that indeed is a new consciousness. This movement began in 1992 at the Rio summit on earth, when I create a group or association of companies with the name of "The World Business Council for Sustainable Development" known as the WBCSD, with the aim of sharing experiences and technologies to achieve sustainable economic growth with ecological balance and social progress. Today this group has over 200 affiliates in 35 countries and 20 industries. It also has a network of 55 offices in different countries for regional support.
in agriculture is also well advanced on the issue of sustainability. Consumers in the developed world are increasingly aware of the problem and begin to demand for processed food retailers with practices that protect the environment and which meet sustainability standards. It is noteworthy to see how many certification seals are becoming more popular, more in Europe than in the U.S., to identify goods and services that are produced under a minimum standards of protection. In agriculture already are using labels like "Veriflora" for flowers and other products, or "Reinforest Alliance" for bananas, coffee and other agricultural products, certification "Eurogapp" for most agricultural food reaching Economic Community Europe. In the forestry sector is also working in this direction and to do so in the U.S. there is an organization, SFI, "Sustainable foresty Initiative" specialized in certifying forest plantations and farms that meet minimum standards of protection.
In the world of architecture and construction work is underway on the issue since the early 90's. The "green architecture" is a movement that has led to the transformation of architectural designs looking to reduce energy use and making the building more functional and enjoyable. In the U.S. it is estimated that buildings consume 65% of electricity and are responsible 30% of greenhouse gases. Both in the U.S. and Europe already have established standards to measure the degree of sustainability of a building and there are specialized agencies to certify the new construction. One of the great benefits of these practices is that the cost of handling and use of buildings is lower with organic designs achieving savings in energy and other resources. The figures show that while the initial construction of the building can be more expensive, this higher value is amortized over a few years to reduce the cost of use of property which is estimated up to 30%. So the green architecture is not only a great benefit to the environment but it is a good investment for the builder or investor in the medium and long term.
What we are witnessing, as we see with all these examples, not just the search for new energy sources or improved use of existing, but also the awareness that communities are already reducing the use of natural resources indiscriminately, and the protection of soil, water and forests.
All specialists in the field estimate that the saving of resources and their efficient use is as important as the development of clean and renewable energy is a key element in solving the global warming problem.
The above analysis shows how the world is waking up and finding solutions to environmental problems. Let us hope that this awakening was not too late. Jorge Pineda
Miami, FL 8/14/08
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