There is no standard definition of clean technology. It has been described by Clean Edge (a clean technology research firm) as “a diverse range of products, services, and processes that harness renewable materials and energy sources, dramatically reduce the use of natural resources, and cut or eliminate emissions and waste”.
Clean Edge further explains that “clean technologies are competitive with, if not superior to, their conventional counterparts. Many also offer significant additional benefits, notably their ability to improve the lives of those in both developed and developing countries”.
Clean technology ultimately reduces the use of natural resources and ensures emissions and waste are either completely cut out or dramatically reduced. In the age of conscious use of finite resources and environment conservation this has become essential. The benefits of clean technology are therefore quite obvious.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the fact that generally clean technology is still evolving from a tech advancement perspective, which means we are still discovering its endless possibilities within various sectors.
The roots of clean tech are firmly entrenched in emerging technologies and industries (core aspects of biology, resource- efficiency streamlining and second-generation production concepts in traditional industries). Due to this aspect the sector has received strong investment in recent times as different players are trying to reinvent their offerings to stay afloat while younger players have noticed a gap that can be explored. In essence, clean technology is a sector that is not only here to stay but also a sector that will strongly influence the way we live.
Imagine solar energy for townships, a device that cuts the cost of electricity, a consulting company that supplies solar systems for sectional complexes, retirement villages, commercial businesses, industrials, schools and fuel stations. Even more intriguing, imagine a plant system that treats water of varying quality and intensifies other water treatment systems cheaply and efficiently by disrupting and coagulating harmful pollutants. These are some of the exciting highlights of our clean tech feature on page 38.
As always, our issue is jam packed with a plethora of exciting content.
Our cover personality, Saurabh Kumar, is the CEO and co-founder of IN2IT, a proudly South African company, which recently won the coveted ‘Most Innovative Company Award’ presented by Global Brands Magazine. Consistent and disruptive Kumar has steered IN2IT towards global success. He shares his journey and explains why IN2IT is ahead of the curve.
This issue is a tribute to the clean tech sector and an endorsement of going green as the new way of living in the modern era. Read on and become part of these conversations. Above all interrogate, reflect and re-invent.