Ecotechnology is an
applied science
Applied science is the use of the scientific method and knowledge obtained via conclusions from the method to attain practical goals. It includes a broad range of disciplines such as engineering and medicine. Applied science is often contrasted ...
that seeks to fulfill
human needs while causing minimal ecological disruption, by harnessing and manipulating natural forces to leverage their beneficial effects. Ecotechnology integrates two fields of study: the '
ecology of technics' and the 'technics of ecology,' requiring an understanding of the structures and processes of
ecosystems and societies. All
sustainable engineering that can reduce damage to ecosystems, adopt ecology as a fundamental basis, and ensure conservation of
biodiversity and sustainable development may be considered as forms of ecotechnology.
Ecotechnology emphasizes approaching a problem from a
holistic point of view. For example,
remediation of rivers should not only consider one single area. Rather, the whole
catchment area, which includes the upstream, middle stream and downstream sections, should be considered.
Construction can reduce its impact on nature by consulting experts on the environment.
Sustainable development requires the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies which are both efficient and adapted to local conditions. Ecotechnology allows improvement in economic performance while minimizing harm to the environment by:
* increasing the efficiency in the selection and use of materials and energy sources
* control of impacts on ecosystems
* development and permanent improvement of cleaner processes and products
* eco-marketing
* introducing environmental management systems in the production and services sectors
* development of activities for increasing awareness of the need for environmental protection and promotion of sustainable development by the general public
During ''Ecotechnics '95 - International Symposium on Ecological Engineering'' in
Östersund,
Sweden
Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden,The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names states that the country's formal name is the Kingdom of SwedenUNGEGN World Geographical Names, Sweden./ref> is a Nordic country located on ...
, the participants agreed on the definition: "Ecotechnics is defined as the method of designing future societies within ecological frames."
See also
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Afforestation
Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees (forestation) in an area where there was no previous tree cover. Many government and non-governmental organizations directly engage in afforestation programs to create forests a ...
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Agroforestry
Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. Trees produce a wide range of useful and marketable products from fruits/nuts, medicines, wood products, etc. This intentional ...
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Analog forestry
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Biomass
Biomass is plant-based material used as a fuel for heat or electricity production. It can be in the form of wood, wood residues, energy crops, agricultural residues, and waste from industry, farms, and households. Some people use the terms bi ...
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Biomass (ecology)
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Buffer strip
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Collaborative innovation network Collaborative innovation is a process in which multiple players contribute towards creating new products with customers and suppliers.
Collaboration can occur in all aspects of the business cycle, depending on the context:
* Procurement and suppl ...
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Deforestation
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Deforestation during the Roman period
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Desertification
Desertification is a type of land degradation in drylands in which biological productivity is lost due to natural processes or induced by human activities whereby fertile areas become increasingly arid. It is the spread of arid areas caused by ...
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Ecological engineering
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Ecological engineering methods
Ecological engineering uses ecology and engineering to predict, design, construct or restore, and manage ecosystems that integrate "human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both".W.J. Mitsch & S.E. Jorgensen (1989), "Introdu ...
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Energy-efficient landscaping
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Forest farming
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Forest gardening
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Great Plains Shelterbelt
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GreenTec Awards
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Hedgerow
A hedge or hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs and sometimes trees, planted and trained to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighbouring properties. Hedges that are used to separate a road from adjoini ...
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Home gardens
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Human ecology
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Institute of Ecotechnics
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Macro-engineering
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Megaprojects
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Mid Sweden University
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Permaculture
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Permaforestry
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Proposed sahara forest project
The Sahara Forest Project aims to provide fresh water, food and renewable energy in hot, arid regions as well as re-vegetating areas of uninhabited desert. The founding team was composed of Seawater Greenhouse Ltd, Exploration Architecture, Max Fo ...
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Push–pull technology
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Sand fence
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Seawater Greenhouse
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Sustainable agriculture
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Terra preta
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Thomas P. Hughes
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Wildcrafting
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Windbreak
References
Further reading
*Allenby, B.R., and D.J. Richards (1994), ''The Greening of Industrial Ecosystems''. National Academy Press, Washington, DC.
*Braungart, M., and W. McDonough (2002). ''Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things''. North Point Press, .
*Huesemann, Michael H., and Joyce A. Huesemann (2011)
''Technofix: Why Technology Won't Save Us or the Environment'' Chapter 13, "The Design of Environmentally Sustainable and Appropriate Technologies", New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, , 464 pp.
*Von Weizsacker, E.U., C. Hargroves, M.H. Smith, C. Desha, and P. Stasinopoulos (2009). ''Factor Five: Transforming the Global Economy through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity'', Routledge.
External links
Ecotechnology research at Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden{dead link, date=July 2017
The Institute of Ecotechnics, London, U.K.ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles, Transport Canada, Ottawa, CanadaEco Technology Show, 11-12 June 2015, Brighton, U.K.
Environmental science
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