Why we should be embracing cleantech

Photo: ©BillionPhotos.com / Adobe Stock

In the manufacturing world, there are plenty of new phrases that are becoming commonplace; circular supply chain, ecosystem and hybrid selling are a few that come to mind.

Not to mention that “cleantech” is placed now amongst these new terms, although the terminology itself isn’t new. Like many of the terms mentioned earlier, the meaning of cleantech is typically relevant only to those directly involved.

Short for clean technology, it identifies any process, product or service that reduces negative environmental impacts. There are, of course, a variety of methods to do so, including energy efficiency, sustainable resources, and environmental protection activities. The list goes on.
Although cleantech can help manufacturers across Canada reduce their environmental impacts, many shy away because of a belief that the word “technology” represents a deep dark hole.

Run an event focused on cleantech and you aren’t likely to get many productions or operations folks to join you, despite their knowledge and awareness around the need to reduce environmental impacts and the increasing number of ideas they have in doing so.

This is the gap we need to address.

It’s time to remove any stigma from the phrase cleantech and embrace it for what it truly is: any method that will help reduce our environmental impacts. The “tech” simply refers to using technology to aid in this mission, something we are all embracing in our daily lives anyway. Consider how much online shopping you did for the holidays this year or the last time you visited a bank in person.

To embrace cleantech, then, we need to recognize that without technology, the impacts of our efforts will be far less. Moreover, many of these technologies once introduced become cost neutral.

Just look at the some of the Canadian companies in the Global Clean Tech 100 and you’ll find homegrown opportunities to move your environmental objectives forward.

Axine Water Technologies in Vancouver, specialize in taking highly polluted industrial effluent and turning it into clean water. While Montreal-based Effenco builds hybrid power systems that can be installed on new and existing trucks to reduce
fuel consumption.

When it comes to embracing cleantech, we’re asking ourselves the wrong questions. Don’t ask “how much is this technology going to cost me?” Instead, ask, “Where can technology advance my mission to reduce our environmental impacts?”

The best way to get started is to attend an exhibit or tradeshow for cleantech to learn about the possibilities. You can also reach out to your local college or university to learn more about how they might be able to support your environmental objectives.

It has taken some time for us to become comfortable with making recycling a way of life. We can reduce our environmental impacts further if we embrace the concept of cleantech and look for ways to make the technology support our needs.
_____________
Shawn Casemore helps companies accelerate their growth. To learn more, visit his web site at www.shawncasemore.com.