Sensors and sensor networks have an important impact in meeting environmental challenges. Sensor applications in multiple fields such as smart power grids, smart buildings and smart industrial process control significantly contribute to more efficient use of resources and thus a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other sources of pollution.
This report gives an overview of sensor technology and fields of application of sensors and sensor networks. It discusses in detail selected fields of application that have high potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reviews studies quantifying the environmental impact.
This paper provides an overview of existing measures relating to non-product-related processes and production methods (PPMs) adopted in the context of climate-change-mitigation policies, especially those linked to the life-cycle greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions of particular products. Such domestic PPM-related requirements and schemes are important policy tools for promoting sustainable development and are aimed at addressing GHG emissions resulting from the activities involved in producing, processing and transporting the product to the final consumer. Their ostensive purpose is to promote better environmental outcomes and to ensure that domestic climate-change policies and incentives do not inadvertently undermine other environmental objectives. Even though the general objectives of the reviewed regulations and private schemes are comparable (e.g. the promotion of renewable-energy sources, or provision of information on the carbon footprint of goods), the approaches, level of detail, choices of instruments and targeted environmental characteristics vary considerably from country to country and from scheme to scheme.
This report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), a UK business organisation, shows that the UK has the capability to become a key global player in low carbon products and services, which could add £20 billion to annual GDP by 2014/2015. However, government and business must work together in a proactive and pragmatic way to fully maximise the UK’s green growth potential. The CBI calls on the UK to adopt a smarter, and a more consistent and certain approach to energy and climate change policy, to enable business to invest with confidence. The report lists ten recommendations to the government on the green economy:
The market for environmental services is substantial and growing. This policy brief argues that if well managed, liberalisation of trade in environmental services can provide substantial benefits to the private sector as well as the general public.
The paper clarifies that this would be achieved through enhanced market opportunities, improved health and environmental sustainability, particularly in developing countries.
Findings encompass: