Cleaner technologies: a positive choice

The document argues that reducing environmental impact requires a shift from selling products to providing services, alongside a massive transition to renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. It outlines 'eco-design' principles and specific energy options—such as combined heat and power, hybrid engines, and various renewables—while encouraging science and engineering graduates to seek employers committed to reducing life-cycle impacts.

• To maintain current environmental impact levels by 2050, the environmental impact per unit of consumption must decrease by a factor of 6, given projected population growth to 9-10 billion and continued economic growth.
• A fundamental shift from a product-based economy to a service-provision model can reduce resource use; for example, selling floor-covering services via replaceable carpet tiles instead of selling entire carpets.
• Eco-design strategies to minimise life-cycle environmental impacts include selecting renewable or recycled materials, reducing material weight/volume, using cleaner manufacturing techniques, and optimising product durability for re-use or recycling.
• In the energy sector, combined heat and power (CHP) plants are more than twice as efficient as plants producing electricity alone because they harness waste heat for industrial or domestic use.
• Hybrid vehicle engines can reduce fuel consumption by 50% by switching between petrol and battery power based on speed.
• The UK possesses approximately one-third of Europe's total wind resource, with significant growth potential specifically in offshore wind farms.
• While renewable energy is essential, technological changes alone may not achieve sustainability if efficiency savings lead to increased consumption; therefore, they should be paired with ecological tax reform and investments in natural capital.

APA

Foxon, T. (2003). Cleaner technologies: a positive choice. Scientists for Global Responsibility. https://www.sgr.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-02/cleantech_final.pdf

Chicago

Foxon, Tim. Cleaner technologies: a positive choice. Scientists for Global Responsibility, 2003. https://www.sgr.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-02/cleantech_final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Foxon |first1=Tim |title=Cleaner technologies: a positive choice |publisher=Scientists for Global Responsibility |date=2003 |url=https://www.sgr.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-02/cleantech_final.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{foxon2003cleaner, author = {Foxon, Tim}, title = {{Cleaner technologies: a positive choice}}, institution = {Scientists for Global Responsibility}, year = {2003}, url = {https://www.sgr.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-02/cleantech_final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }