We live in a world that is changing—above all, changing at an unprecedented pace.
Technological developments are not only impressive but also numerous, making it harder for
us to keep track of all of them. Yet, many are for the benefit of the planet, presenting
themselves as innovative solutions to transform the way we produce, consume and live.
I. Urban agriculture
We are currently witnessing a growth in urban agriculture, which, as its name suggests, uses
innovative technologies to grow certain types of food right in the heart of the city. Urban
agriculture encompasses a variety of practices, from shared gardens to vertical farms and
rooftop greenhouses. Systems such as hydroponics and aquaponics allow for the sustainable
cultivation of vegetables and fish, optimising space and resources. These technologies reduce
the carbon footprint of food transport and strengthen cities resilience to environmental
challenges.
Illustrations:
Lufa Farms (Canada)
→ Montréal is host to Lufa Farms, a company that operates rooftop farms to produce vegetables in a short circuit. These urban greenhouses op?mise urban space and reduce dependence on food imports.
Infarm (Europe & United States)
→ Infarm installs modular vertical farms in supermarkets and restaurants, allowing customers to buy fresh herbs and vegetables grown directly on site.
Singapore and its vertical farms
→ Faced with a lack of space, Singapore is developing high-tech vertical farms, such as Sky
Greens, which uses a hydraulic system to rotate crops and maximise sunlight.
II. Sustainable water management
Water scarcity is a pressing environmental challenge, making effective management
increasingly crucial. To address this problem, we can see revolutionary new technologies for
monitoring and optimising water resources. Intelligent sensors now detect leaks instantly,
while advanced recycling systems purify waste water for efficient reuse.
These innovations are critical to preserving this vital resource and ensuring a more resilient future.
Illustration:
Humid’O Sensor by WATTECO: Equipped with a detection probe and a LoRaWAN™ transmitter,
this device detects the first signs of flooding in sensitive areas such as technical rooms or data
centers, enabling a swift response to prevent major damage.
III. Advances in food waste management
Green technologies provide innovative solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle organic waste in
a sustainable way. From electromechanical composters to biodigesters, these systems can
transform organic waste into valuable resources such as compost and biogas. These
innovations not only reduce the ecological footprint but also contribute to a circular economy
and to the production of renewable energy.
Illustrations:
UpCycle (France)
→Since September 2020, UpCycle has been producing new-generation electromechanical
composters, designed and manufactured in France. Composting platforms equipped with the
Demeterra® range can process from 25 kg to 350 kg of bio-waste per day, effectively
transforming food waste into compost that can be used locally.
HomeBiogas
→ HomeBiogas markets domestic biodigestion systems that convert food waste into biogas
for cooking and liquid fertiliser for plants. For example, the HBG 2.0 model can process up to
6 litres of food waste a day in winter, producing around 700 litres of biogas every day.
IV. Artificial intelligence in environmental management
Finally, how can we write an article about technological prowess without mentioning artificial
intelligence (AI)? AI is helping us everywhere nowadays, even in the optimisation of green
technologies. Advanced algorithms are making it possible to improve the energy efficiency of
Illustrations:
BrainBox AI (Canada)
→This company uses AI algorithms to analyse data from building management systems in real
time, proactively adjusting heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). For example, the
building at 45 Broadway in ManhaVan reduced its HVAC-related energy consumption by 15.8%
thanks to this technology.
DeepMind and Google (United States)
→ DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google, has developed AI algorithms capable of predicting wind
energy production 36 hours in advance, thereby improving the integration of this intermittent
energy into the electricity grid.
In conclusion, we can state that the green technology revolution is underway. But to maximise
these efforts, it is crucial to combine innovation and collective responsibility. We must all, as
individuals in society, make a contribution through our actions and our lifestyles, because it is
through this synergy that we will be able to transform our world in the long term.
By Aya Lahlou, Marketing Associate
Sources:
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