Sustainable science is a subject most often ignored by policy makers, who are more interested in reducing the cost of doing business. But if everyone knew the secrets to saving our environment, then the costs would soon drop. We are currently wasting billions of dollars each year on energy use that does little to save our valuable water, air, land and resources. If we want to reverse the damage we have already done to our environment, we need to find the cheapest sources of energy and implement them. If we want to know how we can stop the pollution from continuing then we need to focus on systems of energy production that do not require harmful burning and extraction methods. One example of such an innovative renewable energy is the solar technology.
Sustainable science emerged several decades ago as a new academic field. This new discipline of science emerged as a result of the World Bank’s green chemistry initiative. This initiative seeks to make the world a better place for future generations by focusing on sustainable science principles. This interdisciplinary program encourages original, interdisciplinary research efforts in sustainable science.
The sustainable science initiative has helped change attitudes and policy in many countries towards the use of cleaner technologies. For example, in the US, there has been a boom in research in sustainable technology development, especially in areas like biofuels and wind energy. Some of the most prominent international collaborations in this area include the Stockholm environment institute, the Stockholm International Transport Administration (STA), the National Hydropower Association (NHA), the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Norwegian Climate Council. These international agencies have developed a number of important policies, including those encouraging the use of electric cars and other renewable energy solutions, creating green districts, developing low carbon housing and encouraging hybrid and other advanced vehicle technologies. These policies have helped change the way cities look at sustainable architecture, development and energy consumption.