Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
options that other materials do not. Part of the appeal of straw-bale con-
struction is the experience of community and connection one finds in
working with others—a kind of direct connection that has nearly disap-
peared in our cell-phone society, but that might be regained in human
communities of the future.
David Hertz has a different approach to materials in his ingenious recy-
cling of consumer castoffs (nuts and bolts, vinyl records, golf tees) into
products for architectural surface applications.This kind of recycling is one
small aspect of the complex system of industrial ecology discussed by
Christine Rosen and Braden Allenby. Amory Lovins, in his essay on end-
use/least-cost planning, hypercars, and natural capitalism, touches on other
issues that are integral to industrial ecology, such as the minimal use of
materials and energy.
In the energy sector, Subhendu Guha gives us another fine example of
higher but more benign technology. His invention of flexible solar shingles
holds the promise of a low-cost, low-impact source of electricity that does
not depend on a municipal power grid. And Thomas Lovejoy tells us that
some corporations, such as BP and Shell, have redefined themselves as
energy companies rather than fossil-fuel companies and are instituting envi-
ronmentally sensitive practices.
It is in the area of industrial ecology that the paradigm shift of the new
environmentalism is most apparent.Whereas environmental management of
industry has to this point focused largely on the end products and impacts
of manufacturing, industrial ecology moves to a higher view that encom-
passes the complex interrelationships of technology, culture, economics, and
natural systems. It has led to such innovative programs as the waste
exchanges among Danish companies that Rosen describes. But it goes
beyond management of waste products to grapple with fundamental ques-
tions of institutions and values.The role of government—including politi-
cians, bureaucrats, and the electorate—in regulating technology is brought
to our attention by Rudi Volti in his case study of emission-control policy
in California. There is always a high level of uncertainty in planning and
implementing projects and policies, as Allenby reminds us. Allenby speaks
of the need for continual learning at the personal and institutional levels
and emphasizes the need for theological, ethical, and moral discussions on
these issues.“What
could
be is a question, at least in part, for industrial soci-
ety,” he tells us. “What
should
be is one for religion and society.”
