Green Technology in 2015 and Beyond
Posted October 24th, 2014
The sophistication and ubiquity of green technology is developing at an astounding pace. Here are a few of the new technologies that are just now coming onto the scene, and a few that that will be coming down the pipeline soon:
Smart Home Technology
People are already using their smartphones to adjust their thermostat and turn off the lights when they forget. Expect these technologies to only become more common, and to help homeowners track and adjust their home-resource usage to be as efficient as possible. A water treatment system recently became available that uses WI-FI technology to show homeowners how much water they are using, where their areas of waste are, and how they can correct issues without calling in a plumber.
Ubiquitous Solar
It appears that solar power is finally ready to break into the mainstream, and it won’t be long before we see smaller and more effective solar panels anywhere and everywhere. Thanks to declining prices, research into solar technologies should also pick up pace. This is on top of the now widespread use of wind power that has helped convince many detractors that renewable energy is a viable alternative.
Electric Cars
Hybrids have become common, and there are a few all-electric vehicles currently on the market, but with fuel efficiency standards set to balloon in coming years, electric cars will be an appealing choice for both drivers and automakers. Expect to see more variety in the electric vehicle segment, longer range, and more ubiquitous charging stations. Electrified mass transit like high-speed trains and streetcars will also become more common.
Smart Grids
Without a smarter energy grid, many of the benefits of clean energy sources are lost. Investment in smart grid technologies has been steadily growing, with some notable successes, particularly in the efficiency or wind energy transmission. As traditional energy sources become even more scarce, and the focus shifts to cleaner, more sophisticated ways of powering our lives, it is highly likely that the national energy grid will undergo a rapid transformation.
Green Development
Building structures to be more sustainable from the start is a philosophy that encompasses a number of strategies and technologies. The practice is already gaining traction with young architects and engineers, and most predict that in the near future nothing will get built without carefully considering its environmental footprint. A new generation of designers, contractors, and technicians will need to appear to make sure the ambitious dream of green development becomes the standard rather than the exception.
The future of green technology will likely include all these advances, and many more that aren’t on the radar just yet. What is certain is that business in the green sector looking to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity need to rely on a smart, innovative, forward-thinking workforce. Find the green professionals you are looking for by partnering with Bayside Solutions.
