Case studies from different countries
With support from the UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre (Hong Kong), the case studies on this page have been developed by UNEVOC Centres from the Shenzhen Polytechnic, China; Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), Saudi Arabia; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), The Philippines; Vocational Education Training Partnership NGO (VETP), Mongolia; Yabatech UNEVOC Centre for Research and Sustainable Development, Nigeria; and Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics, China.
Green technology
Green technology is a type of technology that is environmentally friendly. Its main purpose is to conserve nature, tackle problems related to the depletion of natural resources and to repair the negative impact of human activities, such as pollution and environmental degradation. The term ‘green technology’ is also known as ‘environmental technology’ or ‘clean technology’. These technologies are used in various aspects of our lives: from renewable energy and power storage, smart building innovations, green living technology, to smart transportation and mobility, waste management and recycling (Dasy, 2016; Babbitt, 2017).
National Green Regulations and Policies of Plastic Products (Chinese)
- Case study from China - National Green Regulations and Policies of Plastic Products_Chinese
- Student worksheet - Case study from China - National Green Regulations and Policies of Plastic Products_Chinese
- Teacher guidelines - Case study from China - National Green Regulations and Policies of Plastic Products_Chinese
Environmental justice and law
Environmental law, also known as environmental and natural resources law, is a collective term used to describe the network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws that address the effects of human activity on the natural environment. The core environmental laws focus on environmental pollution. A related, but distinct set of regulatory regimes now strongly influenced by environmental legal principles, focuses on the management of specific natural resources, such as forests, minerals or fisheries (LegalSutra, 2017).
National policies and regulations on the use and recycle of plastic products
Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is a process whereby sustainability considerations (environmental, social and economic) are integrated into all company processes from idea generation through to research and development (R&D) and commercialization. It can be applied to products, services and technologies, as well as new business and organization models (Charter, 2007). Sustainable innovation is a new and evolving area that also relates to eco-innovation, which is any form of innovation that makes significant and proven progress towards the goal of sustainable development, by reducing impacts on the environment or by achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources, including energy (Competitiveness and Innovation Framework, 2007 to 2013).
Innovative design of plant-straw based environmentally friendly products
Renewable energy
Renewable energy refers to energy generated from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited. Unlike fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, renewable energy will never run out. Renewable energy is virtually inexhaustible in duration but is limited to the amount of energy available per unit of time (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2018). It is abundant in the environment, and can come from the sun, wind, running water, waves and biomass. Another important advantage is that renewable energy does not emit greenhouse gases or atmospheric pollutants during the process of generating electricity (GovHK, n.d.).
Clean energy vehicles in Beijing Winter Olympics
Carbon cycle and climate change
Carbon is the building block of life. It is the basic element of all organic substances, from fossil fuel to DNA. Most of the Earth’s carbon—about 65,500 billion metric tons—is stored in rocks. The rest is in the ocean, atmosphere, plants, soil and fossil fuels. Carbon can move from one of these realms to another as a part of the carbon cycle. Over the long term, the carbon cycle seems to maintain a balance that helps keep Earth’s temperature relatively stable. Today, human activities,such as burning fossil fuels and clearing forests (that store carbon) have brought changes to the carbon cycle by emitting huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere that cause an increase in global temperatures.
Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is a process whereby sustainability considerations (environmental, social and economic) are integrated into all company processes from idea generation through to research and development (R&D) and commercialization. It can be applied to products, services and technologies, as well as new business and organization models (Charter, 2007). Sustainable innovation is a new and evolving area that also relates to eco-innovation, which is any form of innovation that makes significant and proven progress towards the goal of sustainable development, by reducing impacts on the environment or by achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources, including energy (Competitiveness and Innovation Framework, 2007 to 2013).
Waste management
Waste management is the collection, transportation and disposal of garbage, sewage and other waste products. Important reasons for working towards proper waste management are to protect the environment and support the health and safety of the population. Certain types of waste can be hazardous and can also pollute the environment. Bad waste management practices can also cause land and air pollution resulting in serious medical conditions in humans and animals. Good waste management, on the other hand, can help save costs as it reuses materials, conserves natural resources and creates safer environment, including workplaces (Department of Industry, Innovation and Science(AU) , 2018).
Hotel management – Hotels and Suites in Nigeria
Green technology
Green technology is a type of technology that is environmentally friendly. Its main purpose is to conserve nature, tackle problems related to the depletion of natural resources and to repair the negative impact of human activities, such as pollution and environmental degradation. The term ‘green technology’ is also known as ‘environmental technology’ or ‘clean technology’. These technologies are used in various aspects of our lives: from renewable energy and power storage, smart building innovations, green living technology, to smart transportation and mobility, waste management and recycling (Dasy, 2016; Babbitt, 2017).
Waste management
Waste management is the collection, transportation and disposal of garbage, sewage and other waste products. Important reasons for working towards proper waste management are to protect the environment and support the health and safety of the population. Certain types of waste can be hazardous and can also pollute the environment. Bad waste management practices can also cause land and air pollution resulting in serious medical conditions in humans and animals. Good waste management, on the other hand, can help save costs as it reuses materials, conserves natural resources and creates safer environment, including workplaces (Department of Industry, Innovation and Science(AU) , 2018).
Dole Sunshine Company turns banana waste into fibers of purpose with Musa Fabric: Natural fiber from banana pseudo-stem
Carbon cycle and climate change
Carbon is the building block of life. It is the basic element of all organic substances, from fossil fuel to DNA. Most of the Earth’s carbon—about 65,500 billion metric tons—is stored in rocks. The rest is in the ocean, atmosphere, plants, soil and fossil fuels. Carbon can move from one of these realms to another as a part of the carbon cycle. Over the long term, the carbon cycle seems to maintain a balance that helps keep Earth’s temperature relatively stable. Today, human activities,such as burning fossil fuels and clearing forests (that store carbon) have brought changes to the carbon cycle by emitting huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere that cause an increase in global temperatures.
Combating climate change in Saudi Arabia by rich mangroves
- Case study from Saudi Arabia - Mangroves in Saudi Arabia_Working with nature to combat climate change
- Student worksheet - Case study from Saudi Arabia - Mangroves in Saudi Arabia_Working with nature to combat climate change
- Teacher guidelines - Case study from Saudi Arabia - Mangroves in Saudi Arabia_Working with nature to combat climate change