International Baccalaureate: Design & Technology
Topic 9/Option C: Appropriate Technologies
Students need to understand the constraints and opportunities that exist for optimizing the exploitation of resources and renewable energy sources. The aim of this topic is to promote an awareness of the need to conserve non-renewable resources while meeting human, environmental and industrial requirements.
9.1.1
State that resources can be classified as renewable and non-renewable.
9.1.2
Define renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
9.1.3
Describe the difference between a resource and a reserve.
9.1.4
Explain how the market, technology and availability determine whether a reserve is exploited.
9.2.1
9.2.2
List four characteristics of an appropriate technology. To explain when technology and resources are appropriate, it helps to ask a series of questions. What is the product for? Is it what people need or want? Does it improve the quality of life? Who gains and loses from this technology? Are raw materials available locally? Is the appropriate labour force local? Does it create or destroy jobs? Can the people afford to buy, run and maintain it? What resources/fuel are used? Does it damage or improve the environment?
Appropriate technologies are: low in capital cost; use local materials whenever possible; create jobs (employing local skills and labour); involve decentralized renewable energy sources; make technology understandable to the people who use it (and so suggest ideas for further innovations); are flexible so that they can continue to be used or adapted to fit changing circumstances; and are not detrimental to the quality of life or the environment.
9.2.3
Describe one example of an appropriate technology. For example, the use of local materials as an energy source.
9.2.4
9.2.5
Describe one example of an alternative technology. For example, small scale organic farming versus large scale energy-intensive cultivation techniques.
9.2.6
Define intermediate technology
9.2.7
Describe one example of an intermediate technology. This is a relative term since, for example, in one country the ox-drawn plow is intermediate (more sophisticated than the traditional hoe) but less complex than a tractor. In another country the plow would be considered traditional.
9.3 Exploitation of Energy Resources
9.3.1
Outline renewable energy sources. Include wind, wave, solar, biomass, hydroelectric, tidal and geothermal energy sources.
9.3.2
Outline non-renewable energy sources. Include coal, oil, timber, gas and nuclear.
9.3.3
Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using renewable energy sources. Include capital and running costs, social and political consequences, and environmental issues.
9.3.4
Explain a situation where solar or wind energy sources have been used successfully. Refer to the market, technology and availability of the primary energy source.
9.3.5
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable sources of energy in various parts of the world. Consider continuity of supply, distribution, capital costs, maintenance costs and location effect on the environment.
9.3.6
State that availability of energy, efficiency of energy conversion, costs and type of energy source affect the choice of manufacturing process.
9.3.7
Explain how each of the factors in 9.3.6 affect the choice of manufacturing process. Consider siting of manufacturing plant (access to raw materials and waste).
9.3.8
Explain three ways that energy considerations can influence the design of a product. Consider raw materials used, assembly arrangements, number of components, type of energy used, energy used in production, use and disposal of a product, and lead time.
9.4 Exploitation of Material Resources
9.4.1
Discuss the issues surrounding the need to conserve the resources of the planet and the means to do it. Include reference to “developing versus developed” countries; renewable/non-renewable versus economic considerations; built-in obsolescence versus longevity; aesthetics versus function; and considerations of culture, values and attitudes.
9.4.2
Discuss the issues which contribute to the feasibility of recycling including political, economic, social, environmental and conservation issues. Barriers to recycling include manufacturing capacity, technical factors, economics, product specifications and consumer resistance to using
waste-based products. Using the example of paper—features that favour recycling are not using glossy surfaces, ones that cannot be processed by machines or plastic components since they make recycling expensive.
More recycled materials can be reintroduced into the industry since recycling reduces the need for purchasing more virgin raw materials. More public subsidies would help to persuade firms to introduce recycled materials. Large paper manufacturers could be encouraged to sell off their stakes in forests in order to encourage their use of recyclable materials.
9.4.3
Discuss the ethical issues surrounding the development of a national policy concerning the exploitation of resources. Students should try to develop their own policy as a class, as well as
considering any (local) national policy.
9.5 Strategies for Sustainable Development
9.5.1
Define sustainable development
9.5.2
State that global conferences (eg The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro 1992) provide a platform for the development of global strategies for sustainable development.
9.5.3
Explain the major proposals that were agreed by participants as part of Agenda 21 at the Rio conference. The major proposals included promoting: sustainable energy development; safe and environmentally sound transport systems; industrial development that does not adversely impact the atmosphere; agricultural (and forestry) development that does not adversely impact the
atmosphere; sustainable resource development and land use; sustainable energy consumption patterns and lifestyles; and preventing stratospheric ozone depletion.
9.5.4
Explain why sustainable development requires systems-level changes in industry and society. For example, the development of a sustainable transport system is likely to involve much more than the green design of cars. It should also consider the fundamental role of transport in human life. To achieve a shift from private car-based travel requires improvement of public transport systems and the increased use of environmentally benign forms of transport (eg bicycles). Much travel is associated with travel to work and revolution in the way people work (eg from home in virtual offices rather than travelling to offices) would replace some travel with electronic communication.
9.5.5
Explain how sustainable development requires close cooperation between manufacturers and government.
9.5.6
Explain how a close relationship between manufacturers and government can be difficult to achieve because the two parties may have very different perspectives on sustainability and timescales.
9.5.7
Explain why it is difficult for governments to introduce legislation to cover all aspects of sustainability.
9.5.8
Explain how a shift from energy-intensive smokestack industries and mass production to information-based trading and service sector-based activities reduces the dependence on energy and material resources. The knowledge economy is becoming increasingly synonymous with the
weightless economy.
9.5.9
Explain how anticipating sources of pollution and eliminating them at the design stage can lead to savings on raw materials and waste treatment.
9.5.10
Explain how cost-savings can be achieved by introducing more energy-efficient and less wasteful manufacturing processes.
9.5.11
Describe two ways that manufacturers could re-evaluate short-term profitability in favour of long-term sustainability. For example, manufacturers could: design and operate manufacturing and service units on as small a scale as is consistent with efficient use of resources; use technologies that enhance human skills and match the capabilities of local populations; and use clean processes which minimize pollution and waste of non-renewable resources. Production and use should not dehumanize people. The nature of the production process should be such that it helps and liberates human beings rather than sustaining, controlling or mentally or physically damaging them. The production process should be such that it can be controlled by human beings rather than the reverse. Production should aim at the highest technically achievable standards and level of energy efficiency.
9.5.12
Explain how consumer attitudes towards sustainability issues have created a market pull situation.
From the late 1980s there has been a growing market of “green” consumers wanting environmentally friendly products
9.5.13
Explain how product characteristics can be consistent with sustainable development. A product should be considered for its long-term characteristics rather than its short-term ones. A product should help and liberate human beings rather than sustain, control or mentally or physically damage them. A product should not demand exceptional user skill and should be controlled
by human beings rather than the reverse. The use value of a product should be more important than its exchange value. Products for the developing world should provide for mutually non-exploitative relationships with the developed countries. A product should be regarded as part of culture and as such should meet the cultural, historical and other requirements of those who will build and use it. Products should be designed for high durability and repairability. Products should be designed for disassembly so that materials can be reused and recycled. The financial cost to users over the whole of the product cycle should be as low as possible.
9.5.14
Explain how energy utilization can be consistent with sustainable development. Include using energy in ways that minimize waste, optimize the efficiency of complete systems and maximize the sustainable use of renewable energy.