Systems approach to posing problems and finding sustainable solutions

Type of content
Conference Contributions - Other
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Publisher
University of Canterbury. Mechanical Engineering.
Journal Title
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Date
2004
Authors
Krumdieck, S.
Abstract

The only way to achieve a sustainable society is to have a sustainable energy and environment architecture, where the daily activities of individuals and businesses are carried out within environmental constraints. The critical and necessary first step for achieving a sustainable society is to discover what a sustainable society is. We present the idea that sustainability engineering must be based on systems engineering principles rather than supply and demand economic theory. We briefly describe the energy system model and methodology. The implications of the model are that sustainability engineering must start with conceptual design of a hypothetical sustainable system. Only after this reference is understood, can development decisions in the present system be addressed. Today’s planners ask, "What new technology and prices are required to substitute renewable energy for fossil energy to sustain growth?" This question has no answer. We asked, "What do people need for a high quality of life and what resources are available for sustainable human use?" The answer is a new system where sustainability is achieved by design, not as an option.

Description
Citation
Krumdieck, S. (2004) Systems approach to posing problems and finding sustainable solutions. Denver, USA: World Renewable Energy Congress VIII, 29 Aug-3 Sep 2004.
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