Character; the guiding beliefs and ideals that characterize an ideology. 

Low Cost Hi-Tech (LHT) is a concept and paradigm defining science, technology and engineering solutions for the developing world, from a developing world perspective, that takes into account cost restraints, technical abilities and existing infrastructure. Essentially, the latest/best technology is almost always expensive and often difficult for less economically developed countries (LEDCs) to purchase, develop or maintain indigenously. Therefore, the aim is to have solutions that are hi-tech in concept, but low-tech in terms of their markup, consisting of components that can be easily sourced in an LEDC. LHT also takes into account scenarios that are unique to developing countries (e.g. frequent, daily electricity outages; use of basic natural gas powered heaters during winter), and not to developed countries, which are largely the source of new developments in technology, science and engineering. LHT technologies also focus on the use of the existing tech base and infrastructure in a developing country, and on cheap and easy to mass manufacture technologies, systems and devices. The Hi-Tech in LHT refers to including advances in modern technology (sensors, for example) into the design and R&D. Focus on developing countries, however, does not mean that LHT isn’t applicable to the developed world; to the contrary, they are also applicable to them and can be considered as cheaper alternatives to existing technology. LHT also has an inherent focus on sustainability and sustainable development, as well as having a lower/minimal environmental impact. Technology transfer and technology adoption is often difficult in that any advances mostly result in an increase in the cost of the technology, resulting in a barrier for LEDCs.

Lateral progression vs vertical progression. Most tech innovation occurs in a vertical manner, as demonstrated by the following examples. Cars aren’t the only model of transportation – motorcycles are an alternative, so developing motorcycles as an alternative to cars is what I would call lateral progression, instead of simply focusing on the developing a better car. Similarly, Tesla’s massive valuation has spurred billions in investment in EVs (not a day goes by with an EV company raising millions from investors or SPACs) such that most of the money and effort is focused on EVs as the cleaner alt to ICEVs, with less attention on what is arguably a better alternative – hydrogen powered vehicles which have no batteries (so no disposal/life issues) and emit only water (as opposed to EVs which still rely a lot on fossil fuel generated electricity). Smaller solar-powered cars have also been created by companies as an alternative to ICEVs but these have also gained no traction. Thus, many of my inventions represent alternative possibilities in the lateral progression of possible innovation.

Environmental sustainability – in the context of sustainable development – is a goal-oriented, normative concept that suggests the need to reconcile the often conflicting goals of economic development, environmental protection, and social progress. The concept of sustainable development begs the question of how to promote human welfare and prosperity (development) without undermining the ecological life-support systems on which all prosperity ultimately must depend (sustainability). More colloquially: How can we live well while living lightly on the Earth?

In short, environmental sustainability integrates human-nature interactions with sustainable practices to maintain resilient societal, cultural and economic requirements (triple bottom line).

Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Environmentally sound (and sustainable) technologies (ESTs) are technologies that have the potential for significantly improved environmental performance relative to other technologies. ESTs protect the environment, are less polluting, use resources in a sustainable manner, recycle more of their wastes and products, and handle all residual wastes in a more environmentally acceptable way than the technologies for which they are substitutes. ESTs are not just individual technologies. They can also be defined as total systems that include know-how, procedures, goods and services, and equipment, as well as organizational and managerial procedures for promoting environmental sustainability.

Efficiency, conservation, optimisation.