At the forefront of our discussions in class is the need for innovative thinking to create large-scale change. New technologies and changes within the procurement process will allow companies to provide their goods to market more efficiently in terms of both their bottom line and their sustainability efforts. You’d be hard pressed to find someone to disagree that innovation is not a necessary factor in creating positive sustainable change. But hasn’t innovation ever led us astray?
If we look at freight shipping on the high seas, it is in clear need of innovation. In fact, shipping is responsible for 3.5% to 4% of all climate change emissions. The last major innovation in shipping was the use of diesel power, and before that it was steam power. These innovations have pushed us to our breaking point, and for this reason, governmental sanctions are being developed and implemented to curb the emissions they have caused. Until recently, shipping innovation has been devoid of sustainable benefits. So to move forward, we might just have to go back in time.
Several new designs of cargo freighters have brought back the sail in hopes that wind power will cut fuel usage. These new hybrid ships have metal sails and computer algorithms to take advantage of wind power at optimal angles. One design from the University of Tokyo promises to cut fuel usage by 30%.
If innovation in the shipping industry today involves what many believe to be antiquated technology, the sail, should we look in to the past for more of our answers to questions of sustainability? It’s a novel concept but what if other discarded technologies can be updated and innovative when combined with new computer technology. Innovative thinking is hard to come by. If anything, studying ancient farming techniques, or what have you, will spark the innovation we’re all so mad about.
Check out these articles to find out more about the different ways that sails are making a comeback: