Using sustainable technologies

It is a frequent assumption that technology is neutral and that freedom, democracy, an environmentally benign society and other benefits will automatically follow from its development and use. There is little understanding that deliberate macro-policy choices, innovative instruments and a political commitment to the achievement of higher goals are required.

The Ghanaian Government recently asked the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation's Industrial Development Department to help make its palm oil industry, whose traditional methods caused severe environmental damage, environmentally friendly. The Department looked to a technological solution which was inexpensive, easy to maintain and efficient. The Department installed and commissioned a new specially designed high-temperature boiler which burns cleanly, emitting minimal smoke, and is capable of using product waste as fuel. The Department ensured local staff would be able to use and maintain it at maximum efficiency. In 1993, this type of boiler was being promoted by Ghana's Environmental Protection Council to other palm mill owners in Ghana. The technology can also be used by other industries producing flammable waste. Thanks to the instalment of the new boiler, the Juaben palm Oil Mill in Ghana no longer needs to buy fuelwood, representing a significant cost saving, and the saving of 2,000 trees per year.