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Solution of the Month

  • 2003-04
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2008

    • Solution of the Month

    EDC explores each month a type of sustainable and appropriate solution to problems faced by communities worldwide. Unique tools (technologies, software, books) or cutting edge programs and initiatives are presented.

    Appropriate technology for developing communities is usually characterized as being small scale, energy efficient, environmentally sound, labor-intensive, and controlled by the local community. It must be simple enough to be maintained by the people using it. Furthermore, it must match the user and the need in complexity and scale and must be designed to foster self-reliance, cooperation and responsibility. Studies by the World Bank and the United Nations have shown, however, that appropriate technology is critical to bringing more than 3 billion people out of poverty.


    January 2009

    The Hippo Water Roller Project aims to improve global access to water by making it possible to collect 24 gallons (90 liters) of water- five times the amount possible using traditional methods - in less time and much more easily. The Hippo's innovative design allows water to be placed inside its "wheel," transforming 200 pounds (90 kg) of water to an effective weight of just 22 pounds (10 kg).

    February 2009

    Read about the use of fog as an alternative source of water supply in a series of articles published in Die Erde (139), January 2008. Check the article of Molinar and Escobar on fog collection in rural areas of Colombia.

    March 2009

    Read about a study to assess the feasibility and investment opportunity of implementing a bamboo bicycle production facility in Kumasi, Ghana.

    April 2009

    Find out about the advantages and disadvantages of a range of latrine technologies by looking through the low cost toilet technology flipbook available through WaterAid, UK.

    May 2009

    Better food grinders for developing communities. Read about the work of Compatible Technology International in Kenya.

    June-July 2009

    Explore the www.gapminder.org web site. GAPMINDER is a non-profit venture for development and provision of free software that visualize human development. This is done in collaboration with universities, UN organizations, public agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

    August - September 2009

    Explore the www.solarenergy.org web site. Solar Energy International (SEI) is a member-supported organization that offers hands-on workshops in solar, wind and water power and natural building technologies in eleven locations around the world. SEI published a textbook in PV Design and Installation that gives critical information needed to successfully design, install, and maintain PV systems. 

    October 2009 

    Natural Capitalism Solutions (NCS) is a non-profit organization that educates decision-makers in business, civil society and government about the principles of sustainability, Natural Capitalism and the opportunities to active genuine progress through its implementation. NCS is based on the principles presented in the book Natural capitalism - Creating the Next Industrial Revolution co-authored by the organization's founder Hunter Lovins.

    November 2009

    Learn about Envirofit and their technical solutions in reducing pollution and improving the health, environment, and economy of people around the globe.


     

     

     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

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          The Mortenson Center in Engineering for Developing Communities
          is a program of CU's Civil Environmental and Architectural Department
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