From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: Three Green Technologies Advancing Faster Than Ever Before

Nearly fifteen percent of all electricity produced in the US comes from renewable sources. Solar energy alone accounts for almost 1%. That seems like a minuscule amount until you take into consideration that the solar power industry alone employs nearly 300,000 people and is projected to continue to grow by leaps and bounds each year. The future of solar power isn’t the only bright one, though. Here are a few more green technologies that are going places.
Water Resource Management

Many cities around the globe are implementing smart water management systems. These systems integrate smart technologies at every stage of the water resource management process. These technologies include smart meters and sensors that detect leaks and alert repair crews to water main breaks and other problems. There are also technologies that help to monitor and maintain the quality of the water. The need to monitor water delivery and quality has only increased as issues with a decaying infrastructure, extreme weather due to climate change, and pollution have come to the forefront.
Smart Grids and Energy Consumption

Smart grids are IT integrated power grids that use two-way communication with sensors, meters, and control stations to monitor efficiency. Data collection and analysis helps to identify the best places to invest in new renewable energy generation such as solar and wind farms. It also enables existing, conventional power companies to determine how best to invest in existing networks to improve efficiency.

One great innovation is the introduction of microgrids, small self-contained electricity grids that run on renewable energy sources. In order for these microgrids to operate efficiently, investors must be able to predict with some accuracy both the consumption and the ability of the grid to meet that need, even in adverse conditions. These technologies are advancing even faster due the increasing access to education, like the ability to earn a data analytics masters online.
Garbage Control

Most major cities have a residential recycling program in place, and the good news is that recycling is increasing. However, other cities are going one step further, combatting litter and pollution at the same time. We are seeing every kind of innovation, from solar powered trash compactors to trash cans outfitted with sensors to let city officials know when they need to be emptied. Several major cities are turning residents’ yard waste into compost and making a profit. Others are turning landfill gas into usable energy. These green technologies are not only reducing operating costs but improving public health as well.

Green technologies are extending beyond solar panels and with the help of big data and data analysis, they are revolutionizing the way we live. The following are three ways in which our data rich society and green technologies are teaming up to make green solutions to everyday problems more accessible than ever before.