The Explorer

What does green mean?

The Explorer’s definition of green

The Explorer operates with a very broad definition of “green”:

Green solutions are defined as technologies, products and processes that reduce impact, directly or indirectly, on the environment compared to their current alternatives.

The EU has a timeline for going green

In line with the Paris Agreement, the EU is aiming to be a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. On the way there, climate and energy targets have been set for 2030:

  • At least 40 per cent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
  • At least 32 per cent share for renewable energy
  • At least 32.5 per cent improvement in energy efficiency

Based on this timeline, solutions are divided into three rough groups:

It is very important to note that developments are not static, or even linear. Solutions that were once considered a utopian dream, can be practically implemented tomorrow. Other solutions that were once considered a key to reducing emissions, can now come up short. And there is always a good measure of uncertainty

Examples from The Explorer

Medium term

Norwegian Technology – treatment of wastewater from industry, including the petroleum industry

Egil Ulvan Rederi – LNG electric cargo ship

These are categorised as medium term because they are part of the broader fossil fuel sector, and this sector will play a significantly smaller role in the carbon-neutral economy after 2050.

Long term

WINNS – tap water heat pumps and cooling systems using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant

Kongsberg Digital – EmPower software for wind farm management

Borregaard/Exilva – wood-based additive to replace oil-based additive

In general, what are green solutions?

They include solutions for:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions directly or indirectly.

  • Reducing air pollution such as NOx, particulate matter etc.

  • Renewable energy production.

  • Waste to energy.

  • Increasing energy efficiency.

  • Improving utilisation of renewable bio-based resources.

  • Improving utilisation of inorganic resources, minerals and other non-renewable resources. *NB! Solutions that only increase the efficiency of oil and gas recovery, or other traditional industries, and do not contribute to solving an environmental problem are not considered green.

  • Recycling, reuse, improving utilisation of residual raw materials and the circular economy.

  • Water and wastewater treatment.

  • Reducing use of chemicals, antibiotics and other hazardous substances.

Read the full criteria for publishing a green solution here.