To avoid a “major planetary catastrophe” it is estimated that up to $1.9 trillion needs to be invested in green technology each year for the next 40 years.

Green or environmentally friendly technology has become the new tool for human development and economic progress, as people  and companies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the harmful effects of unsustainable technologies and practices that adversely impact the environment and the overall quality of life.

At the core of green technology is the concept of sustainable development, or the act of adequately providing for the needs of the society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

According to a UN report titled “The World Economic and Social Survey 2011: The Great Green Technological Transformation,” the earth may be on course for a “major planetary catastrophe” as a result of unsustainable technologies and practices.

The report states that approximately half of the planet’s forests are gone, while groundwater resources are increasingly being depleted and contaminated.

The report also suggests that up to $1.9 trillion needs to be invested each year into green technology for the next 40 years to avoid extreme repercussions for the planet’s survival.

Here, in the Middle East, the environmental movement has been gaining momentum over the past years with a growing number of public and private sector institutions coming together to try and address this issue.

In addition, strategic socio-economic growth plans being introduced by governments in the region such as the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, have further accelerated the adoption of sustainable development concepts.

Nonetheless, there is scope for the private sector to take a more active role in developing greener technologies, and encourage all stakeholders to support the green cause in their own capacities.

At Canon, our commitment toward sustainable development is referred to as ‘kyosei,’ a Japanese word that means living and working together for the common good.

’Kyosei’ is not just a slogan for us - it infuses everything that we do, from product to process development.

Nearly 100 percent of Canon’s products in Europe, Middle East and Africa qualify for the EU Energy Star Program.

The company has also been constantly enhancing its environmental management systems (EMS) and has achieved global certification to ISO14001, the international standard for environment management systems.

Canon uses bio-based plastics — an environmentally conscious material that incorporates plant-based and organic components — in the several toner recycling and collection programs it adopts.

Interestingly, up to 30 percent of the company’s printer housings are made from recycled plastic as part of a comprehensive Produce-Use-Recycle product lifecycle approach.

In 2010, Canon also initiated programs to reduce fixed CO2 emissions and those associated with industrial production by improving the efficiency of facilities at its operational sites in various countries, including the Middle East region.

For instance, in line with its “closer to customers” strategy, Canon has established a dedicated consultancy team that helps enterprises in Qatar and other countries to achieve substantial energy savings and environmental benefits.

By switching to duplex printing, for example, an organization could save an amount of energy equivalent to powering 19 homes for a whole year.

Canon Middle East has launched a series of activities under the theme “power of environment” to celebrate its 10th anniversary in the region.

In March 2012, Canon participated in “Earth Hour,” shut down all non-essential lights at its offices located in Dubai Internet City for an hour.

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