The Green Technology sector includes: hybrid and electric cars, energy efficient electronics / appliances, air purifiers, soy inks for printing presses, soy plastic, waste treatment ...etc.

Both hardware and software tech companies are effected by the green movement. Hardware companies are working to reduce waste, use recycled materials and eliminate hazardous materials. Software companies are creating programs for businesses to reduce their energy use and shrink their carbon footprints. Also, green technology consulting services have sprung up, aimed at helping organizations conduct business virtually to reduce travel and thus the carbon footprint will increase substantially in the coming years.

PWC says, "40% of technology executives claim the green movement creates significant market opportunities for their companies, as evidenced by a noticeable increase in customer demand for green products and services. Additionally, 60% of respondents cite energy savings as one of the most important factors in their company’s environmental decision-making process. The growing demand for environmental products and services could translate into one of the biggest new markets in recent memory,” said Bill Cobourn, Global & U.S. Technology Leader and Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers." (source: PricewaterhouseCoopers study, Feb. 2008)

The growing level of environmentally focused clean technology companies, dubbed "cleantech," is
garnering significant interest in the venture capital market. According to new global research from Dow Jones VentureOne and Ernst & Young, US$1.28 billion was invested in 140 financing rounds in 2006 in China, Europe, Israel, and the US. That compares to US$664.1 million invested in 103 financings in 2005, showing that capital investment in the field has nearly doubled over the past year. They were defined as companies that directly enable the efficient use of natural resources and reduce the ecological impact of production. Areas of focus include energy, water, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing where the technology creates less waste or toxicity.

Technology manufacturers are also taking aggressive steps to expand their portfolio of green products and services by pursuing energy efficiency, implementing designs that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous materials, using recycled or recyclable materials, building products that last longer, and creating packaging that meets or exceeds global environmental standards. A growing focus on reducing the weight of products and improving their capacity for recycling is also helping manufacturers better address “end of life” issues such as the recovery and disposal of products that have run their course.

Below you will find a profile of some of the larger green technology categories:


Hybrid and Electric Cars

The new report "Electric Vehicle Forecasts, Players, Opportunities 2005-2015" reveals that the EV industry is large and prosperous with $31.1 billion sales globally in 2005 at ex factory prices excluding electric toys. It is growing strongly and, by 2015, the EV market will have grown to 7.3 times its value in 2005. However, much of this growth will not derive from today's technologies or take place within today's leading applicational sectors.

All hybrid cars contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission. While in 2006, hybrid vehicles had the limited presence in the world, but the technology has potential to register itself as the mainstream one. The only limiting factor in wide acceptance of hybrids is their high cost. US remains the largest hybrid car market that accounted for nearly 70% of global hybrid sales in 2005 largely due to high oil prices & increased environmental awareness. Toyota & Honda are the leading players in the global hybrid market. Other key players in the hybrid industry include: Azure Dynamics, BAE Systems, Daimler Chrysler, UQM Technologies, Torvec, Enova Systems, and Eaton.

Worldwide HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Sales

Energy Efficient Appliances and etc.

• Electronics and Appliances with the Energy Star rating helps consumers select more efficient products. It is a matter of common sense for the consumer, since they can save on electricity cost.
  
  
• EcoSpun is a high-quality polyester fiber ... developed by the U.S. company Wellman Inc.  Many different fabrics are made using EcoSpun, including fleece fabrics ...One would never guess the source of the fiber - recycled plastic pop bottles!
  
  
• Standalone compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are also becoming mainstream.
  
  

The above are only some examples of Green Technology. As more people move towards a more healthy and a more sustainable lifestyle this sector should keep on growing for some.