GEF

Unit 9  |  New Technology and Innovative Sustainability Approaches 187 9.1  Nature as a Role Model: Biomimicry Nature has been designing products and services that have withstood the test of time for 3.8 billion years. The process of natural selection has given rise to systems, materials, and energy use that are sustainable. For example, a sunflower blossom constantly turns to follow the movement of the sun. Recently, people have begun to tap this storehouse of design knowledge in order to create sustainable materials, products, and structures. This strategy is called biomimicry . Kingfishers were the inspiration for quieter, faster, and more energy efficient trains in Japan. A great example of biomimicry is Velcro, which was invented in 1941 by a Swiss engineer after he observed plant burrs stick- ing to his dog’s fur. More recently, designers have created energy-efficient color video displays modeled after butterfly wings; wind turbines made in the shape of whale flippers; and insulating glass inspired by the hexagonal construction of bee honeycombs. BIOMIMICRY Using natural design prin- ciples as models for creating sustainable technology.