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Selected Works

Joshua M. Pearce

Selected Works

Sustainable development

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Barriers To Appropriate Technology Growth In Sustainable Development, Ivana Zelenika, Joshua M. Pearce Oct 2015

Barriers To Appropriate Technology Growth In Sustainable Development, Ivana Zelenika, Joshua M. Pearce

Joshua M. Pearce

Given the urgency of development problems world-wide, as well as the opportunities of open source appropriate technology (OSAT) to help expedite sustainable development goals, a better understanding of the barriers limiting the scaling of OSAT is needed. In this study, key organizations and researchers working in the field of appropriate technology (AT) were interviewed to identify barriers to OSAT. The data was analyzed via pattern coding and content analysis. Results reveal that among the most pressing problems for those working in the field of AT were the need for better communication and collaboration between the agencies and communities to share …

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A Virtual Educational Exchange: A North–South Virtually Shared Class On Sustainable Development, Augusta Abrahamse, Mathew Johnson, Nanette Levinson, Larry Medsker, Joshua M. Pearce, Carla Quiroga, Ruth Scipione Oct 2015

A Virtual Educational Exchange: A North–South Virtually Shared Class On Sustainable Development, Augusta Abrahamse, Mathew Johnson, Nanette Levinson, Larry Medsker, Joshua M. Pearce, Carla Quiroga, Ruth Scipione

Joshua M. Pearce

Increasingly international competence is considered and important skill to be acquired from an undergraduate education. Because international exchange presents a challenge to many students, there is a need to develop and implement alternative means for incorporating international and cross-cultural experiences into the undergraduate classroom. We report on the implementation of a semester-long, virtually-shared course offering between a U.S. and a Bolivian university. Since STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors tend to be under-represented in study abroad programs, this class sought to provide a multidisciplinary experience that could be relevant to both hard and social science majors. Furthermore, the relevance …

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3-D Printing Of Open Source Appropriate Technologies For Self-Directed Sustainable Development, Joshua M. Pearce, Christine Morris Blair, Kristen J. Laciak, Rob Andrews, Amir Nosrat, Ivana Zelenika-Zovko Nov 2010

3-D Printing Of Open Source Appropriate Technologies For Self-Directed Sustainable Development, Joshua M. Pearce, Christine Morris Blair, Kristen J. Laciak, Rob Andrews, Amir Nosrat, Ivana Zelenika-Zovko

Joshua M. Pearce

The technological evolution of the 3-D printer, widespread internet access and inexpensive computing has made a new means of open design capable of accelerating self-directed sustainable development. This study critically examines how open source 3-D printers, such as the RepRap and Fab@home, enable the use of designs in the public domain to fabricate open source appropriate technology (OSAT), which are easily and economically made from readily available resources by local communities to meet their needs. The current capabilities of open source 3-D printers is reviewed and a new classification scheme is proposed for OSATs that are technically feasible and economically …

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Leveraging Solar Photovoltaic Technology For Sustainable Development In Ontario's Aboriginal Communities, Joshua M. Pearce, Dirk V. P. Mclaghlin, Nicole C. Mcdonald, Ha T. Nguyen Aug 2010

Leveraging Solar Photovoltaic Technology For Sustainable Development In Ontario's Aboriginal Communities, Joshua M. Pearce, Dirk V. P. Mclaghlin, Nicole C. Mcdonald, Ha T. Nguyen

Joshua M. Pearce

The Ontario feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has provided Ontario's Aboriginal communities with an opportunity to i) weaken the cycle of poverty; ii) directly counteract climate change by producing renewable energy; and iii) become more self-sufficient. This paper critically analyzes the technical, cultural, and economic viability of leveraging the FIT for PV to provide green electricity and revenue to assist First Nations communities in sustainable development. A generalized free GIS-energy-based protocol was developed to determine the PV potential for Aboriginal communities. This model was applied to a case study of the Constance Lake First Nations community and …

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Energy Service Companies As A Component Of A Comprehensive University Sustainability Strategy, Joshua M. Pearce, Laural L. Miller Dec 2005

Energy Service Companies As A Component Of A Comprehensive University Sustainability Strategy, Joshua M. Pearce, Laural L. Miller

Joshua M. Pearce

Purpose – This paper aims to quantify and critically analyze the best practices of a comprehensive environmental stewardship strategy (ESS), which included a guaranteed energy savings program (GESP) that utilized an energy service company (ESCO). Design/methodology/approach – The environmental and economic benefits and limitations of an approach utilizing an ESCO are critically analyzed in the context of implementing a comprehensive university sustainability strategy. Findings – A GESP, which utilized the technical and financial expertise of energy service companies, improved the operational efficiency, decreased the ecological footprint, and reduced the operating costs of the university. Practical implications – Energy‐saving projects are …

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