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Green engineering education through a U.S. EPA/academia collaboration.
David R Shonnard1, David T Allen, Nhan Nguyen
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA. drshonna@mtu.edu
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 1, 2004
Summary
This study presents a framework for teaching green engineering principles in engineering education, emphasizing resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact in design. It incorporates key elements like environmental literacy and pollution prevention strategies for sustainable engineering practices.
Area of Science:
- Engineering Education
- Environmental Science
- Sustainable Design
Background:
- Growing importance of resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact in industrial design.
- Increasing prominence of green engineering principles within engineering curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a general framework for incorporating green engineering design principles into engineering curricula.
- To provide specific examples relevant to chemical engineering education.
Main Methods:
- Mirroring the 12 Principles of Green Engineering.
- Focusing on methods for estimating chemical hazards, pollution prevention strategies, and efficient resource utilization.
- Integrating environmental literacy, environmentally conscious design, and beyond-the-plant boundary considerations.
Main Results:
- A structured framework for teaching green engineering is proposed.
- The framework aligns with established green engineering principles.
- Key educational elements are identified to broaden engineering design perspectives.
Conclusions:
- The proposed framework effectively integrates green engineering principles into engineering education.
- Environmental literacy and broader design considerations are crucial for sustainable engineering.
- This approach enhances the development of environmentally responsible engineers.