Many engineering experts believe that mechanical engineers can be advocates for international sustainability. While some engineers are fully accepting the concept, others are still unsure. However, there is an emerging sustainable consciousness in the profession.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in partnership with Autodesk, conducted a survey that found that 87 per cent of professional and student respondents expressed an interest in sustainable design and practices. Mechanical engineers (MEs), on the other hand, expressed a professional interest in sustainability and a personal investment.
“Sustainability is clearly establishing itself as part of the mechanical engineering culture,”Thomas Loughlin, executive Director at ASME. “Some 75 percent of the engineers surveyed suggested that their organizations are involved, or even extremely involved, in sustainability. This is another example of the vision and commitment of engineers around the world to improve the quality of life for all.”
Loughlin isn’t the only person who believes sustainability should be part and parcel of every job. Many engineering schools and universities encourage sustainable practices, which aim to reduce energy consumption, decrease emissions, or use renewable or recyclable materials.
Students and graduates may be very familiar with sustainable techniques. A survey of nearly 2,000 ME students found that 70% were involved in sustainable methods. sustainable engineering.
Engineering ethics courses focus on the social responsibilities that mechanical engineering has, and how it can have an impact on global sustainability. Some professors support the argument that good engineering requires a high degree of environmental conscience.
These concepts are used in ASME initiatives like Engineering for Change (E4C), a project co-founded by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Engineers Without Borders – USA. E4C connects local governments, activists, engineers, technologists, and NGOs to facilitate the creation and sharing sustainable solutions for humanitarian challenges in communities all over the globe.
Visit the ME occupation website to find out more and learn about its emphasis on engineering sustainability. www.asme.org. The future is bright, as two-thirds of the engineers who were surveyed believe that their employers will increase sustainability and green specifications within the next year.
