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What is Green Engineering?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Green engineering is the process and design of products that conserve natural resources, and impact the natural environment as little as possible. The term is often applied to housing, but it can be used for automobiles, lights or any other sort of system or device that requires engineering, and incorporates sound environmental principles. Though green engineering is somewhat more expensive, many countries, recognizing the value of such work, have begun to offer tax breaks, and other incentives to those who incorporate its use.

Green engineers often have special training in the field, perhaps attending special classes to understand how materials and other components can be made in an environmentally-friendly way. For example, engineers and architects concerned with home design may learn about the latest building materials and techniques. This may include the use of solar powered appliances, especially water heaters, solar lights or windows and other design elements.

Green engineers might work on appliances that use solar power.
Green engineers might work on appliances that use solar power.

For those who are constructing a new building or home, the best time to start the green engineering process is at the very beginning. Retrofitting a building with environmentally-friendly design concepts is possible, but it is not as efficient or seamless as having those features built in initially. Therefore, it is critically important to make the desire for green design and technology known from the start.

Green engineering includes using the latest materials and techniques to design a sustainable structure like a commercial office building.
Green engineering includes using the latest materials and techniques to design a sustainable structure like a commercial office building.

For buildings, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a standard many new buildings strive to achieve. This means the building uses a substantial amount of green engineering. Though this certification is not required by any government agency, those buildings that do receive the certification are often held up as a standard for others to follow. Some owners may even offer bonuses if a building does become LEED certified.

Designing software and products for the wind-energy market could be included in green engineering.
Designing software and products for the wind-energy market could be included in green engineering.

There are a number of ratings criteria assessed for LEED certification. Some of those include the green engineering and design process, the materials used, indoor air quality and water efficiency, among others. These are each judged individually, and will include not only design elements in the building, but also elements outside the building, such as the irrigation system and other landscaping features.

Green engineers must meet technical project specifications, as well as profitability and safety standards.
Green engineers must meet technical project specifications, as well as profitability and safety standards.

In other areas, green engineering may apply to what is done with automobiles. Current design concepts used in automobiles that are considered environmentally friendly are hybrid technologies, flex fuel vehicles, and even electricity. The future could provide opportunities for fuel cell vehicles and other transportation technologies. Though the price of these vehicles, just like homes, are initially higher, some states do offer incentives. Also, the consumption of less energy means there is a chance to realize cost savings in the operation of these vehicles over time.

Discussion Comments

dbuckley212

@BigBloom

It is also quite likely that in the very near future we will be seeing "green cities" where cities are constructed and re-constructed to be healthy and environmentally friendly environments that are pleasing to live in, and actually have clean air and water. Green engineers will then be in very high demand.

BigBloom

These tactics are becoming increasingly in demand in locations such as the Bronx, where environmental pollution and environmental discrimination are everywhere. Learning to deal with issues of polluted rain and water can only be counteracted by a strong recycling process and plant life on building roofs. Proper engineering is required for these large tasks.

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    • Green engineers might work on appliances that use solar power.
      By: Ramona Heim
      Green engineers might work on appliances that use solar power.
    • Green engineering includes using the latest materials and techniques to design a sustainable structure like a commercial office building.
      By: Photobank
      Green engineering includes using the latest materials and techniques to design a sustainable structure like a commercial office building.
    • Designing software and products for the wind-energy market could be included in green engineering.
      By: Faraways
      Designing software and products for the wind-energy market could be included in green engineering.
    • Green engineers must meet technical project specifications, as well as profitability and safety standards.
      By: imtmphoto
      Green engineers must meet technical project specifications, as well as profitability and safety standards.
    • Green engineering can help improve indoor air quality.
      By: Johan Larson
      Green engineering can help improve indoor air quality.
    • Green engineering may play a role in designing and building manufacturing facilities to earth-friendly standards.
      By: Kadmy
      Green engineering may play a role in designing and building manufacturing facilities to earth-friendly standards.
    • There is a push for municipal civil engineering projects to be done in the most earth-friendly way possible.
      By: viappy
      There is a push for municipal civil engineering projects to be done in the most earth-friendly way possible.