What Is Sustainable Engineering?

Sustainability is becoming critical in many professions, and engineering is no exception. When market research firm Grand View Research projected nearly 6% growth in the global engineering services market from 2025 to 2030, it cited increasing demand for environmentally sustainable engineering services as one of the main factors driving that growth.

Whether they are requesting green designs, infrastructure with minimal environmental impact, or renewable energy systems, customers in an array of industries are joining the call for sustainability. This represents an opportunity for engineering professionals to enhance their expertise in sustainability and incorporate sustainable practices into the services they provide.

Current and aspiring engineers, including those considering enrolling in a Master’s in Engineering Management program, can benefit from learning more about sustainable engineering and its significance in the engineering profession.

Sustainable Engineering Definition

At its core, sustainable engineering refers to using engineering practices that minimize the adverse effects of a project on the planet, while still yielding viable and efficient end products. 

Engineers can incorporate sustainability:

• In the design of an engineering project
• During the construction phase of an engineering project
• Throughout the operation, maintenance, and overall use of an engineering project’s finished product

Objectives of Sustainable Engineering

Keeping its specific goals in mind helps engineers incorporate sustainability into their work. For example, engineers who focus on sustainability strive to:

• Conserve or even strengthen the ecosystems that engineering projects affect
• Employ tools such as data analytics for engineering and environmental assessments to achieve sustainability
• Minimize the use of natural resources
• Reduce waste
• Safeguard humans’ health and overall well-being
• Use materials and energy sources that are inherently safe

Other key objectives of sustainable engineering projects include: 

• Acknowledging factors such as the community’s aspirations and cultures during the life cycle of engineering projects
• Coordinating with all stakeholders when developing engineering projects
• Striving for innovations in technology that can enhance sustainability

Importance of Sustainability in Engineering

The benefits of prioritizing sustainability in engineering projects include being able to:

• Improve our quality of life. By minimizing the effects of an engineering project on the planet, engineers can help ensure that people continue to live in healthy environments, have access to resources such as clean water, and are not exposed to hazardous materials.
• Reduce costs. In the long run, sustainable engineering projects can achieve cost savings. For instance, when buildings are designed and constructed with sustainability in mind, they can incur lower energy and maintenance costs. Minimizing waste can also contribute to cost reductions.
• Trigger economic and social benefits. Sustainable engineering projects can create jobs and foster a sense of community cohesion. 

Incorporating sustainable practices into engineering practices also has the potential to:

• Strengthen supply chains. Sustainable engineering practices can help optimize supply chain routes and lead to more efficiency in transporting the minimum amount of materials necessary for engineering projects.
• Expand the benefits of recycling. Sustainability-focused engineers can find ways to convert waste materials into new products and emphasize the use of recycled materials in engineering projects.
• Enhance brand reputations. Organizations that promote and follow sustainability practices can enhance their reputation with consumers and demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment.

How to Launch a Career in Sustainable Engineering

People who aspire to work in sustainable engineering can enter the field by following the steps outlined below.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Whether it is in mechanical engineering, construction engineering, or civil engineering, a bachelor’s degree in engineering provides a solid foundation for building a career in sustainable engineering.

Undergraduate engineering degree programs offer courses in areas such as design, materials science, hydraulics, and environmental engineering, providing prospective engineers with the knowledge and skills they will need when working in sustainable engineering.

2. Gain Experience in Engineering

Working in entry-level roles in engineering or getting experience through engineering internships are great ways to enter the engineering profession. These experiences provide individuals with valuable, real-world knowledge about working on engineering projects and finding solutions to project challenges. In addition, as they continue to work in engineering, individuals have the opportunity to acquire specific experience in incorporating sustainability into engineering practices.

3. Consider Earning a Graduate Degree

While completing a graduate degree program is not always a requirement for working in sustainable engineering, it can be a good way to acquire advanced expertise in sustainable engineering practices.

For example, earning a master’s degree in engineering management can enhance an individual’s knowledge of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability in engineering. These degree programs also offer students advanced expertise in best practices for achieving sustainability, as well as in the sustainability models that engineers use.

4. Consider Obtaining a Certification

Earning a relevant certification is a good way for engineers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable engineering. For example, individuals can obtain:

• The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green associate credential from the U.S. Green Building Council
• The certified energy manager (CEM) credential from the Association of Energy Engineers
• The sustainability excellence professional (SEP) credential from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals

5. Consider Joining a Professional Organization

Membership in a professional organization, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or the American Society of Civil Engineers, provides access to good resources for engineers interested in enhancing their expertise in sustainability and networking with other engineers who share a passion for sustainability. 

Combining Engineering and Sustainability Expertise Can Lead to Meaningful Work

Working in sustainable engineering is a fulfilling way for professionals to use their knowledge and skills in both engineering and sustainability to protect our environment and preserve our quality of life. By applying a blend of engineering and sustainability expertise to projects, engineers can make a lasting difference through their work.

Individuals interested in enhancing their engineering management and sustainability expertise can explore the online Master of Science in Engineering Management program from Tseng College at California State University, Northridge, to learn how it can help them achieve their career goals. In addition to offering students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to manage engineering projects, the program provides them with relevant knowledge in sustainability models and best practices. 

Start working to reach your career ambitions in engineering management today.