Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering can have a specific focus − protecting the natural environment from significant local human impacts
and mitigating damage from previous human impacts. These tasks are generally accomplished in the context of detailed governmental
regulations.A holistic approach to environmental engineering stresses the concept of societal responsibility. This larger
responsibility includes sustainability, energy conservation, global warming, species preservation, etc.
Chemical engineers are well prepared to accomplish environmental engineering tasks, either in the specific focus of direct human
impacts, or that of fostering a holistic regard for our planet Earth. Skills and knowledge that chemical engineers provide for
environmental tasks include the following:
- Applied Chemistry & Bio−Chemistry
- Chemical Process Design
- Cost Analysis for Both Processes & Whole Systems
- Engineering Science Skills, Particularly Transport Phenomenon (Momentum, Heat, & Mass Transfer)
- Computer Modeling & Simulation Skills
Some specific environmental activities of chemical engineers are as follows:
- Designing "Zero"−Emissions Processes
- Manufacturing of Products via "Green" Chemistry
- Planning for Recycling of Materials
- Facilitating Use of Renewable Materials
- Energy Conservation & Alternative Energy & Energy Utilization Systems
- Processing Hazardous Wastes Generated in the Past