Green engineers design and improve products and processes with a focus on environmental sustainability. They modify standard procedures to be more eco-friendly, work on energy-efficient systems, and use alternative energy sources. They must have an engineering degree and participate in internships, and often need to meet licensing requirements. Demand for green engineers is increasing due to concerns about climate change and energy restrictions. Contacting a government agency or the EPA can provide information on becoming a green engineer.
A green engineer is someone who measures variables, performs analysis, designs systems, and improves existing products and processes with a strong regard for long-term environmental sustainability. Similar to traditional engineers, green engineers must meet or exceed project specifications, profitability expectations, and human welfare protection requirements in their research and development work. However, ecological engineers go one step further, creating designs that prevent the generation of pollution. Furthermore, green engineers typically need to quantify the negative consequences of pollution on ecosystems.
Regardless of the specific industry they are involved in, an ecological engineer modifies standard operating procedures and accepted practices to be “greener” or more environmentally friendly. Standard operating procedures could be changed to increase material recycling, reduce pollution control costs, reduce energy consumption and use fewer harmful chemicals. Ecological engineers might also engage in carbon dioxide sequestration, emissions and waste reduction, fuel cell development, environmental monitoring to reduce greenhouse gases, and energy metering analysis.
The most common application of green engineering concepts is in the development of energy efficient systems and systems that use alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and tidal energy. An ecological engineer might also work on the design and deployment of advanced energy storage systems such as batteries and capacitors, or he might monitor the condition of energy systems, including any necessary repairs. Other green engineers could focus on making wind turbine blades safer and quieter, or determine how to improve the transmission of energy from photovoltaic panels in remote areas to the wider power grid.
Also known as an environmental engineer, a green engineer typically must obtain an engineering degree and participate in hands-on internships as an undergraduate student. This academic background and experience is required for most entry-level positions in innovative green engineering. In many countries, ecological engineers must meet licensing requirements by completing continuing education courses and seminars, passing exams, and gaining relevant work experience. There are also additional re-licensing mandates that green engineers must comply with.
Growing concerns about the effects of global climate change, high fuel costs, expanding energy restrictions, and heightened safety concerns associated with more traditional energy sources have caused a rapid expansion in demand for green engineers. Various government and private sector entities around the world are working cooperatively to enhance green engineering advances in a myriad of manufacturing and industrial processes.
A government agency or other body responsible for environmental issues is a good place to get information about becoming a green engineer. To become an ecological engineer in the United States, contact the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA offers information to green engineering teachers and students.
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