Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainable dev. and the role of engineers

Question 1

Environmental engineering

Answer 1

Study of engineering solution to environmental problems.
Primary focus on problem solving water pollution, solid waste.
Environmental impacts could be part of the problem or the solution.

Question 2

define the environment

Answer 2

The aggregate of surrounding things, conditions, influences, especially affecting the existence or development of someone or something.
The definitiion of the environment will decide your approach to environmental subjects and formulation / framing of environmental issues and problems.

Question 3

Physical environment

Answer 3

Air, Water, Lands, Oceans, Rivers and Forest
•
•(In increasing extent) Buildings, Highways, and Modern infrastructure of the urban
settings

Question 4

Key role of engineering and science with the environment:

Answer 4

Provide info, or data to assess the damages or risks related to an activity determine its environmental impact

Question 5

The role of engineers:

Answer 5

Technology development and deployment (product, and process). ENgineers are concerned with (and responsible for ) a wide range of activities that directly or indirectly contribute to environmental change.

Question 6

What are the major environmental impacts:

Answer 6

Land use (depletion of natural ressources)
Emission or residues from products or industrial processes.

Question 7

What is green engineering

Answer 7

The design, commercialization, and use of processes and products which are feasible and economical while also minimizing:

1. The generation of pollution at the source
2. the risk to human health and the environment.

Question 8

What are some common sources of the environmental impacts?

Answer 8

Material selection
manufacturing process
energy use

Question 9

Principles of green engineering

Answer 9

The engineer processes and products holistically, uses systems analysis, and integrates environmental impact assessment tools.
Conserves and improves natural ecosystems while protecting human health and well-being
minimizes depletion of natural ressources
strives to prevent waste
develops and applies engineering solutions, while knowing local geography, aspirations and cultures.
Create engineering solutions beyond current or dominant tehcnologies - imporves, innovate and invent.

Question 10

sustainable development

Answer 10

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Question 11

The three pillars of sustainability

Answer 11

Environment:
biodiv, materials, energy.
Economy:
money and capital, employment, investments, market forces.
Society:
human diversity, equity, quality of life.