As defined by UNESCO, sustainable engineering is “the process of using resources in a way that does not compromise the environment or deplete the materials for future generations.”
As an employer, sustainability is a commitment you want to embrace for the long-term benefit of your company, your employees, and our planet. It all starts with engineering and design, where most of a product’s environmental impact is determined.
Sustainable Engineering is the Way of the Future
Sustainable engineering empowers you to:
- Reduce overall CO2 emissions
- Minimize energy and materials consumption
- Build recyclability and reuse into your processes
- Enhance your company culture, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction, and
- Increase your competitive edge, strengthen your brand, and build public trust.
In the words of Chartered Mechanical Engineer Dr. Helen Meese, “sustainable design is no longer simply focused on reduce, recycle and reuse or repurpose. Today, sustainable design is about adding value, designing products that bring societal benefits, and solving environmental challenges that are also viable for business to implement.” She adds, “engineers must have the mindset to develop innovative solutions.”
In short, it’s the right thing to do. So it’s not surprising that top engineering candidates are attracted to employers who share their commitment to developing innovative sustainability solutions.
Sustainability Throughout a Product’s Lifecycle
Adopting holistic, data-driven product lifecycle management (PLM) allows your company to monitor, measure, analyze, and continuously improve the impact of engineering and product design, production methods, and supply chain operations on the environment. Visibility and traceability into a product’s carbon footprint enable your engineers to find better alternatives for such processes as sourcing parts and enhancing manufacturing practices.
- Among its advantages, PLM software supports compliance with regulations dictating the use of hazardous materials. Sustainable engineering practices driven by a PLM-enabled digital thread can help you develop innovative, quality products while protecting the environment, preserving human health, and minimizing the depletion of vital natural resources.
Educating for a Sustainable Future
Degrees in sustainable engineering continue to grow in popularity. It’s a growth industry in the U.S. and globally, with an increasing number of colleges and universities offering graduate study programs in this field. So as you source, recruit, and hire engineering talent, you can anticipate continued interest in the move toward sustainability. It may even be the deciding factor for a candidate when their final decision about where to work comes down to you versus your top competitor.
Sustainable Engineering is Growing
Do you need to hire engineers, learn more about sustainable engineering related to your business – or both? To successfully recruit for a sustainable and successful future, contact Venteon Technical today.