Sustainable engineering is the design, commercialization, and use of processes and products that are feasible and economical while minimizing both the generation of pollution at the source and the risk to human health and the environment. The discipline embraces the concept that decisions to protect human health and the environment can have the greatest impact and cost effectiveness when applied early in the “design and development phase of a process or product.” Sustainable engineering transforms existing engineering disciplines and practices to those that promote sustainability. This new discipline incorporates the development and implementation of technologically and economically viable products, processes, and systems that promote human welfare while protecting human health and elevating the protection of the biosphere as a criterion in engineering solutions. To fully implement sustainable green engineering solutions, engineers use the following principles (Das 2005b).

SANDESTIN SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES

Principle 1: Engineer processes and products holistically, use systems analysis, and integrate environmental impact assessment tools.

Principle 2. Conserve and improve natural ecosystems while protecting human health and well‐being.

Principle 3. Use life‐cycle thinking in all engineering activities.

Principle 4. Ensure that all material and energy inputs and outputs are as inherently safe and benign as possible.

Principle 5. Minimize depletion of natural resources.

Principle 6. Strive to prevent waste.

Principle 7. Develop and apply engineering solutions that take into consideration local geography, aspirations, and cultures.

Principle 8. Create engineering solutions that go beyond current or dominant technologies; improve, innovate, and invent technologies to achieve sustainability.

Principle 9. Actively engage communities and stakeholders in development of engineering solutions, recognizing green engineering’s duty to inform society about its practices.

There is a duty to inform society of the practice of sustainable engineering.