Monday 4 July 2011

Green Engineering.

The Importance Of A Green Engineer & Career Tips On Green Engineering




Author: Christopher
A rather upcoming concept in mainstream industry, green engineering essentially means the optimum use of energies and resources to reduce harm to the environment. Since a long time now, the focus has been on a 'green' world. This of course goes on to include a whole lot of changes relating to global climate, optimum use of energy and sustaining ecology as a whole.




The concept of green engineering essentially encompasses using such modern techniques that would ensure efficient use of technology and create products that help the environment. Across the world, engineers and innovators are working towards developing such techniques that address the environmental issues faced by societies. Green engineering is thus involved in supplying the tools, methods and the required technology to provide impetus to this innovation.



The three basic principles of green engineering are:



- Minimization of pollution at the source itself

- Minimizing health risks and hazards to people

- Providing cost effective technology



In this, a green engineer clearly understands and supports the philosophy that controlling these three principles is likely to provide the greatest benefits to people.



What Does Green Engineering Include?



Since green engineering is the basis of establishing a sustainable ecology, the process is required to start at the beginning. Some of the aspects covered by green engineering include:



- Monitoring engineering processes to assess environmental implications

- Conserving natural environment in a way that promotes human welfare

- Energy that is used should be as harmless and natural as possible

- Ensure adequate recycling happens wherever possible

- Decrease industrial waste

- Reduce any form of reduction in natural resources

- Constantly improve on technologies to ensure adequate 'green' engineering

- Wherever possible, reduce carbon emissions

- Use of technology that gives impetus to carbon efficiency



One of the prime objectives of green engineering is to create a sustainable ecology with a rather holistic approach. Taking up the 'green' approach right in the beginning ensures that a constant pattern of sustenance is followed throughout. Another major advantage of starting with green engineering early is its cost effectiveness. Planning and implementing this in the initial stages is definitely far more economical and energy-saving that making changes later. To get the most out of this engineering pattern, crucial changes in production functions must be made at the time when materials are chosen. Use of such materials as recycled ones, or those that can be put to multiple uses are thus recommended.



With a sudden spur in the demand for green engineers, there are a number of career options that have come up in this field. Some of these job types include the following:



Geothermal Operation Engineer: A person working in this sector would be responsible for the proper functioning of the plant. In addition, he would also be required to monitor, assess and provide solutions to any problem encountered.



Environmental Engineer: This is particularly of interest to those who are adept at understanding the ecological aspects. Some of the possible areas included in this would be to provide clean air, land and water to people as well as work towards reduction of pollution.



Electrical Engineer: Electrical green engineers are particularly involved in providing opportunities of electricity by natural resources. These include electricity generated by wind turbines, solar panels and hydro-electricity.



Solar Operations Engineer: This job type includes the optimum use of solar energies. Specialists in this field are skilled in harnessing and using solar energy for a number of purposes.



Smart Grid Engineer: These engineers are responsible for monitoring the electrical power infrastructure. Since they mostly work with new technologies, they must be skilled at quick understanding and resolution of problems.



Thermal Engineer: Specialists in the area of thermo-dynamics deal with the issue of heat transfer, mass transfer and fluid dynamics. The main areas that a thermal engineer would have to deal with would be the production and maintenance of various cost-effective and sustainable heaters with the use of natural resources as well as optimum use of thermal to generate power.



Energy Engineer: An energy engineer is involved in dealing with a mix of electrical and mechanical engineering. In other words, people opting for this career are required to use energy as optimally as possible for everyday needs without disturbing the environment.



Considering the importance of a green engineer, it goes without saying that this arena is one of the most upcoming and well-paying segments. Those involved in this must always look for ways to improve their existing conditions without causing ecological damage.

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James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk/ where you can find out how to become a domestic green engineer