SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING – Unit 5
Integrating sustainability in engineering design
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 1
Problem solving in engineering
• Problem solving is the foundation of engineering activities and it is the process of determining the
best possible action to take in a given situation.
• We can distinguish between two types of engineering problems:
1. Analytic problems (or exercise solving) are solved by analysis and logical deductions. They
are typically closed-ended problems that determine the properties of a given device or system
and generally have only a single correct solution. Convergent thinking or a problem
narrowing approach is applied when undertaking modeling and analysis to solve such
problems, usually occurring at the detailed design stage.
2. Open-ended problems do not have a unique solution and do not lend themselves to the
analytic approach. There is no single “correct” solution and the engineer looks for the best
solution. Divergent thinking or a problem-widening approach is applied when confronted
with such problems
Engineers usually deal with ill-defined problems that are vaguely or ambiguously formulated by the community or clients. Sometimes,
engineering problems are also stated in overly specific terms so that a solution is stated unintentionally in the formulation. This is also
an ill-defined problem. Problems faced by the engineer are therefore usually initially ill-defined and open-ended, and the “best
solution” has to be worked out among alternative, potentially acceptable solutions. Also, at least in the initial stages, there is a
significant lack of information
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 2
A methodology for solving such complex problems
• Formulate the problem clearly and in general terms and ensure it is not over-specific.
• Develop a wide range of promising approaches through creativity techniques and gather
information to understand the state of the art or feasible one.
• Choose criteria for ranking the alternative approaches.
• Discard the least promising approaches using simplified evaluations.
• Discard progressively with more detailed evaluations until a short list remains.
• Choose the best approach from the short list using detailed evaluations.
• Develop the best approach into a detailed solution and communicate the results through either
oral/written communication or engineering drawings.
• Implement the solution.
Problem-solving steps: problem definition, search for alternatives, analysis, selection of
the “best” alternative and implementation. Design projects will include all these phases
and in addition will include conceptual design, embodiment design and detailed design
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 3
The conventional engineering design process
• Although design is one among many other tasks conferred to engineers, such as project
management, operation and maintenance management, site supervision, quality control, research
and development, etc., it remains 190 Introduction to Sustainability for Engineers a central part of
engineering practice.
• It can be defined as the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs,
converting resources optimally and considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation,
safety, cost, and sustainability. Design problems are usually ill-defined and open-ended.
• The problem statement often gives no indication of what a solution must be, and it is this
uncertainty that makes designing a challenging activity. According to Dieter and Schmidt (2009),
one way to summarize the challenges presented by the designing environment is to think of the
following four Cs of design:
• Creativity – requires creation of something that has not existed before
• Complexity – requires decisions on many variables and parameters
• Choice – requires making choices between many solutions at all levels, from basic concept to the
smallest detail
• Compromise – requires balancing multiple and sometimes conflicting requirements
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 4
Genereric conventional design process tasks
Sl. No. Design phase Tasks
1 I – Planning and 1. Team formation
problem definition 2. Definition of the problem, objectives, and context
3. Identification of constraints and other preliminary data
4. Planning of subsequent phases
2 II – Conceptual design 1. Identification of the functions the systems must serve
2. Generation of alternative concepts
3. Definition of design specifications, based on the functions or mandatory
requirements such as regulations
3 III – Preliminary 1. Elaboration of the alternative concepts
Design 2. Evaluation of the concepts, including technical performance, cost estimation,
risk analysis, etc.
3. Selection and communication of the best concept
4 IV – Detailed design 1. Specific data gathering and detailed elaboration of the chosen alternative
2. Further evaluation and optimization
3. Identification of requirements for the manufacturing, construction,
operation, and maintenance phases
4. Documentation and communication of the final design
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 5
The conventional engineering design process
• To move toward a more sustainable practice of engineering, the design process must be modified to
enable engineers to tackle sustainability issues in a structured manner.
• Sustainable engineering design requires a systems approach whereby sustainability is
systematically integrated in the design rather than considered as an “add-on.”
• These guiding principles must be considered by engineers in all design phases of a project through
well-integrated components to the conventional approach.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 6
The conventional engineering design process
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 7
Opportunities of sustainability impact minimization along the process life cycle.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 8
Transform the conventional design process into a sustainable one:
• Choosing team members with various expertise during the problem framing.
• Identification and involvement of stakeholders.
• Identification of key sustainability issues.
• During planning, defining goals and objectives that take into account the three pillars of
sustainability.
• Adoption of life cycle thinking. Design is often focused on the operation stage, while the other
stages can often have significant sustainability impacts. The system boundary needs to be extended
to consider the life cycle.
• Use of the back-casting technique. It consists of working backward from a future vision to the
present in order to elaborate potential solution pathways and then evaluating the different options.
• Identifying criteria and indicators for measuring sustainability.
• Use of a multi-criteria approach to handle compromise between various environmental, economic,
social, or technical issues
• Selecting strategies and creativity techniques to guide idea generation during the conceptual phase.
• During preliminary design, a preliminary sustainability assessment of potential solutions is carried
out and during the final design a full sustainability assessment is carried out.
• Sustainability of the product is communicated at its launch
• Post-project monitoring is carried out with relevant criteria and indicators.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 9
Principles for Sustainable Engineering Design -Sandestin Sustainable
Engineering Principles
Principle 1: Engineer processes and products holistically, use system 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, while being cognizant of local
geography, aspirations, and cultures.
Principle 8: Create engineering solutions 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.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 10
Principles for Sustainable Engineering Design -The 12 Principles of Green
Engineering
Principle 1: Designers need to strive to ensure that all material and energy inputs and
outputsare as inherently nonhazardous as possible
Principle 2: It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it is formed.
Principle 3: Separation and purification operations should be designed to minimize
energy consumption and materials use.
Principle 4: Products, processes, and systems should be designed to maximize mass,
energy, space, and time efficiency
Principle 5: Products, processes, and systems should be “output pulled” rather than
“input pushed” through the use of energy and materials.
Principle 6: Embedded entropy and complexity must be viewed as an investment when
making design choices on recycle, reuse, or beneficial disposition
Principle 7: Targeted durability, not immortality, should be a design goal.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 11
Principles for Sustainable Engineering Design -The 12 Principles of Green
Engineering
Principle 8: Design for unnecessary capacity or capability (e.g., “one size fits all”)
solutions should be considered a design flaw.
Principle 9: Material diversity in multicomponent products should be minimized to
promote disassembly and value retention.
Principle 10: Design of products, processes, and systems must include integration and
interconnectivity with available energy and materials flows.
Principle 11: Products, processes, and systems should be designed for performance in a
commercial “afterlife.”
Principle 12: Material and energy inputs should be renewable rather than depleting.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 12
Design for Life Guidelines and Strategies
Sl. No. Design Guidelines Strategies
1 Raw materials Design for resource conservation
Design for low impact materials
2 Manufacturing Design for cleaner production
3 Use Design for energy efficiency
Design for water conservation
Design for minimal consumption
Design for low impact use
Design for service and repair
Design for durability
4 Distribution Design for efficient distribution
5 End of life Design for reuse
Design for remanufacture
Design for disassembly
Design for recycling
Design for safe disposal
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 13
Strategy wheel for design for sustainability
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 14
Design for Sustainability Strategies and Sub-Strategies
Sl. No. Design Guidelines Strategies
1 Selection of low- a. Cleaner, b. Renewable, c. Have lower energy content, d. Recycled,
impact materials e. Recyclable and f. Have a positive social impact, (e.g., generate local income)
2 Reduction of a. Weight and b. Volume (transport)
materials usage
3 Optimization of a. Alternative techniques, b. Fewer steps, c. Lower/cleaner energy, d. Less waste
production e. Fewer/cleaner materials used to support the production and f. Safety and
techniques cleanliness of workplace
4 Optimization of a. Less/cleaner/reusable packaging, b. Energy efficient transport mode
distribution system c. Energy efficient logistics and d. Involve local suppliers
5 Reduction of a. Lower energy consumption, b. Cleaner energy source, c. Fewer consumables
impact during use needed, d. Cleaner consumables and e. Health supporting and/or added social
added value
6 Optimization of a. Reliability and durability, b. Easier maintenance and repair, c. Modular
initial lifetime product structure, d. Classic design, e. Strong product–user relation and f. Involve
local maintenance and service systems
7 Optimization of a. Reuse of product, b. Remanufacturing/refurbishing, c. Recycling of materials
end-of-life system d. Safer incineration, and e. Taking into consideration local (informal) collection/
recyclingProf.
systems
C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 15
Examples of Sustainability Design Criteria and Indicators
Environmental Economic Sustainability Social Sustainability Indicators
Sustainability Indicators
Indicators
Global warming Capital and operating costs Direct and indirect job creation within the
community
Stratospheric ozone Economic return over project life Nuisances to the community (noise, odor, visual
depletion cycle impact)
Photochemical smog Life-cycle costs Public acceptability/emotional ownership of
formation the community in the engineering project
Human Direct and indirect investment within Improved health and safety of employees,
carcinogenicity the community customers, and citizens
Atmospheric Environmental liabilities Enhanced social opportunities for members of
Acidification the community
Aquatic toxicity Taxes paid Compliance with labor standards
Terrestrial toxicity Community mobility and connectivity/access
Depletion of Use of land and freshwater resources Enhancement of community aesthetics
nonrenewable Eutrophication
Resources
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 16
Measuring sustainability
• Measuring sustainability involves assessing the environmental, social, and economic impact of
activities, products, or organizations to determine their long-term viability and contribution to a
sustainable future. It aims to quantify the extent to which these factors align with principles of
sustainability.
Methods of Measurement:
1. Environmental Metrics: These assess the ecological impact of an entity. Common measures include:
• Carbon Footprint: Quantifies greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, a company can calculate its
carbon footprint to identify emission sources and reduce its impact.
• Water Usage: Measures water consumption and its source sustainability. For example, a farm can
track water use per crop to optimize irrigation.
• Biodiversity Impact: Evaluates the effect of activities on local ecosystems. A construction project
might conduct a biodiversity assessment before development.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 17
Measuring sustainability
2. Social Metrics: These gauge the societal impact of an entity. Examples include:
• Community Investment: Measures contributions to local communities, such as job creation or
support for education programs. An example is a tech company funding coding classes in
underprivileged areas.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Evaluates workforce diversity and policies. A case study can focus on a
corporation's diversity initiatives and their outcomes.
• Human Rights: Assesses adherence to human rights standards, e.g., through a supply chain audit
to ensure fair labor practices.
3. Economic Metrics: These examine the financial aspects of sustainability. Key indicators are:
• Return on Investment (ROI): Measures the profitability of sustainable initiatives. For instance, a
renewable energy project can calculate its ROI compared to fossil fuels.
• Resource Efficiency: Evaluates resource use efficiency to reduce costs. A manufacturing company
might assess how lean productionProf.methods affect
C T Puttaswamy, Dept. ofits bottom
Chem line.
Engg, BMSCE 18
Measuring sustainability – Example with case studies
Tesla's Environmental Impact: Tesla, Inc., measures sustainability by tracking its carbon emissions.
In their 2020 Impact Report, they disclosed emitting 1.2 gigatons less CO2 compared to gasoline
vehicles. This data showcases the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan: Unilever, a consumer goods company, developed a comprehensive
sustainability measurement system. They track progress on goals like reducing environmental impact
and improving social welfare. The plan includes clear targets, such as sourcing 100% of agricultural
raw materials sustainably by 2020.
Patagonia's Supply Chain Transparency: Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, utilizes social
metrics. They are transparent about their supply chain, even highlighting issues, such as labor
violations. This transparency showcases their commitment to addressing social responsibility.
Walmart's Sustainability Index: Walmart, the retail giant, uses a Sustainability Index to assess the
sustainability of its products. This tool evaluates environmental and social factors across the supply
chain. Suppliers are scored and encouraged to improve their sustainability practices.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 19
Sustainable Design through Sustainable Procurement Criteria
Sustainable design through sustainable procurement criteria refers to the practice of incorporating
environmentally and socially responsible considerations into the procurement process for goods and
services, with the goal of promoting sustainable design and production practices. This approach
ensures that products and services are selected and acquired in a manner that aligns with broader
sustainability objectives.
Key Elements:
Environmental Impact: Sustainable procurement criteria assess the environmental impact of products
or services, including factors such as energy efficiency, resource use, emissions, and waste generation.
Social Responsibility: Criteria also consider the social aspects of production, including labor practices,
worker safety, and the impact on local communities.
Life Cycle Assessment: Procurement criteria often require a life cycle assessment, which evaluates the
environmental and social impact of a product or service from raw material extraction to disposal.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 20
Sustainable Design through Sustainable Procurement Criteria
Example:
Case Study: Sustainable Office Furniture Procurement
Challenge: A company is renovating its office space and needs to procure new furniture.
Sustainable Procurement Criteria:
Materials: Furniture must be made from sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic materials.
Energy Efficiency: Lighting and electronic components within furniture (e.g., charging stations)
should meet energy efficiency standards.
Recyclability: Furniture should be easily disassembled and recyclable at the end of its life.
Supplier Practices: Suppliers must adhere to fair labor practices and provide safe working conditions.
Impact: By adhering to these criteria, the company reduces the environmental footprint of its office
furniture, supports responsible supply chains, and contributes to a healthier workspace for
employees.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 21
Sustainable Design through Sustainable Procurement Criteria
Benefits:
Environmental Conservation: Reduced use of non-renewable resources and minimized waste
generation.
Social Responsibility: Encourages ethical labor practices and supports responsible suppliers.
Economic Efficiency: Over time, sustainable products often prove cost-effective due to lower energy
consumption and longer product lifespans.
Challenges:
Higher Initial Costs: Sustainable products may have a higher upfront cost, although these costs are
often offset by long-term savings.
Limited Supplier Options: Depending on the specific criteria, finding suitable suppliers may be
challenging in some industries.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 22
Sustainable Design through Sustainable Procurement Criteria
• Procurement in project development involves contract creation, management, and
fulfillment.
• Sustainable procurement is crucial for innovation and environmentally friendly projects.
• Technical expertise is often required for the entire tender process in engineering projects.
• Sustainable procurement criteria apply to all project phases: design, construction, and
operation.
• This section focuses on procurement for design in the project development phase.
• Project development phases:
• Tendering for consultancy services (engineers, planners, architects) based on experience,
qualifications, and proposals.
• Initial phase: Includes outline, feasibility study, and conceptual design with sustainability
considerations.
• Preparatory phase (preliminary design): Involves technical solutions and evaluation
models for economic, technical, and environmental criteria.
• Detailed design and tender document phase: Development of design, technical specs, and
tender documents for issue.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 23
Sustainable Process Design – Case Study - Chemical Process Design
• Key Challenge: Sustainable development of the chemical industry requires designing more sustainable
processes.
• Methodology: Azapagic et al. (2006) proposes a methodology based on life cycle thinking for integrating
sustainability considerations (technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria) into process
design.
• Illustrative Case: The study focuses on the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) process, vital for PVC
production due to increasing PVC demand.
• Process Design Stages: The methodology follows typical process design stages: project initiation,
preliminary design, detailed design, and final design.
• Sustainability Integration Steps:
• Project Initiation: Identify sustainability criteria (e.g., energy efficiency, emissions, resource use).
• Preliminary Design: Explore alternative designs considering sustainability factors.
• Detailed Design: Assess sustainability impacts in detail and identify improvement opportunities.
• Final Design: Optimize the design for maximum sustainability.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 24
Sustainable Process Design – Case Study - Chemical Process Design Cont…
Environmental Sustainability:
• Energy Use: Proposed VCM plant uses 3% more energy than average but generates 7% more
greenhouse gases.
• Water Use: The proposed plant uses 30% less water but discharges almost twice as much into the
environment.
• Toxic Substances: The proposed plant has higher carcinogenic potential due to increased release of toxic
substances.
• Systematic Integration: Sustainability is systematically integrated into process design throughout the
entire life cycle of the plant and product.
• Benefits of the Methodology:
• Identification of Relevant Criteria: Enables identifying key sustainability criteria and indicators.
• Comparison of Alternatives: Facilitates comparing different design alternatives in terms of
sustainability.
• Assessment of Overall Design: Helps assess the overall sustainability performance of the design.
• "Hot Spots" Identification: Pinpoints areas where further improvements are needed in the system's life
cycle.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 25
Sustainable Process Design – Case Study - Chemical Process Design Cont…
Achieving Sustainability: The methodology aims to arrive at a design configuration that ensures the most
sustainable performance of the plant and product over their entire life cycles.
• Example Application:
• Problem: The study identifies environmental concerns, such as increased energy use, higher greenhouse
gas emissions, and excessive water discharge in the proposed VCM plant design.
• Solution: The methodology guides the exploration of design modifications to address these concerns,
potentially making the VCM production process more sustainable.
• Implications: Integrating sustainability into chemical process design is essential for meeting
environmental goals, reducing resource consumption, and ensuring long-term industry viability.
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 26
Sustainable Process Design – Case Study - Chemical Process Design Cont…
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 27
Sustainable Process Design – Case Study - Chemical Process Design Cont…
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 28
Prof. C T Puttaswamy, Dept. of Chem Engg, BMSCE 29
