Characterizing Sustainable Mechanical Engineering

To the informed, sustainable engineering is interdisciplinary. The study of sustainable principles covers a broad range of academic subjects, and the application of sustainable practices commands the involvement of students in various curricula. On the applied side, engineering students and graduates have come to recognize the place sustainability deserves in system and component design. Academically, sustainable engineering does not belong only to environmental engineering programs. All engineers in all disciplines need to learn the principles so they can integrate the practices in their designs. Mechanical engineering has traditional areas of study that include thermal sciences, mechanics, design, and manufacturing. The discipline also includes emerging fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. Sustainability, which is the practical application of pollution prevention and resource conservation, belongs in both the traditional and emerging areas of mechanical engineering. This article discusses the relationship between sustainable and mechanical engineering and presents specific areas for future consideration and investigation.