Mechanical Engineers Thrive in the Green Economy
Mechanical Engineers Thrive in the Green Economy
A green economy presents opportunities as industries worldwide prioritize sustainability and developing and implementing technologies that reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.
Society’s ongoing transition to a green economy presents a transformative opportunity for mechanical engineers, reshaping the profession and opening new avenues for innovation, jobs, and professional growth.
As industries worldwide prioritize sustainability, mechanical engineers are at the forefront of developing and implementing technologies that reduce environmental impact, safeguard natural resources, and promote energy efficiency.
The green economy is helping to drive demand for mechanical engineers. The U.S. Census Bureau projects job growth for the profession to increase by 11 percent for the 10 years between 2023 to 2033, a rate much higher than the average for all occupations. This surge is attributed to the increased need for engineers to design, develop, and maintain sustainable technologies and systems amid net-zero goals and climate change initiatives.
Economy-wide emerging sectors offering promising career opportunities include:
• Electrification and Energy Storage: As the world transitions to a high-efficiency, low-carbon economy, electrification and energy storage are essential for integrating renewable energy sources. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in designing and optimizing battery systems, thermal energy storage, and energy management systems to enhance grid stability and reliability. These technologies are vital for supporting electric vehicles, renewable power plants, and distributed energy systems.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, industries are investing in technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere. Mechanical engineers are instrumental in designing capture mechanisms, compression systems, and storage infrastructure that ensure safe and effective carbon sequestration. This sector is especially critical for industries that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy manufacturing and petrochemicals.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Development: The automotive industry’s shift toward electric vehicles requires mechanical engineers to innovate in areas such as battery technology, electric propulsion systems, and vehicle lightweighting to improve energy savings through efficiency and performance. “It’s not just about purchasing electric vehicles and adding them to the fleet—the entire infrastructure of an organization needs to be considered from an engineering perspective from battery charging to data capture,” explained Matt May, director of sales of SolidProfessor, an online learning platform for engineers.
• Smart Grid Technology: Integrating renewable energy sources into existing power grids necessitates the expertise of mechanical engineers to develop smart grid technologies that ensure reliability and efficiency. This includes “incorporating advanced sensors, communication systems, and control algorithms,” said the KEN Institute of Executive Learning in the article “Role of Mechanical ME-Engineers in Developing Solutions for Sustainable Energy-Efficient Systems.” The article goes on to explain, “They design systems that enable real-time monitoring and control of energy distribution, enhancing grid efficiency, and reliability.”
Mechanical engineers are integral to the advancement of sustainable technologies across various sectors. Their expertise is crucial in designing and optimizing systems that harness renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and minimize waste. Key areas where mechanical engineers are making significant contributions include:
• Renewable Energy Systems: Mechanical engineers design and develop components for wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric systems, enhancing their efficiency and reliability. This work ensures that these technologies can meet growing energy demands sustainably.
• Sustainable Manufacturing Processes: By optimizing industrial processes, mechanical engineers help reduce waste and energy use. This includes implementing automation and robotics to enhance precision and efficiency in manufacturing.
• Energy-Efficient Building Design: In the construction industry, mechanical engineers are responsible for creating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that reduce energy consumption. They also develop advanced insulation materials and smart building technologies that contribute to lower carbon footprints.
Corey Squire, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Bora Architecture and Interiors in Portland, Ore., said that architects and mechanical engineers can capitalize on their roles as key players in a collaborative partnership to design energy-efficient buildings.
“Mechanical engineers work together with architects to create buildings that provide comfort for occupants with minimal energy use,” Squire said. “There are a certain number of hours per year in any climate in which an architect can design a passive building that provides comfort for the occupant. The remaining hours, it’s up to the mechanical engineer to provide it through the building systems they design.”
Squire emphasized the importance of designing passive buildings that lower peak loads through strategies such as optimal building orientation, thoughtful window placement, and effective air sealing.
Squire’s primary advice for mechanical engineers is to engage with architects early in the process and suggest ways to improve the mechanical system through their designs. “Engineers often receive a building design from an architect and accept it, whether it takes advantage of opportunities for energy efficiency or not. Then they’re faced with the challenge of designing mechanical systems around it. But by offering suggestions about glazing or other design strategies, mechanical engineers can significantly reduce energy loads and contribute to a more efficient final product. Sometimes they need to push back a little to get an improved mechanical design that makes the building systems smaller and more efficient,” he said.
Squire also highlights the impact mechanical engineers can have on occupant health through ventilation systems. “Research shows that higher levels of ventilation benefit occupants, including student learning and worker efficiency. It also helps to keep occupants safe from airborne pathogens like COVID and flu, and it enhances occupant experience,” said Squire, who is author of the book, People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture’s Potential. “Sometimes you see ventilation levels sacrificed for energy efficiency. But the energy efficiency can be managed through passive design, allowing the mechanical engineer to prioritize human health.”
To thrive in the green economy, mechanical engineers need to enhance their skill sets. Advanced degrees or certifications in sustainable engineering, renewable energy, or environmental engineering can provide a competitive edge. Additionally, mastering tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, energy modeling, and simulation software is crucial for modern engineering roles.
Practical experience is equally important. Engineers should seek internships, coop programs, or participate in projects focused on sustainability. Engaging with professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and staying informed about the latest research and developments further enhance career prospects.
As the global community continues to address environmental challenges, the role of mechanical engineers will become pivotal. Their ability to innovate and implement sustainable solutions is essential for achieving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting environmental stewardship. By embracing the opportunities presented by the green economy, mechanical engineers can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
The intersection of mechanical engineering and the green economy offers a dynamic and rewarding landscape. Mechanical engineers are not only adapting to this shift but are also driving it, applying their expertise and problem-solving mindset to develop technologies and systems that are innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. The profession stands at the forefront of a global movement toward sustainability, underscoring the vital role engineers play in shaping a greener world.
Jerry Guerra is an independent writer in Lynnfield, Mass.
As industries worldwide prioritize sustainability, mechanical engineers are at the forefront of developing and implementing technologies that reduce environmental impact, safeguard natural resources, and promote energy efficiency.
Job opportunities in sustainability
The green economy is helping to drive demand for mechanical engineers. The U.S. Census Bureau projects job growth for the profession to increase by 11 percent for the 10 years between 2023 to 2033, a rate much higher than the average for all occupations. This surge is attributed to the increased need for engineers to design, develop, and maintain sustainable technologies and systems amid net-zero goals and climate change initiatives.Economy-wide emerging sectors offering promising career opportunities include:
• Electrification and Energy Storage: As the world transitions to a high-efficiency, low-carbon economy, electrification and energy storage are essential for integrating renewable energy sources. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in designing and optimizing battery systems, thermal energy storage, and energy management systems to enhance grid stability and reliability. These technologies are vital for supporting electric vehicles, renewable power plants, and distributed energy systems.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, industries are investing in technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere. Mechanical engineers are instrumental in designing capture mechanisms, compression systems, and storage infrastructure that ensure safe and effective carbon sequestration. This sector is especially critical for industries that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy manufacturing and petrochemicals.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Development: The automotive industry’s shift toward electric vehicles requires mechanical engineers to innovate in areas such as battery technology, electric propulsion systems, and vehicle lightweighting to improve energy savings through efficiency and performance. “It’s not just about purchasing electric vehicles and adding them to the fleet—the entire infrastructure of an organization needs to be considered from an engineering perspective from battery charging to data capture,” explained Matt May, director of sales of SolidProfessor, an online learning platform for engineers.
• Smart Grid Technology: Integrating renewable energy sources into existing power grids necessitates the expertise of mechanical engineers to develop smart grid technologies that ensure reliability and efficiency. This includes “incorporating advanced sensors, communication systems, and control algorithms,” said the KEN Institute of Executive Learning in the article “Role of Mechanical ME-Engineers in Developing Solutions for Sustainable Energy-Efficient Systems.” The article goes on to explain, “They design systems that enable real-time monitoring and control of energy distribution, enhancing grid efficiency, and reliability.”
Evolving technology roles
Mechanical engineers are integral to the advancement of sustainable technologies across various sectors. Their expertise is crucial in designing and optimizing systems that harness renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and minimize waste. Key areas where mechanical engineers are making significant contributions include:• Renewable Energy Systems: Mechanical engineers design and develop components for wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric systems, enhancing their efficiency and reliability. This work ensures that these technologies can meet growing energy demands sustainably.
• Sustainable Manufacturing Processes: By optimizing industrial processes, mechanical engineers help reduce waste and energy use. This includes implementing automation and robotics to enhance precision and efficiency in manufacturing.
• Energy-Efficient Building Design: In the construction industry, mechanical engineers are responsible for creating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that reduce energy consumption. They also develop advanced insulation materials and smart building technologies that contribute to lower carbon footprints.
Collaborative impactful approach
Corey Squire, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Bora Architecture and Interiors in Portland, Ore., said that architects and mechanical engineers can capitalize on their roles as key players in a collaborative partnership to design energy-efficient buildings. “Mechanical engineers work together with architects to create buildings that provide comfort for occupants with minimal energy use,” Squire said. “There are a certain number of hours per year in any climate in which an architect can design a passive building that provides comfort for the occupant. The remaining hours, it’s up to the mechanical engineer to provide it through the building systems they design.”
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Squire’s primary advice for mechanical engineers is to engage with architects early in the process and suggest ways to improve the mechanical system through their designs. “Engineers often receive a building design from an architect and accept it, whether it takes advantage of opportunities for energy efficiency or not. Then they’re faced with the challenge of designing mechanical systems around it. But by offering suggestions about glazing or other design strategies, mechanical engineers can significantly reduce energy loads and contribute to a more efficient final product. Sometimes they need to push back a little to get an improved mechanical design that makes the building systems smaller and more efficient,” he said.
Squire also highlights the impact mechanical engineers can have on occupant health through ventilation systems. “Research shows that higher levels of ventilation benefit occupants, including student learning and worker efficiency. It also helps to keep occupants safe from airborne pathogens like COVID and flu, and it enhances occupant experience,” said Squire, who is author of the book, People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture’s Potential. “Sometimes you see ventilation levels sacrificed for energy efficiency. But the energy efficiency can be managed through passive design, allowing the mechanical engineer to prioritize human health.”
Engineering skills and education
To thrive in the green economy, mechanical engineers need to enhance their skill sets. Advanced degrees or certifications in sustainable engineering, renewable energy, or environmental engineering can provide a competitive edge. Additionally, mastering tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, energy modeling, and simulation software is crucial for modern engineering roles.Practical experience is equally important. Engineers should seek internships, coop programs, or participate in projects focused on sustainability. Engaging with professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and staying informed about the latest research and developments further enhance career prospects.
On the forefront
As the global community continues to address environmental challenges, the role of mechanical engineers will become pivotal. Their ability to innovate and implement sustainable solutions is essential for achieving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting environmental stewardship. By embracing the opportunities presented by the green economy, mechanical engineers can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.The intersection of mechanical engineering and the green economy offers a dynamic and rewarding landscape. Mechanical engineers are not only adapting to this shift but are also driving it, applying their expertise and problem-solving mindset to develop technologies and systems that are innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. The profession stands at the forefront of a global movement toward sustainability, underscoring the vital role engineers play in shaping a greener world.
Jerry Guerra is an independent writer in Lynnfield, Mass.
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