I actually quite like the 12 principles of green engineering. They are to the point, they assess everything that needs to be considered, and they provide an easy to use yet strong framework for green engineering. These principles remind me somewhat of the goals of LEED, simply a more formal and established realization of these concepts. This list should be printed on a aesthetically pleasing poster and hung in every engineering department and lab, for they display the future and the direction we need to be moving in as a society and within the world of engineering.
For such a short list of ideas and concepts, the 12 principles are successful in essentially covering the environmental issues we discussed in class. They incorporate an emphasis on sustainability through balancing economic and environmental needs through examining issues on a greater scope than is presently done. I think Number 6 is particularly important, “Embedded entropy and complexity must be viewed as an investment when making design choices on recycle, reuse, or beneficial disposition.” While many seem to view environmental endeavors as unnecessary or coming at too high a cost, those who think that are simply missing the point. “Investment” is a great word choice for that is why environmentalism must be stressed; our actions now are investments for the future, not for the present. Number 11, “Products, processes, and systems should be designed for performance in a commercial “afterlife,” touches on a similar idea.
A fundamental reason as to why I so enjoy these principles is their basis in reason. Number 8, “Design for unnecessary capacity or capability (e.g., “one size fits all”) solutions should be considered a design flaw,” is a good example of a principle that is based on common sense. The “one size fits all” mentality it addresses often means doing something the easy way rather than the right way. On top of that, when implemented in conjunction with the “recycle, reuse, or beneficial disposition” concept of Number 6, an engineering project with a special purpose is far more likely to do its job in an effective manner than an off-the-shelf solution. I would love to see these principles become the basis of legislation, with tax incentives or something similar given to manufacturers whoes products abide by these principles. The 12 principles will undoubtedly be second nature sooner or later in the future, and seeing them applied across the board would mean great things for the world and the environment.
The concept of a messianic movement is also absolutely worth talking about, for while I never knew a formal name for the idea I think it is remarkably important when striving towards such a difficult goal as sustainability. The truth is that small actions can make a difference and it is easy to forget sometimes what kind of impact one person out of billions can really make. The “keep at it” attitude associated with messianic movements is also essential, for sustainability will not be an overnight success, but when we get there it will be worth it. When humans are able to bring ourselves to a sustainable point, the world’s focus can move to even greater issues and will likely cause a technological boom. Sustainability is not impossible, and while it may be difficult to see an end in sight, persevering on this initiative is essential to the continued existence and health of the human race; sustainability is not a matter of choice, it is a matter of survival.
