Blog post written by Ain Zolceffli
The urgent need for climate action is clear. From the Paris Agreement to Net Zero goals, sustainability is now a global priority. Breakthroughs like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and vertical farming highlight how engineering is driving innovation for a greener future. This blog explores how engineering is evolving to address sustainability and the skills needed for this change.
The rise of sustainability has created exciting new careers in engineering. For example, Sustainability Managers steer a company’s green strategy, overseeing eco-friendly research, production, sustainable transportation, and waste management. Carbon Accountants measure, manage, and report a company’s carbon emissions, a critical task as organisations publish their carbon footprints. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Consultants help companies make sustainable investment decisions, ensuring profits and the planet go hand in hand.
But the shift toward sustainability isn’t limited to a few niche roles. It’s reshaping every corner of the engineering world. For instance:
- Urban Planners are designing smart, sustainable cities powered by green energy and efficient public transportation.
- AI Engineers are applying artificial intelligence to optimize solutions in areas like resource management, urban planning, and more.
- Renewable Energy Engineers and other renewable energy specialists are riding the surge in global investments in green energy, paving the way for a cleaner power grid.
Therefore, to prepare yourself for the green revolution, there are several steps you can take to build your knowledge and skills in sustainability.
Stay Updated
Keep yourself informed about current sustainability issues and green technologies. A great way to start is by subscribing to newsletters like the University of Bristol’s Sustainability Team updates. These newsletters provide valuable insights into the latest trends, regulations, and initiatives in sustainability.
Listen and Learn
Dive into sustainability-focused podcasts like OUTRAGE + OPTIMISM or A Matter of Degrees. These highly recommended podcasts feature academics and industry leaders sharing their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions to today’s climate issues.
Get Involved
Join or create sustainability-focused group projects or events. The University’s Green Apple Scheme offers funding for initiatives that improve extracurricular activities with a sustainability angle. Collaborating with your faculty representatives or sustainability champions of your faculty is a fantastic way to bring your ideas to life. Click here to find your school Sustainability Champion.
Compete and Innovate
Participate in sustainability competitions to gain hands-on experience. For example, the Hatch: IT Competition challenges participants to develop solutions for one of five real-world problems, with sustainability as a key consideration. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your commitment. Don’t wait, the deadline to join is February 19! [Click here to register].
Be the Change
Take part in the University’s Be the Change program by recording and sharing your green experiences with others. Whether it’s redesigning your clothes, starting a gardening hobby, or any other eco-friendly initiative, this is a fun way to spark your passion for sustainability and inspire others. You might also get the chance to write a blog on the website. Click here to find out more.
Real-World Problem Solving
Join the City Challenges program. These events let you work on solutions to real challenges faced by local organisations, whether environmental or social. It’s a practical way to develop skills while contributing to meaningful projects. Search City Challenges in the mycareer events section to know more.
By taking these steps, you’ll not only expand your knowledge and skills but also establish yourself as a future-ready engineer equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainability. This is because the future of engineering lies in the hands of those willing to innovate, adapt, and lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable planet. The question is, are you ready to seize this opportunity and be the change the world needs?