What is Environmental Engineering

Engineering is not just applied science. Where science is analytic in that it strives to understand what is, engineering is synthetic in that it strives to create. Engineering is creativity constrained by nature, cost, concerns of safety, environmental impact, ergonomics, reliability and other factors. The engineers of tomorrow need the skills of their predecessors as well as many more, and in broader areas.

Environmental engineers are concerned with the environmental impact of engineering activities. They apply their broad knowledge of engineering and environmental processes in identifying environmental problems and in developing effective solutions to them. Their role is central in most engineering projects in the provision of sustainable infrastructure. They also coordinate the activities of specialist groups such as biologists, ecologists and geologists within major projects.

The discipline of environmental engineering embraces part of civil engineering, with emphasis on management, systems design, water, geotechnical and transport engineering, together with aspects of chemical engineering, applied and biological sciences and environmental studies.

Environmental engineers:

• Improve methods of determining the extent of contamination at polluted sites.
• Improve treatment methods for cleaning up polluted sites.
• Develop uses for recycled materials.
• Reduce the volumes of solid and hazardous waste through conservation and reuse.
• Develop improved methods for treating water, wastewater, and polluted air.

Environmental engineers have an aptitude for maths and science, while also being able to creatively solve open ended problems using systematic thinking and individual flair. Environmental engineering is an increasingly popular career choice for women.

Many environmental engineers become managers during their careers, and may  occupy top management positions in many private and public organisations. Therefore working successfully in teams and managing people are also important attributes of environmental engineers.

As you can see there are as many avenues of environmental engineering as there are issues affecting a community’s quality of life. In the modern world, environmental engineers will meet the challenges of pollution, climate change impacts, drinking water and energy needs, urban redevelopment and community planning.

Environmental engineering is an exciting and rewarding profession offering opportunities to take a leading role in projects that enhance the overall quality of life.