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by Derek Ward
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Today, on the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, people around the world are celebrating under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” This year’s focus is on channeling our collective energy to protect and restore the environment—because real change happens when we all get involved.
Within AIChE, the Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF) is a vibrant hub for those passionate about using engineering to drive positive environmental change. Focused on innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions, SEF brings together professionals and students alike to explore the cutting edge of sustainability.
To celebrate Earth Day, we caught up with Dr. Eric Tan, senior research engineer and sustainability analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), SEF Chair, and an AIChE Fellow, to talk about how chemical engineering is powering a greener future. He discusses the innovative solutions being developed to address environmental challenges, the opportunities available for early-career engineers and students within SEF, and the unique aspects that make SEF a dynamic community committed to meaningful change.
What inspires you most about applying chemical engineering to solve sustainability challenges?
Chemical engineering has great potential to tackle sustainability challenges, and what inspires me most is its capacity for innovation and making a real difference. It combines creativity with technical expertise to design processes and develop technologies that minimize environmental impacts, reduce waste, and create renewable energy sources.
For instance, advancements in carbon capture, biodegradable materials, and efficient recycling processes illustrate how chemical engineering can lead us toward a more sustainable future. Additionally, it is encouraging to see the interdisciplinary collaboration involved in this effort, as it brings together chemists, engineers, environmental scientists, and policymakers to address global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion.
What motivates me most is envisioning how these solutions can improve the quality of life, protect ecosystems, and create a healthier planet for future generations. It's about harnessing science to innovate for good and build a legacy of sustainability.
How can early-career engineers and students connect with opportunities through AIChE Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF)?
Early-career engineers and students can connect with various opportunities through the AIChE Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF), which offers a range of programming and resources. SEF promotes sustainable engineering and development, providing platforms for both technical and professional growth. It can also be complemented by other AIChE programs, such as the Early Career Community (ECC).
What makes the Sustainable Engineering Forum a unique and energizing community within AIChE?
The Sustainable Engineering Forum (SEF) within AIChE stands out as a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to advancing sustainability principles and practices across disciplines. It fosters collaboration among professionals, researchers, and students, creating a platform for technical and professional development.
SEF's unique programming includes conferences, webinars, and leadership meetings that address cutting-edge topics like carbon capture, renewable energy, and circular economy innovations. The forum also emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle global sustainability challenges.
What makes it truly energizing is its commitment to empowering members to contribute to meaningful change while building connections and sharing knowledge.
What are your favorite SEF resources, events, or experiences that support your sustainability goals?
To inspire and support sustainability goals, SEF offers webinars and conferences that delve into innovative topics such as energy advancements, carbon capture, and developments in the circular economy. SEF serves as a technical platform that welcomes participation from all disciplines at the AIChE Annual Meeting, with an emphasis on promoting technical and professional development based on sustainability principles and practices. In recent years, hundreds of abstracts have been submitted for over 60 sessions organized by SEF, which are divided into three main programming areas: Sustainability Science and Engineering, Sustainable Biorefineries, and Sustainable Energy. These events provide excellent opportunities for networking and learning from leading experts in the field.
Learn more about the Sustainable Engineering Forum.
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