Chemical engineering in a sustainable economy

Sustainability constitutes a new development paradigm that builds on the recognition of limitations of resources, the necessity for inter and transgenerational equity within human society and the need for preservation of life supporting natural systems. Growing from its roots in the late 20th century it has evolved into a serious guiding principle for human development for the 21st century. This development paradigm has strong implications for the professional practice of chemical engineers, in particular the way they design industrial processes. One aspect of sustainable development will be a much stronger focus on renewable resources for energy provision as well as bio-resources for fuel, storable energy and chemicals. This will change the structure of industrial processes, requiring adaptation to spatial context as well as a broader process concept including logistic considerations into the process development. Responsibility for the whole life cycle of industrial production, process intensification and thinking in technology networks rather than optimising isolated steps within life cycles and technology networks will define the framework in which chemical engineers will have to carry out their design. The strong interdisciplinary base of chemical engineering as well as the significance of many methods like mass and energy balances and the systemic development of processes for the general transformation of society towards sustainability put chemical engineers in a central role in sustainable development. Sharpening their capabilities and developing their instruments and skills further to meet the challenges posed by sustainable development will be necessary in order to realise the considerable potential for the profession of chemical engineers in future. (C) 2013 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.