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Ten Ecological Commandments: How did these early ideas influence modern engineering?
Ecological and environmental considerations are receiving increasing attention in future engineering designs. As early as 1966 to 1970, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) proposed a set of concepts called "Ten Ecological Commandments for Earth Citizens". These commandments had a profound impact on the subsequent development of modern engineering. These precepts emphasized the importance of respecting the laws of nature, learning from nature's wisdom, and protecting biological diversity, principles that are still reflected in engineering practice today.
Respect the laws of nature and learn from the wisdom of nature; do not reduce the diversity and richness of living species; do not pollute.
The Ten Ecological Commandments emphasize responsibility for the planet and future generations, calling on us to face our responsibility for the planet and follow the principles of sustainability in all economic activities. This concept was first proposed at the UNESCO conference in Paris in 1968 and advocated by Peter Menke-Glückert. These concepts form the basis of modern "green engineering", emphasizing the responsibility of every engineer to maintain sustainable values and practices in design.
Information about environmental damage belongs to all of humanity, not just privileged corporations.
"Green engineering" incorporates the balance between environment and economy into engineering design, aiming to protect the environment by reducing pollution and improving the efficiency of material and energy use. With the rise of "green chemistry", this concept has received increasing attention. Since 1991, the green chemistry discourse led by Paul Anastas and John C. Warner has further emphasized reducing harm to the environment and human body.
Twelve principles of green engineering
In 2003, Paul Anastas and his wife Julie Zimmerman co-founded the "Twelve Principles of Green Engineering". These principles not only address environmental protection requirements in chemical reactions, but also address environmental protection in the engineering design process. Considerations provide guidance. These principles call on designers to try to choose harmless and sustainable solutions in material selection and energy use.
"Prevention is better than cure", avoiding waste generation is the primary goal of design.
Nine principles of green engineering
At the Sandenstein Resort Conference in the same year, about 65 chemists, engineers and government officials discussed and formulated the "Nine Principles of Green Engineering." These principles focus on fine-tuning the design to make it more future-proof and introduce systems thinking into the design process. The nine principles later received support and recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation and other agencies.
"A desire to improve, innovate and create new technologies to achieve sustainable development".
In addition, "sustainable engineering" and "green engineering" are sometimes regarded as synonyms, and both share a common foundation in concern for environmental impact and resource management. The concept of sustainable development is gradually integrated into the fields of engineering and chemistry, gradually guiding engineers to think about how to build a better future without depleting natural resources.
Implementation and future prospects of green projects
The diversification of the modern engineering field and its interaction with the environment have made the application of green engineering more widespread. From manufacturing to urban planning, green engineering promotes sustainable design and implementation in a systematic manner. Every engineering project should not only consider economic benefits, but also consider environmental impact and social responsibility.
Advances in technology, such as the application of ionic liquids in environmentally friendly solvents or the energy-efficient production of ceramic tiles, have shown the potential of green engineering. These new methods not only reduce resource waste, but also provide us with more environmentally friendly options.
Today, as ecological and environmental awareness continues to grow, early ecological precepts still have an important influence on modern engineering. It not only shapes our design philosophy today, but also guides how we continue to promote the process of sustainable development in the future. In the face of rapidly changing technological and environmental challenges, can these concepts lead us towards a more sustainable future?
