Recently there has been increased attention on the contribution of designers — be it of molecules, products, processes, buildings or systems — in mutually furthering social, economic, and environmental benefits towards the goal of sustainability. To illustrate how the Principles of Green Engineering can be applied across disciplines, this talk will examine two case studies: algal biofuels and a novel sorbent for arsenic. These studies demonstrate that although there are differences in terminology and jargon among those who design molecules, materials, and infrastructure systems, the fundamental approaches and guidelines in moving towards sustainability are common.

Dr. Julie Beth Zimmerman is an Associate Professor of Green Engineering at Yale University, where she also serves as the Acting Director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. Her research interests include green chemistry and engineering, systems dynamics modeling of natural and engineered water systems, environmentally benign design and manufacturing, the fate and impacts of anthropogenic compounds in the environment as well as appropriate water treatment technologies for the developing world. Dr. Zimmerman previously served as an engineer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where she launched EPA's P3 (People, Prosperity, and the Planet) Award Program: A National Student Deisng Competition for Sustainability. She received a joint Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Policy.