How can environmental engineers help organizations reduce their environmental impact and increase profits?

3 Performance enhancement

Sustainable design also aims to improve the quality, functionality, and durability of products, processes, and services while reducing their environmental impact. Environmental engineers can help organizations enhance performance by applying the concepts of eco-innovation, eco-efficiency, and eco-effectiveness. For example, they can design and test new products and materials that have lower environmental footprints, higher functionality, and longer lifespans, such as bioplastics, biomimetic structures, and nanomaterials.

4 Compliance assurance

Finally, sustainable design also requires complying with the environmental laws, regulations, and standards that govern the activities of organizations and protect the health and safety of people and ecosystems. Environmental engineers can help organizations ensure compliance by conducting environmental impact assessments, risk analyses, and monitoring and reporting programs. For example, they can help organizations comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

5 Skills and qualifications

To become an environmental engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering. You also need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain a professional engineer license. Additionally, you may need to obtain certifications or credentials from organizations such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, or the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. Moreover, you need to develop skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, teamwork, and project management.

6 Career paths

Environmental engineering is a diverse and dynamic field that offers various career paths and opportunities. You can work in different sectors, such as consulting, manufacturing, construction, energy, water, waste, transportation, agriculture, or government. You can also specialize in different areas, such as air quality, water quality, soil remediation, climate change, renewable energy, green building, or environmental policy. You can also advance your career by pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, obtaining a leadership or management position, or starting your own business or consultancy.