Mechanical Engineers expect increase in sustainable design work

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Autodesk released the results of the second annual Sustainable Design Trend Watch Survey. The study’s findings indicate that mechanical engineers expect to see an increase in sustainable design work in 2010.

The online survey polled approximately 53,000 ASME professionals and nearly 20,000 ASME student members over a two-week period, generating more than 3,000 respondents in the United States. About 65 percent of the professional engineer respondents had more than 20 years of engineering career experience, with more than 20 percent focusing on the design and development of products, systems or equipment. Nearly 20 percent of the respondents work in the energy and power industry, with another 15 percent in consulting/design/professional services.

The survey also reported for the second consecutive year that more than two-thirds of the mechanical engineers who participated in the study have worked on sustainable products, and more than half of ASME student members are involved with sustainable design in their studies.

According to survey results, designs that use less energy or reduce emissions remain the most important sustainable technology practice, while manufacturing processes that use less energy and natural resources were also a priority. The survey indicates that top drivers of sustainable design practices within organizations include regulatory requirements, rising energy costs and client demand.

In addition, respondents indicated that cost is a major consideration, with one-third of respondents reporting they would consider sustainable technologies for new products only if they are cost saving.
www.autodesk.com/sustainabilityreport