BASU SAHA
London South Bank University, Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering Science and the Built Environment, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Green process engineering (GPE) is an approach to make a hazardous and wasteful process more sustainable. The implementation of a wide range of innovative and effective green process technologies over the years has led to more environmentally friendly approaches that have resulted in greater pollution prevention via waste reduction and efficiency maximisation. This paper highlights some novel applications of green process engineering, particularly in the areas of supercritical carbon dioxide and catalytic processes, including the guidelines utilised in designing a green process, following twelve principles of green engineering.

INTRODUCTION

One of the missions of modern green engineering community is to design and develop sustainable and economically proficient processes whilst giving adequate protection to the environment. Green process engineering (GPE) is defined as, “the design, commercialization, and use of processes and products, which are feasible and economical while minimizing (a) generation of pollution at the source and (b) risk to human health and the environment. Green engineering embraces the concept that decisions to protect human health and the environment can have the greatest impact and cost effectiveness when applied early to the design and development phase of a process or product” (1). In the UK, the first systematic attempts to control the polluting effects of the industrial revolution were made by the Alkali Acts in the 19th Century (2). However, the modern “green” revolution dates back in the 60's and linked to the book of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962. But it was not until 1972 that we saw the introduction of legislation which addressed pollution of water and land (Deposit of Poisonous Wastes Act 1972). Consequently, the scientific com ...