Sustainable Design Principles in Mechanical Engineering

Sustainability in engineering isn’t just a concern for “specialists” anymore, it’s become a part of how the entire industry operates. Mechanical engineers entering the field are now expected to be capable of designing solutions that are not only successful but also minimise environmental impact.

Preparing students to meet this demand from day one should be the focus of any Mechanical Engineering degree, and sustainability is a key learning consideration throughout your studies at the University of Greater Manchester.

Designing for the future

Modern mechanical engineers must strike a balance between performance and their ethical responsibilities, especially now with such a broad focus on how consumers make more informed choices. In real terms, this means designing products, systems and processes that are energy efficient, conscious of resources and built to last.

Throughout your studies, you’ll learn how to approach every project with sustainability in mind. This can include:

● Using renewable or recyclable materials

● Minimising waste in manufacturing processes

● Improving energy efficiency in mechanical systems

● Taking into account repairability and product lifespan

● Considering environmental impact across a product’s life cycle

Our students also explore frameworks such as circular economy design, sustainable supply chain management and green manufacturing processes.

Real-world sustainability projects in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a proud industrial heritage and has become a hub for sustainable innovation in the UK, offering Mechanical Engineering students a close-up look at environmentally conscious engineering in action at almost every turn. Notable projects in the region include:

● Co-op Live Arena — Opened in May 2024, Co-Op Live stands as the UK’s largest indoor arena and one of the world’s most sustainable entertainment venues. The arena operates entirely on electricity, incorporating solar panels, air-source heat pumps and an innovative rainwater harvesting system to minimise its environmental impact.

● Scout Moor Wind Farm Expansion — Plans are underway to expand Scout Moor Wind Farm into England’s largest onshore wind farm. The proposed development includes 21 wind turbines capable of generating enough power to supply approximately 100,000 homes.

● Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester — The UCEGM project has implemented multiple renewable energy schemes across the Greater Manchester region, creating a replicable model for other regions in the UK aiming for net-zero carbon emissions.

● The IGNITION Project — A collaborative effort to develop innovative financing solutions for nature-based projects which enhance climate resilience in urban areas, such as green roofs and sustainable urban drainage systems.

These initiatives provide our students with tangible examples of how sustainable engineering principles are being applied locally which can inform their studies and, in turn, future careers.

Careers in green engineering and renewable technologies

Graduates of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Greater Manchester are well-placed to pursue roles in industries focused on environmental responsibility, including:

● Renewable energy — Wind, solar, tidal and geothermal systems

● Sustainable transport — Electric vehicles, rail and cycling infrastructure

● Energy-efficient manufacturing — Reducing waste and optimising production

● Sustainable construction — Heating, ventilation and structural efficiency

● Product design — Developing environmentally friendly consumer goods

In Greater Manchester alone, investment in green technology and infrastructure continues to create opportunities for skilled engineers. Ready to engineer a sustainable future? Find out more about studying Mechanical Engineering and specialising in sustainable design by calling us on +44 (0)1204 900 600 or sending an email to enquiries@bolton.ac.uk.