GROUP 2

KADZERE TERRY R214244Q

PANASHE MUNYERE R214253F
MORRISON SIKHOSANA R214255S
SIBONGINKOSI NCUBE R214251V
MUGOVE MUTYAMBIZI R214234Q

Sustainable Engineering and

Innovation
University of Zimbabwe, Electrical Power
 INTRODUCTION

• Sustain - Able to be produced or

sustained for an indefinite period without
damaging the environment or without
depleting a resource.
• Sustainable engineering involves
designing and managing systems that use
energy and resources at rates that do not
compromise the environment or future
generations (Dincer, 2020).
• Zimbabwe, with its reliance on agriculture,
is particularly vulnerable to climate change
impacts that can emanate from use of non-
renewable and unsustainable resources
hence as engineers its our duty to come up
with innovative and sustainable
engineering solutions to the problems we
face.
 KEY PRINCIPLES OF
SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING

• Resource Efficiency
• Life Cycle Thinking
• Renewable Resources
• Sustainable Materials
• Social Responsibility
• Resilience and Adaptability
 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

• Focuses on using resources like materials, energy, and water in a way that reduces waste
and optimizes resource consumption.
• Minimizing Waste: Implement techniques such as recycling and reusing materials within
systems to minimize the generation of waste.
• Energy Efficiency: Design processes to minimize energy losses and promote energy-
efficient practices, especially in industries with high power demands.
• Reducing Ecological Footprint: Sustainable engineering aims to lower the environmental
impact by conserving resources and implementing green technologies.
 LIFE CYCLE THINKING

• Whole-Life Approach: This examines the entire life cycle of a product, from resource extraction to
production, use, and end-of-life disposal.
• By designing with life cycle stages in mind, engineers can make choices that minimize negative
environmental impacts throughout a product’s life (Reducing Environmental Impacts).
• It encourages designs that allow products and components to be reused, refurbished, or recycled
(Supporting Circular Economy).
• Life cycle thinking prioritizes durable materials and modular designs, reducing the need for frequent
replacements and waste generation (Extending Product Life).
• Life cycle thinking aims to identify and minimize emissions across each phase of a product’s life
hence offers room for Lowering Carbon Footprint.
 RENEWABLE RESOURCES
• This principle Prioritizing the use of Clean Energy
• Integrates renewable resources like solar, wind, and biomass, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• To achieve this Engineers can practice Sustainable Power Generation, through which they can
design systems that efficiently harness these resources for power, thereby reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
• This principle also promotes investment in renewable energy technologies to increase their economic
viability and accessibility.
• focusing on Reducing Environmental Impact - Renewable resources typically have a lower
environmental footprint, making them more sustainable in the long run.
• Focuses on developing new technologies to make renewable sources more reliable and accessible
 SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS:

• Focuses on Environmentally Friendly Materials

• Encourage use of materials that are non-toxic, biodegradable, or have minimal environmental impact
in their extraction and production.
• Reducing Dependency on Non-Renewables materials - By choosing sustainable alternatives,
engineers can lessen reliance on finite resources
• Promote Innovating in Material Science - Advances in materials, such as bio-based polymers and
recycled composites, provide sustainable substitutes
• Improving Product End-of-Life: Engineers consider materials that can be repurposed or recycled
easily, contributing to a circular economy.
• Balancing Cost and Impact: Sustainable materials are often more costly, so engineers work to
balance affordability with environmental impact.
 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

This principle focus on:

• Engaging Stakeholders: Involve communities and stakeholders to ensure engineering solutions
address real social needs and have positive local impacts
• Promoting Social Equity: Sustainable engineering considers how projects impact different
populations, aiming to reduce disparities and support inclusivity.
• Improving Quality of Life: Designs should benefit communities, whether through clean water
access, reliable energy, or pollution reduction.
• Respecting Cultural and Local Contexts: Engineers must ensure that projects are culturally
sensitive and respectful of local norms and practices.
• Incorporating Ethical Considerations: Ethical engineering practices are essential to foster trust,
accountability, and long-term community support.
 RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY

This principle focuses on :

• Designing for Climate Resilience: Systems are built to withstand adverse climate conditions,
ensuring long-term functionality even under extreme weather.
• Building Adaptable Systems: Engineering solutions should be flexible enough to adapt to future
technological, environmental, or social changes.
• Focusing on Robustness: Resilient designs can endure disruptions, such as natural disasters, with
minimal damage to infrastructure.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Engineering solutions are designed to be scalable and flexible to meet
changing demands and integrate emerging technologies.
• Ensuring Longevity: By prioritizing durability and resilience, engineers create solutions that require
fewer resources over time, reducing maintenance needs.
 ROLE OF INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING

1. Developing Clean Energy Solutions - Innovations in renewable energy,

like solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, help reduce dependency on fossil
fuels.
2. Improving Resource Efficiency - Engineering innovation enables more
efficient use of materials, water, and energy, reducing waste and pollution
3. Advanced Technologies - Development of smart technologies (e.g., IoT,
AI) that optimize energy use, improve efficiency, and reduce waste.
4. New Business Models - Creation of business models that prioritize
sustainability, such as product-as-a-service, which encourages reuse and
recycling
5. Collaborative Solutions - Fostering partnerships between industries,
governments, and communities to co-create sustainable solutions that
leverage diverse expertise
6. Regenerative Practices: - Innovating practices that not only minimize
 ROLE OF ENGINEERING INNOVATION IN
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
‘’Innovation in engineering is central to achieving sustainable development in
Zimbabwe and beyond” (United Nations, 2020)

• SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: Engineering solutions like solar-

powered water pumps and purification systems improve clean water access
and sanitation, essential for Zimbabwe’s rural and underserved areas.
• SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Innovations in solar, wind, and
biomass provide affordable, renewable energy, reducing fossil fuel reliance
and promoting economic growth.
• SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Sustainable
infrastructure, energy-efficient manufacturing, and resilient construction
support economic development and climate resilience in Zimbabwe.
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: Engineers lead in climate solutions—such as
renewable energy and adaptive infrastructure—helping reduce carbon
SUCCESSFUL SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING PROJECTS THAT
HIGHLIGHT INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABILITY

• The Eden Project (UK)

• Solar Roadways (USA)
• The Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Project (Norway) - A research project focused on creating
buildings that produce as much energy as they consume.
 WHERE ARE WE IN ZIMBABWE ON SUSTAINABILITY ?

1. Green Buildings and Infrastructure:

Example: Eco-friendly housing projects and solar-integrated
structures in Zimbabwe.
2. Waste-to-Energy Technology:Technologies turning organic
waste into energy.
Example: Bio-digesters used in Zimbabwean farming communities.
 C H A LLE N G E S FA C E D BY T H E S E S U S TA IN A BLE E N G IN E E R IN G PR O J E C T S

• Funding and Financial Viability: Securing funding for high initial costs can
delay projects or lead to scaled-back implementations.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Complex regulations can prolong approval processes,
increasing project costs and timelines.
• Technological Limitations: Dependence on untested technologies may result in
performance issues and unexpected costs
• Public Perception and Acceptance: Gaining community support can be
challenging, leading to resistance and complicating implementation.
• Scalability: Many solutions are context-specific, limiting broader application and
scalability.
• Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Integrating new systems with
outdated infrastructure can increase costs and complexity.
• Cultural and Behavioral Barriers: Resistance to behavioral changes can
undermine the effectiveness of sustainable initiatives.
• Data and Measurement Challenges: Lack of data makes it difficult to measure
 MANEUVER THEORY OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

• The maneuver theory, is an adaptive approach that applies

strategic principles from military maneuver theory to the field of
sustainable design.
• It focuses on flexibility, responsiveness, and iterative problem-
solving in the face of uncertain, dynamic environmental and
social challenges
• Applied to sustainable design, it encourages designers to
anticipate challenges, adapt to change, and prioritize rapid,
iterative improvements.
 FOCUS OF MANEUVER THEORY OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

• Adapting to Uncertainty:
• Maneuver warfare deals with uncertainty, limited information, and many obstacles — a reality also faced in
sustainability innovation
• Sustainability innovators must navigate policy changes, resource constraints, and environmental risks, mirroring
military strategy’s adaptability.
• The OODA Loop and Sustainable Innovation:
• The OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a decision-making and learning model for uncertain
environments, crucial for sustainable innovation.
• Innovators observe environmental shifts, orient by re-evaluating models, make decisions quickly despite
unknowns, and act to refine approaches through feedback.
• Challenge Conventional Thinking: Similar to strategic warfare, maneuver theory encourages
innovators to challenge current mental models.
• Fast Decision-Making for Faster Learning:
• In high-stakes sustainability, waiting for perfect information can halt progress.
• The maneuver theory promotes rapid action, so innovators can quickly adapt to new information, improving
environmental impact and sustainable solutions
• It offers room for Creating Resilient Systems
 E M O T I O N A L LY D U R A B L E D E S I G N I N S U S TA I N A B L E E N G I N E E R I N G A N D I N N OVAT I O N

• Emotionally Durable Design, is another genre of sustainable design which focuses on the
emotional relationship between users and products
• Emotionally durable design is a way or process that creates products that foster long-term
emotional connections with users, extending product life and reducing waste.
• Emotionally Durable Products proposes that sustainable design should move beyond just
recycling and biodegradability and focus on “creative strategies and practical tools that will
enable designers from a range of disciplines to explore new ways of thinking and design
objects capable of supporting deeper and more meaningful relationships with their users
example = iPhone's "Designed in California" storytelling.
• Products are designed to age gracefully, enhancing emotional attachment and discouraging
premature disposal (Longevity)
 FIVE KEY QUALITIES WHICH A DESIGNER SHOULD
KEEP IN MIND WHILE DESIGNING
• Evoke memories - Products which were a part of users special memories will always be
worth more than just their functionality to them. It is important that users can include the
products designed in developing special memories.
• Rewarding - User will continue to relate to certain object only if it is rewarding. The
product designed should not only be of higher quality but also easy to maintain for a better
user experience. If the usage of the product is not smooth and easy, it will never reach to
the level of emotions and empathy required.
• Animacy - The products need to have a soul for users to remain engaged. Many mass-
produced products look lifeless giving a clear impression that they are manufactured by
machines. Even a slight alteration to the design can make users develop a strong bond with
the product.
• Adapt to the user’s identity - People use physical objects to express themselves and
therefore, after certain period of usage, the products should reflect its owner's identity.
Personalised products have more chances to stay with the user for longer period in
comparison to products which are available for everyone.
• Involvement - A user is interested in a product as long as it is interesting or provides
E M O T I O N A L LY D U R A B L E D E S I G N V S T R A D I T I O N A L D E S I G N P R O D U C T L I F E C YC L E

VS
 B E N E F I T S O F E M O T I O N A L LY D U R A B L E D E S I G N

• Reduces Waste and Environmental Impact: Extending product lifespan

minimizes the need for replacements, leading to less material waste and reduced
carbon footprint.
• Enhances Product Value and Attachment: By fostering emotional bonds,
products become more valued by users, discouraging disposal and promoting reuse
and maintenance
• Supports a Circular Economy: Durable products contribute to sustainable
consumption by aligning with circular economy principles, encouraging repair and
repurposing rather than disposal.
• Promotes Resource Efficiency: Focusing on longevity reduces resource demand
over time, conserving raw materials and energy used in manufacturing.
• Encourages Sustainable Behavior: Cultivates user habits of maintaining and
personalizing items, reinforcing environmentally conscious consumption patterns.
 DRAWBACKS OF EMOTIONALLY DURABLE DESIGN

• Higher Initial Costs: Designing products for emotional durability often requires
higher-quality materials and intricate design processes, which may increase initial
costs
• Market Acceptance Challenges: Not all consumers prioritize emotional
attachment to products, especially in fast-paced, trend-driven markets, potentially
limiting appeal.
• Complexity in Design: Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and emotional appeal
can be challenging and may require more time and resources in the design phase
• Potential for Increased Production Impact: If durability demands premium
materials or complex processes, it may initially have a larger environmental
impact compared to simpler designs.
• Limited Applicability: Not all products lend themselves to emotional durability,
particularly highly functional items that prioritize utility over aesthetics or
personalization
 CONCLUSION

Sustainable engineering and innovation are integral to addressing the pressing challenges of our time,
including climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. By prioritizing sustainability in
engineering practices and embracing innovative solutions, we can create a more resilient and equitable
future. This approach not only benefits the environment but also fosters economic growth and enhances
the quality of life for communities worldwide. Through collaboration and creativity, sustainable
engineering can lead to transformative changes that pave the way for a sustainable world.

Every engineering decision we make must consider the needs of future generations.
Together, we can build a sustainable future !!!
 REFERENCES

• Dincer, I., 2020. Sustainability of engineering systems. Elsevier

• Nyoni, T., 2021. The role of solar energy in Zimbabwe's energy landscape. Renewable Energy Journal
• United Nations, 2020. Sustainable Development Goals and Zimbabwe. UNDP. Available at: UNDP
Zimbabwe (Accessed: 27/10/2024).
• World Health Organization, 2021. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Available at: WHO WASH
(Accessed: 27/10/2024)
• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2021. Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2020.
Available at: IRENA Report (Accessed: 27/10/2024)