What Is Environmental Engineering? It's Important Role in Health

We think we live in a world where clean air is as abundant as sunlight, where pristine waters flow freely, and where ecosystems thrive undisturbed.

However, the reality is far from idyllic. Pollution, climate change, and resource depletion pose significant threats to our planet's health and well-being. These challenges demand innovative solutions that can address the complex environmental issues of our time.

Environmental engineers often rely on tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and environmental modeling software, to analyze data, model environmental systems, and design sustainable solutions. 

History of environmental engineering

Since ancient times, people have changed or improved the environment to meet their needs. Many civilizations had drainage systems as early as 4000 to 2000 BCE. 

There is strong evidence that the Indus Valley Civilization had advanced control over water resources, including public work systems such as wells, drinking water systems, sewage collection systems, and early canal irrigation systems facilitating large-scale agriculture. Greeks also had aqueducts and sewer systems that used rain and wastewater for irrigation.

Modern environmental engineering began in London in the mid-nineteenth century. Joseph Bazalgette, a chief engineer at London’s Metropolitan Board of Works, designed the first sewage system. This system was used to carry the city’s waste to the river Thames, leading to an outbreak of cholera later on. 

Engineers observed the impact of dumping waste in the river and provided innovative solutions to treat waste before disposal. Subsequently, drinking water treatment plants were also designed to reduce outbreaks of water-borne diseases caused by contaminated water. 

Environmental engineering became a separate discipline under civil engineering in the mid-twentieth century. Its focus was on improving the environment and minimizing its degradation.

Why is environmental engineering important?

Environmental engineering has a profound impact on our day-to-day lives. It helps us get safe drinking water, reduce water pollution, and facilitate proper waste disposal. 

Engineers use advanced technology, such as geographical information systems (GIS), to analyze data related to the soil or water profile in a particular geographical area. Based on the analysis, the engineers recommend water treatment techniques and methods. 

Water treatment and purification is just one area of study in the environmental engineering discipline. Another area that’s crucial for humans is solid waste management. 

Every person generates some quantity of waste every day. Environmental engineers recommend ways for government and private authorities to manage this waste so it doesn’t contribute to environmental pollution. They analyze waste generation per capita for a sample population living in a particular area and suggest waste collection, management, and disposal methods. 

For example, an environmental engineer will suggest the best location to construct a landfill based on their soil profile analysis. Similarly, they can recommend other ways of waste disposal, such as incineration or waste combustion. 

Environmental engineering applications

Environmental engineering has a diverse range of applications. Simply put, it can be applied to any aspect of the environment that impacts human life. Below are some notable applications of environmental engineering. 

Water purification and treatment

Environmental engineers determine the actual water requirement in a region and check whether watersheds hold the necessary amounts. The water goes through designed treatment processes and is stored in water tanks to fulfill the population's needs. 

Engineers suggest various tactics and measures to treat water and make it fit for drinking and household purposes. Treatments help remove toxic impurities and adjust the water’s taste and odor. Environmental engineers also design water distribution systems to create optimal water pressure and quality for domestic, irrigation, or fire suppression uses. 

Environmental impact assessment

Engineers use scientific techniques to determine whether certain activities have adverse effects on nature’s ecosystems and suggest mitigation strategies if any activity can damage the environment. 

The primary purpose of environmental impact assessments is to inform decision-makers about the consequences of proposed plans. This helps them make informed decisions about whether or not to proceed with a project. These assessments help planners account for environmental value, considering the detailed study of a specific project's impact on the environment. 

Engineers apply various methods to conduct environmental impact assessments. Product environment lifecycle analysis is usually performed on industrial products to identify and evaluate their impact on the environment. Engineers sometimes use fuzzy logic in their estimation since some environmental effects, like landscape quality and social acceptance, cannot be quantified. 

Solid waste and wastewater management

Environmental engineering provides solutions to waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal. Depending on the constituents of solid waste, environmental engineers recommend possible techniques to manage and dispose of it without damaging the environment.

Wastewater, on the other hand, when dumped in rivers or other areas without treatment, can lead to an outbreak of infectious diseases. Environmental engineers design wastewater treatment plants to discharge wastewater without compromising the environment. 

Engineers recommend various techniques, such as aeration followed by flocculation and sedimentation, activated sludge treatment, and disinfection, based on the constituents of wastewater and its source. Then, a secondary clarifier removes activated sludge from the wastewater, and the tertiary system removes nitrogen and phosphorus before discharging it into the ocean or surface water streams.

Air pollution management

Engineers suggest ways to control and manage air toxicity. They use engineering principles to calculate the most favorable air quality for humans, recommend ways to control pollutants, and arrive at a reasonable air quality index. 

With the growing concern for the rising temperature, environmental engineers study the emission of greenhouse gases and recommend methods to control them. Moreover, they spread awareness, address issues like acid rain, and advise legal authorities on ways to minimize sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere. 

Why are environmental engineers important?

Environmental engineers manage the effects of pollution and solid waste on the environment and living organisms, including hazardous waste management. They collaborate with scientists to find innovative ways to minimize and control damages caused by contaminants and improper waste disposal.

Environmental engineers may work in different areas outside the scope of their training. They collaborate with industrialists, lawyers, or government officials to work on projects where they might need to study and understand administrative documents.

On the other hand, environmental engineers understand that their designs are part of a bigger project that includes different machinery, technologies, and people. Engineers should know how their proposed design will impact other elements of the project.

Where do environmental engineers work?

Environmental engineers are employed in a variety of settings based on their area of expertise, such as agriculture, industry, government agencies, or consulting firms.

Their work typically begins in offices where they plan projects, analyze data, and write reports. However, site visits are often necessary to assess the environmental impact of construction activities or other projects, allowing engineers to collect firsthand data and communicate with stakeholders.

Environmental engineers may also interact with clients to provide guidance and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their work can have a local or global focus, offering opportunities for international travel, particularly for projects that require collaboration across borders or in diverse ecological contexts.

Many environmental engineers are increasingly involved in addressing global challenges like climate change, sustainability, and renewable energy, which may involve participation in international conferences and partnerships.

Types of environmental engineering jobs

Historically, environmental engineering jobs were created to support municipal and urban planning officials in designing sustainable infrastructure. However, with today's heightened awareness of environmental issues and a more eco-conscious society, the landscape has shifted. Instead of being predominantly employed by government offices, environmental engineers are now in demand from various sectors, driven by public interest and corporate responsibility.

This is because environmental engineering is not just about building for the future; it has a direct and positive impact on the day-to-day lives of countless individuals across the globe. For instance, a new record was set in 2023 for adding the most LEED-certified gross square footage (GSF) of green building space in a single year as the world saw alarming climate impacts, including record-setting temperatures and storms of increasing intensity.

In total, there were more than 6,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide, representing 1.36 billion gross square feet.

Major corporations are actively responding to this demand by launching green marketing initiatives that highlight their commitment to positive environmental change.

For instance, Starbucks confirmed earlier this year that it plans to establish 6,000 Greener Stores across more than 40 markets worldwide. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, minimize water usage, and decrease landfill waste, all while promoting sustainable sourcing practices.

In addition to traditional roles in consulting and government, environmental engineers are increasingly finding opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, water resources, and environmental compliance.

They may work on projects related to solar and wind energy development, waste-to-energy technologies, and the design of sustainable urban drainage systems. The rise of innovative technologies, like smart grids and green chemistry, also expands the scope of environmental engineering, providing new avenues for professionals in this field.

With the growing focus on sustainability and climate resilience, the future looks promising for environmental engineers. Their expertise will be crucial in addressing global challenges such as climate change, habitat preservation, and resource depletion, making it an exciting time to pursue a career in this impactful field.

Move toward sustainability

With the growing population and increasing consumption of resources, it’s paramount to move toward environmentally sustainable development.

Businesses need to consider the impact of their projects on the environment in their cost-benefit analysis. This leads to the adoption of sustainable development strategies and ensures that businesses can thrive now and in the future. 

Learn more about sustainability management software and achieve more sustainable production and development systems.

This article was originally published in 2021. It has been updated with new information.