Session: Applying Chemical Engineering Towards a Green Economy

The United Nations Environmental Programme defines a green economy as: “One that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. Practically speaking, a green economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes. This development path should maintain, enhance and, where necessary, rebuild natural capital as a critical economic asset and source of public benefits, especially for poor people whose livelihoods and security depend strongly on nature.” This session invites papers which promote the idea of a green economy through chemical engineering applications. Papers are sought primarily for quantitative analysis of green economy initiatives, such as life cycle assessment and green indicators and metrics. The session chairs encourage submission of success stories and efforts undertaken by the Department of State, government and private sectors, and also by academia on methods to pursue a green economy. UNEP efforts toward Cleaner Production are explored in this session as well.