LESSON 1.

Introduction to
Environmental Science and
Engineering
Prepared by:
Engr. Lazaro V. Nialla

School of Engineering – Electrical Engineering Program

Aurora State College of Technology
Zabali Campus, Baler, Aurora

School of Engineering
 Introduction to Environmental Science

Fundamental Principles of Environmental

Science

Importance of Environmental Science in

Engineering

Role of Engineering in Environmental Solutions

Table of Impact of Engineering Solutions

Contents (Global, Economic, Environmental, and

Societal)
Unit 1.
Introduction to
Environmental
Science

Understanding the Role of Environmental Science in Engineering

Environmental Science is
an interdisciplinary field
that combines physical,
biological, and
information sciences to
study the environment
and find solutions to
environmental problems.
Environmental Science is
an interdisciplinary field

1. Natural Sciences
• information about the world

2. Social Sciences
• values and human behavior,
politics, economy, etc.
Environmental
science:

How does the

natural world work?

Environment  impacts 
Humans
It has an applied
goal:

Developing solutions
to environmental
problems
Environmental Science in the 21st
Century

01 02
Growing concerns over Increasing emphasis on
climate change, sustainability, resource
biodiversity loss, and conservation, and
resource depletion environmental protection
Key Areas of Study in
Environmental Science:

The study of ecosystems, species interactions, and

Ecology biodiversity.
Understanding the Earth’s physical structure, resources, and
Geology hazards.
Atmospheric
Focusing on air quality, weather patterns, and climate change.
Science
Study of water systems, their quality, distribution, and
Hydrology conservation.
Environmental Analysis of pollutants, chemical cycles, and toxicology in
Chemistry ecosystems.
Key Questions Environmental Science
Seeks to Address:
How do natural ecosystems function?

What are the environmental impacts of human activities?

How can we create sustainable solutions for resource

management and pollution control?
The Importance of Systems
Thinking
Systems thinking in environmental science emphasizes
understanding how different components (biotic and
abiotic) interact in complex ways within ecosystems.

It’s crucial for engineers to approach

environmental challenges holistically to ensure
sustainability.
Unit 2.
Fundamental
Principles of
Environmental
Science

Key Concepts for Understanding Environmental Systems

Core Interdependence
Principles
Sustainability

Stewardship

Scientific Inquiry
Interdependence

All living and non-living

components of the
environment are
interconnected.
Example:

Food Webs
Example:

Nutrient Cycles
– Carbon Cycle
Example:

Nutrient Cycles
– Nitrogen Cycle
Example:

Nutrient Cycles –
Phosphorus Cycle
Example:

Habitat
Relationships
Sustainability

The ability to meet present needs

without compromising future
generations.
Economic
Sustainability
• Focuses on maintaining economic
growth while ensuring that resources are
used efficiently and responsibly.

• Examples:
• Sustainable business practices (e.g.,
reducing waste, using sustainable
materials).
• Green jobs and industries that promote
renewable energy and sustainability.
Social Sustainability
• Emphasizes the importance of social
equity, community engagement,
and quality of life.

• Examples
• Access to education, healthcare,
and fair labor practices.
• Community development
initiatives that empower local
populations.
Environmental
Sustainability
• Aims to protect natural ecosystems and
biodiversity while managing natural
resources wisely.

• Examples:
• Conservation efforts to protect
endangered species and habitats.
• Practices that reduce pollution and
waste, such as recycling and
composting.
Stewardship

Ethical responsibility to manage natural

resources wisely and sustainably.
Individuals
• Every person can act as a
steward by making conscious
choices that reduce their
ecological footprint.

• Examples:
• Practicing recycling,
composting, and conserving
water and energy.
• Supporting local and
sustainable products.
Communities
• Community groups can mobilize to
protect local resources and promote
sustainable practices.

• Examples:
• Organizing community clean-up
events to remove litter from
parks and waterways.
• Creating community gardens to
promote local food production.
Governments • Governments play a crucial role
in creating policies and
regulations that promote
environmental protection and
sustainability.

• Examples:
• Implementing laws that
regulate pollution and protect
endangered species.
• Funding and supporting
conservation projects and
renewable energy initiatives.
Organizations • Nonprofits and businesses can
lead stewardship efforts by
implementing sustainable
practices and advocating for
environmental responsibility.

• Examples:
• Conservation organizations that
protect wildlife and habitats
(e.g., WWF, The Nature
Conservancy).
• Companies that adopt
sustainable supply chain
Scientific Inquiry

Using the scientific

method to understand
and solve environmental
issues.
Scientific Inquiry
• A systematic approach to
understanding the natural world
through observation,
experimentation, and analysis.

• It involves asking questions, forming

hypotheses, conducting
experiments, and drawing
conclusions based on empirical
evidence.
Unit 3.
Importance of
Environmental
Science in
Engineering
The Role of Engineers in Promoting Environmental
Sustainability
Why is
Environmental
Science
Important in
Engineering?
Impact of
Engineering
Projects
• Engineers design systems,
structures, and technologies that
interact with the environment (e.g.,
buildings, roads, dams, factories).
• The environmental impact of these
projects (pollution, habitat
destruction, resource depletion)
must be assessed.
Sustainability • Engineers must incorporate

and sustainable practices to minimize

environmental damage.
Environment
al Protection • Engineering can offer innovative
ways to solve environmental
problems, such as renewable
energy, waste management, and
sustainable architecture.
Engineering Solutions Pollution Control: Designing
technologies that reduce
to Environmental emissions or clean up
contaminated areas (e.g., air
Problems filters, water treatment plants).

Waste Management:
Developing systems to manage
solid, liquid, and hazardous
waste sustainably.

Renewable Energy: Designing

infrastructure for solar, wind, and
hydropower energy generation.
Ethical • Engineers have a social
responsibility to ensure that
Responsibility their designs do not harm the

of Engineers environment or public health.

• Environmental impact
assessments (EIAs) are a
crucial part of planning
engineering projects to ensure
long-term sustainability.
Unit 4.
Role of
Engineering in
Environmental
Solutions
How Engineers Contribute to Solving Environmental
Problems
Engineering Fields Impacting the Environment
1. Civil Engineering
 Green infrastructure, sustainable
urban design, eco-friendly materials.

2. Mechanical Engineering
 Energy-efficient machines, renewable
energy technologies.

3. Environmental Engineering
 Pollution control, water treatment,
waste management systems.
Electrical Engineering

Development of renewable
Design of energy-efficient
energy systems like solar
electrical devices, such as
panels, wind turbines, and
LED lighting and smart grid
grid modernization for better
technologies.
energy distribution.

Advancements in electric Power electronics for

vehicle infrastructure integrating renewable energy
(charging stations, battery into electrical grids, reducing
management). reliance on fossil fuels.
Innovative Solutions

01 02 03 04
Designing systems Developing Reducing Implementing
for renewable technologies for industrial smart grids and
energy (solar, clean water and emissions through energy storage
wind, sanitation. improved solutions to
hydroelectric). manufacturing optimize
processes. electricity use.
Unit 5.
Impact of
Engineering
Solutions

Global, Economic, Environmental, and Societal

Perspectives
Impact of Engineering Solutions

Engineering is a powerful force driving progress across the globe.

From developing life-saving medical devices to designing energy-efficient

cities, engineering solutions impact nearly every aspect of modern life.

These advancements have the potential to solve pressing global challenges,

improve economic stability, protect the environment, and enhance societal
well-being.
However, with great innovation comes responsibility—engineers must
consider the broader implications of their work to ensure sustainable and
ethical outcomes.
Impact of Global Impact of Engineering
Solutions
Engineerin
g Economic Impact of
Engineering Solutions

Solutions
Environmental Impact of
Engineering Solutions

Societal Impact of
Engineering Solutions
Global • Engineering has played a
transformative role in global
Impact of development, addressing

Engineering issues such as energy

security, infrastructure,
Solutions health, and communication.
• It fosters sustainable
progress and improves the
quality of life worldwide by
solving pressing global
challenges.
Key Areas
of
Engineerin
g's Global RENEWABLE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
SMART CITIES AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
GLOBAL HEALTH
TECHNOLOGIES
DISASTER
RESILIENCE

Impact
ENGINEERING

SPACE ARTIFICIAL WATER AND FOOD

EXPLORATION AND INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY:
SATELLITE AUTOMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Renewable
Energy
Systems
Renewable
Energy Systems

• Engineering plays a vital

role in the development and
optimization of solar, wind,
hydroelectric, and
geothermal energy
solutions.
Renewable Energy Systems

Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

Decrease greenhouse gas emissions

Provide cleaner, more sustainable energy sources to

power homes, industries, and transportation systems
worldwide.
Smart Cities
and
Infrastructure
Smart Cities and Infrastructure

Sustainable urban development relies on engineering solutions to

improve efficiency, connectivity, and quality of life.

Innovations such as intelligent traffic management systems, energy-

efficient buildings, and advanced public transportation networks
contribute to reducing urban congestion and pollution while fostering
economic growth and sustainability.
Global Health
Technologies
Global Health Technologies

Engineering advancements in biomedical technology, water

purification, and waste management have significantly
improved public health.

Cutting-edge medical devices, robotic-assisted surgeries, and

AI-driven diagnostics enhance healthcare delivery.

While advanced sanitation and water filtration systems help

reduce the spread of diseases, particularly in developing
countries.
Disaster
Resilience
Engineering
Disaster Resilience Engineering

Engineering solutions help mitigate the effects of natural disasters such as

earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

Innovations in earthquake-resistant building designs, advanced flood control

systems, early warning technologies, and emergency response infrastructure
enhance preparedness and minimize loss of life and property.

These technologies are particularly crucial in disaster-prone regions, ensuring

resilience and quicker recovery efforts.
Space
Exploration
and Satellite
Technology
Space Exploration and Satellite
Technology

Engineering has enabled significant advancements in space exploration,

including satellite communication, deep-space missions, and planetary
research.

These innovations provide critical data for climate monitoring,

navigation systems, and global connectivity, influencing industries
ranging from agriculture to emergency response.
Artificial
Intelligence
and
Automation
Artificial Intelligence and Automation

AI-driven engineering solutions are revolutionizing industries, improving

efficiency, and optimizing complex systems.

Applications include autonomous transportation, smart manufacturing,

precision agriculture, and advanced robotics, all of which contribute to
global economic and technological advancements.
Water and
Food Security
Water and Food Security

Engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring access to clean water and

sustainable food production.

Innovations such as desalination, precision irrigation, and vertical

farming address global water scarcity and food security challenges,
supporting sustainable agricultural practices and feeding growing
populations.
Economic • Engineering innovations drive
economic growth by creating
Impact of jobs, improving productivity,
and optimizing resource use.
Engineering
Solutions
Key Areas
of
Engineerin
g’s
COST-BENEFIT INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE
ANALYSIS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
TECHNOLOGICAL

Economic ADVANCEMENTS

Impact

ENTREPRENEURSHI SUSTAINABLE
P AND JOB ECONOMIC
CREATION GROWTH
Cost-Benefit
Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis

Engineers must weigh the initial investment costs of

projects against their long-term financial returns and
sustainability.

Strategic investments in green technology and

automation can yield significant economic benefits over
time.
Industry
Growth and
Technological
Advancements
Industry Growth and Technological
Advancements

The engineering sector fuels progress in multiple industries,

such as transportation, manufacturing, telecommunications,
and energy.

Engineering innovations enhance production efficiency,

reduce costs, and create new business opportunities.
Infrastructure
Development
Infrastructure Development

Roads, bridges, and power grids are essential for

economic development, facilitating trade, commerce, and
connectivity.

Investments in smart infrastructure improve efficiency

and reduce maintenance costs over time.
Entrepreneurs
hip and Job
Creation
Entrepreneurship and Job Creation

Engineering-driven startups and businesses create new

job opportunities in sectors like renewable energy,
robotics, and AI.

Engineering solutions also enable small businesses to

adopt automation and digitalization, increasing
competitiveness.
Sustainable
Economic
Growth
Sustainable Economic Growth

The adoption of sustainable engineering solutions ensures that

economic development does not come at the cost of environmental
degradation, securing long-term stability.

By integrating renewable energy, resource-efficient manufacturing, and

circular economy principles, engineers can foster long-lasting economic
resilience while reducing dependency on finite natural resources.
Environment • Sustainable engineering
practices aim to minimize
al Impact of environmental degradation
while promoting resource
Engineering conservation.

Solutions • By utilizing energy-efficient

technologies and renewable
materials, engineers can
develop solutions that reduce
waste and lower carbon
footprints.
Key Areas
of
Engineerin
g’s
CARBON WASTE WATER RESOURCE
FOOTPRINT MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING
REDUCTION SOLUTION

Economic
Impact

ECOSYSTEM AND SUSTAINABLE

BIODIVERSITY MATERIALS AND
PROTECTION ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
Carbon Footprint
Reduction
Carbon Footprint Reduction

Green technologies like electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy-

efficient appliances are essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These innovations not only help combat climate change but also offer
long-term environmental benefits by lowering energy consumption and
decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
Waste
Management
Solutions
Waste Management Solutions

Recycling, upcycling, and circular economy principles play a vital role in

reducing landfill waste and promoting resource efficiency.

Additionally, waste-to-energy technologies enable the conversion of

waste into usable power, offering an effective solution to both waste
disposal and energy generation.
Water Resource
Engineering
Water Resource Engineering

Innovations in water conservation, desalination, and wastewater

treatment are crucial to ensuring the efficient use of water resources.

These technologies help mitigate water scarcity, improve access to

clean water, and promote sustainable water management practices
across industries and communities.
Ecosystem and
Biodiversity
Protection
Ecosystem and Biodiversity Protection

Eco-friendly designs, such as green buildings and sustainable land-

use planning, are key to protecting natural habitats and fostering
biodiversity.

By preventing deforestation, mitigating pollution, and preserving

ecosystems, engineering solutions contribute to a healthier planet
and resilient ecosystems.
Singapore’s
Green
Building
Sustainable
Materials and
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Materials and Energy Efficiency

The development of biodegradable materials, sustainable construction

practices, and smart energy grids supports long-term ecological balance.

By reducing environmental impact through more efficient use of

materials and energy, these solutions promote sustainability and reduce
dependence on non-renewable resources.
Societal • Engineering solutions have a
profound impact on society,
Impact of shaping the way communities
function and improving quality
Engineering of life.

Solutions • By considering factors such as

accessibility, ethics, safety,
education, and empowerment,
engineers play a crucial role in
addressing social challenges
and fostering sustainable
development.
Key Areas
of
Engineerin
g’s
ACCESSIBILITY AND ETHICAL AND HEALTH AND
INCLUSIVITY CULTURAL SAFETY
SENSITIVITY REGULATIONS

Societal
Impact

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL EQUITY

SKILL AND
DEVELOPMENT EMPOWERMENT
Accessibility and
Inclusivity
Accessibility and Inclusivity

Engineering solutions play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in society by

ensuring accessibility for all.

Projects like public transportation systems, healthcare infrastructure, and

water supply systems should be designed to accommodate people from all
walks of life, particularly marginalized or vulnerable communities.

By prioritizing inclusivity, engineers help create environments where

everyone can participate fully in societal activities, regardless of physical
limitations or economic status.
Ethical and
Cultural
Sensitivity
Ethical and Cultural Sensitivity

When engineering projects are implemented, it’s vital that they respect the
local traditions, values, and customs of the communities they serve.

This can mean adapting designs to align with cultural preferences or

environmental conditions.

An ethical approach to engineering ensures that technological advancements

don’t come at the expense of the social fabric, but rather, enhance the lives
of those affected by considering cultural heritage and the community's
specific needs.
Health and Safety
Regulations
Health and Safety Regulations

The well-being of communities is directly tied to the safety of the engineering

solutions they use.

Strict adherence to health and safety regulations ensures that infrastructure

and products meet the required standards for user protection.

By considering air quality, water sanitation, workplace conditions, and

consumer safety, engineers contribute to building safer environments that
minimize risks and hazards, thus improving public health and quality of life.
Education and
Skill
Development
Education and Skill Development

The engineering sector is not only responsible for creating physical solutions
but also plays a vital role in knowledge creation and skill development.

Innovation and research foster advancement, while education, particularly in

STEM fields, helps cultivate the next generation of engineers.

Encouraging early engagement with STEM subjects ensures that students are
equipped to tackle complex global challenges and contribute to sustainable
development.
Social Equity and
Empowerment
Education and Skill Development

Engineering can have a profound impact on social equity by providing

essential services to underserved populations.

Access to clean drinking water, affordable energy, and reliable digital

infrastructure are all areas where engineers can make a tangible difference.

These solutions help uplift communities, empower individuals, and reduce

inequalities, leading to a more equitable society where opportunities are not
determined by geographic or socioeconomic boundaries.
Thank you!