Sustainability

As chemical engineers, we have a role in creating a sustainable future.

Sustainability is about managing our resources to ensure future generations have the same opportunities as us to have a good life. In action, common sustainable practices look like planting trees or cleaning up beaches. But for chemical engineers, we have the skills to develop more complex sustainable solutions. From designing a product life cycle to never reach a landfill, or sequestering atmospheric carbon into the ground, chemical engineers have a key role in fostering sustainability.

The Texas AIChE's Sustainability Page's purpose is to be a hub of information for members to learn about what Texas AIChE is doing for sustainability, as well as what members can do to volunteer their time, pursue careers in sustainability, or everyday practices to live more sustainable lives.

Learn More from AIChE

Texas AIChE Sustainability Resource Document

We've compiled a list of sustainability resources where you can find organizations to donate to, learn about sustainability, and get involved. Check it out!

Texas AIChE Sustainability Resources

UChEW x Texas AIChE
Ecobrick Project

Texas AIChE is partnering with UChEW, the Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Woman, starting Fall 2020 to help build ecobricks, a plastic water bottle filled with non-biodegradable plastic waste. It's a low-tech way to divert plastic from the landfill, and the bricks can be used as a building material. Ecobricks are a great way to see how much plastic waste you produce, and each Ecobrick sequesters 3.2 kg of carbon dioxide.

Last year UChEW started this project and ended up building 4 Ecobricks. This semester we are adapting the project to be done remotely by asking our members to collect their own plastic waste to build bricks.

Texas AIChE Sustainability Panel

On February 13, 2020, Texas AIChE hosted our inaugural Sustainability Panel, an ambitious event with over 200 student attendees. We listened to company representatives discuss how the industry is tackling plastic and sustainability issues today. We hosted a Q&A session with reps from CP Chem, Dow, Shell, Oxy, Pepsico and BASF. Our moderator, Priya Nair, did an excellent job in making this event an enjoyable experience. Students were able to interact with company representatives and learn about how we could make a difference. Finally, we provided Cabo Bobs for dinner, and students were able to talk 1-on-1 with our panelists. Overall, the Sustainability Panel was a success, as students were able to receive extra credit in their classes while also engaging themselves in insightful conversation.

Organizations at UT Austin

Engineers for Sustainable World (ESW)

ESW at UT Austin is student engineering organization dedicated to making sustainable changes.

ESW Website

Precious Plastics

Precious Plastics is a student organization that creates recycling spaces to turn plastic waste into usable materials. Learn more by watching the video below!

Precious Plastics Website

UT Farm Stand

UT Farm Stand is a biweekly student-run farmers market that promotes sustainable food and healthy eating. Seasonal produce is sourced locally from small, sustainable farms including UHD’s own campus gardens.
UT Farm Stand is based in University Housing and Dining.

UT Farm Stand Website

Alliance to End Plastic Waste

"In January 2019, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a nonprofit organisation to help solve this serious and complex issue – 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year.
Nearly fifty companies across the plastics value chain have joined the Alliance and together they have committed to invest US$1.5 billion towards solutions that will prevent the leakage as well as recover and create value from plastic waste.
Ultimately, these solutions prove the investment market of plastic waste to venture capital, private investors, development banks and governments to deliver truly transformational change." - Alliance to End Plastic Waste About Page

End Plastic Waste Website