There is often an overlooked beauty to the art of engineering, not only through function of mathematics, but the creation of bold ideas as a core value. Crucially with the future of transportation, we must look at the details and recognise how each journey should contribute to a sustainable and innovative world.
Engineering design should consider functionality, efficiency, and the environmental impact of a solution, all core values for transportation systems. This is not limited to vehicles, but also encompasses infrastructure, materials, and energy systems which enable these vehicles to do as designed. An example of materials would be utilising lightweight, carbon fibre and aluminium alloys to enhance fuel efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, approaching sustainability through innovation.
Lifespans
Engineering design now places a stronger emphasis on lifespans. Designing solutions with long-term environmental impacts in mind. This approach transformed how vehicles are produced, maintained and eventually recycled, reducing resource consumption and waste. Notably, the BMW i3 has a chassis and interior of renewable materials such as recycled plastics and sustainably sourced wood, being produced in a factory powered by renewable energy. Setting a benchmark of environmental care for the industry.
Transport
Sustainable transport provides a problem, to which the solutions foster incredible innovation while simultaneously addressing the environmental concerns. One such innovation is the electric vehicle. Engineering has led to advances in battery technology to reduce charging time and improve vehicle range as appealing to a world so used to petrol run vehicles. Tesla’s Model S is a example of this, incorporating an advanced battery management system and aerodynamic design, allowing for unmet levels of efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the addition of regenerative braking systems to recharge the battery showcase the pure brilliance of the innovative minds behind the design. This innovation of engineering design in turn maximises sustainability, strongly linking the three together.
Public transport systems also benefit from innovative engineering. Japan’s Shinkansen showcase engineering design, balancing speed and energy efficiency whilst prioritising passenger safety. These high-speed rail systems reduce a reliance of air travel and cars, significantly lowering a comparable carbon emission per journey. This is further demonstrated in aviation, where companies such as ZeroAvia are developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, whilst mainstream manufacturers, such as Boeing and Airbus are investing in biofuels and lighter materials to reduce fuel consumption, in-turn reducing environmental impact.
Further, the introduction of smart transportation systems within recent years evidences the integration of engineering design with technology. Autonomous vehicles would ideally use advanced algorithms to optimise fuel consumption and reduce traffic congestion per journey, returning to the idea of every journey contributes to sustainability and innovation.
To Conclude
These don’t come without barriers. Sustainable solutions often require high investments, unwanted from profit driven companies and difficult for smaller businesses and governments. Furthermore, government regulations and public perceptions may be resistant to such innovative change.
There is always going to be innovation in engineering design due to the very nature of wanting to develop society, the recent focus on sustainability links these all together as a triangle of composition. Achieving sustainability is not a line to cross, but instead a continual journey, our following of constant innovation and collaboration to find solutions is moving us towards a future where we can hope to be environmentally responsible.
- International Energy Agency (IEA) (2023). Energy Systems. iea.org
- Tesla (2023) Sustainability Report. tesla.com
- BMW Group (2014) Environmental Report BMW i3 BEV. bmwgroup.com
- BOEING (2024) Boeing ecoDemonstrator. boeing.com
- Cover Image by Luca Onniboni on Unsplash