What is sustainable engineering?
In a world facing climate challenges, the industry is at a turning point!
In a world facing climate challenges, industry must transform itself to produce better and differently. We’ll explore this with Sébastien Guyot, Director of Development and Strategy at ERAS, an engineering firm that is part of Equans’ Process Industries division.
What are the key strategies for making our industries more efficient and resilient?
This requires less waste, greater efficiency, lower emissions, and more innovation. To achieve this, we need to rethink the way we produce. Engineering plays a key role in this transformation by supporting manufacturers in two main areas: decarbonizing existing facilities and developing new, more environmentally friendly production methods.
Can you explain what the role of an engineer at ERAS entails?
I lead development and strategy for an engineering firm called ERAS. It’s not always easy to explain simply, because our line of work is complex. I often draw a parallel with the role of an architect. An architect designs a home for an individual based on their needs and translates those needs into plans and specifications.
Our role is similar, but our clients are manufacturers. We design or redesign their factories according to their needs, draw up the plans, and oversee the construction work in collaboration with specialized contractors, such as piping or building contractors.
How are our industries evolving to address sustainability challenges?
For us, what we call “sustainable engineering” means adapting these projects to an industry that is more environmentally friendly. For example, by helping our clients meet their decarbonization commitments. This primarily concerns established industries, with which we collaborate on a variety of topics.
Another aspect is developing new ways to produce molecules of interest using processes that are alternatives to petrochemicals. The goal is to develop carbon-free solutions, win over investors, and draw up plans for the factories of the future.
