Design Trend Watch Survey

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in partnership with Autodesk, distributed the annual Sustainable Design Trend Watch Survey to 53,000 ASME professionals and nearly 20,000 ASME student members, to understand the role of sustainable design in mechanical engineering. Despite the troubled economy, the survey results show a continued emphasis in sustainable design.

• Of the nearly 3,000 responses, more than two-thirds of the mechanical engineers reported that they had worked on sustainable design projects within the past year.
• More than half of the ASME student members surveyed reported involvement with sustainable design in their studies, matching last year’s results. (See details in Figure 1.)

^{Figure 1. Image courtesy of Mechanical Engineering}

"The results of this important ASME-Autodesk survey demonstrate that sustainable design practices are exerting a positive influence on the mindset of engineers at all levels,” said Thomas G. Loughlin, the executive director of ASME. “Going forward, engineers will be at the forefront in creating sustainable technologies that produce large-scale impacts worldwide."
About 65 percent of the professional engineers who responded had more than 20 years engineering career experience, and worked in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to energy and transportation. Across these industries, designs that use less energy or reduce emissions remain the most important sustainable technology practice. Manufacturing processes that use less energy and natural resources were also a priority.

Cost remains a major consideration, with one-third of the respondents reporting they would consider sustainable technologies for new products only if they are cost-saving. The top three drivers of sustainable design practices and procedures reported by respondents are regulatory requirements, rising energy costs and client demand. (See details in Figure 2.)

This year’s survey showed an additional 6 percent of mechanical engineers believed sustainable design will play a bigger role in their work in 2010. Have you worked on projects that incorporate sustainable design within the past year? What are key drivers of sustainable design in your organization? Do you expect to see more sustainable design specifications in your projects this year? Add comments below to share your thoughts.

Figure 2. Image courtesy of Mechanical Engineering