The Pros and Cons of Using Aluminum in Sustainability – Ep 319

January 2, 2024

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In this episode, we talk with Prof. Saleem H. Ali, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue & Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware (USA), about the critical role of aluminum in sustainability, its ecological impacts, and effective strategies for engineers seeking the delicate balance between project profitability and sustainability within their organizations.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Pros and Cons of Using Aluminum in Sustainability:

In sustainable consumption, the goal is to grasp where materials in everyday items, like electronic devices, come from and their impacts. This means looking into how extraction affects the environment and communities to make smarter choices and push for sustainable supply chains.
The book, “Soil to Foil: Aluminum and the Quest for Industrial Sustainability” uncovers the fascinating journey of aluminum, a metal abundant in the Earth’s crust but uniquely challenging to use industrially. From delayed isolation to becoming a staple in products like laptops, cars, and packaging, the book explores aluminum’s paradoxical role in our everyday lives.
The challenge of aluminum in sustainability lies in its energy-intensive extraction due to strong bonds with oxygen. To address this, major smelters, such as Alcoa, strategically position themselves near hydropower sources. This illustrates the crucial link between sustainable energy and aluminum production.
Aluminum’s energy-intensive extraction promotes recycling, a vital sustainability factor. Bauxite mining, crucial for aluminum, often affects regions like the Caribbean, altering landscapes and impacting agriculture. The complexities include both negative consequences and positive aspects, such as technological advancements and employment opportunities in places like Quebec’s Arvida, aiming for a balanced understanding of aluminum’s impact, and recognizing challenges and contributions.
Bauxite, the primary ore for aluminum, is mainly found in tropical regions such as Jamaica, Suriname, and Guyana, with the largest reserves in Guinea, West Africa.
In engineering, it’s vital to consider the entire life cycle of materials. Tools like life cycle analysis help assess impacts from extraction to reuse. Engineers should focus on modular and easily disassembled designs for efficient material extraction. Beyond recycling, emphasis on remanufacturing reduces the overall footprint by reusing devices constructively. This approach encourages sustainable engineering practice with available resources.
Engineers need to think long-term, understanding that a company’s reputation relies on its sustainability practices. Considering the triple bottom line (people, profits, and the planet) is essential. Engineers should optimize their projects, factoring in not just traditional variables but also environmental and social impacts.

More in This Episode…

In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Saleem talks about how engineers can consider the origin of materials in their projects.

About the Guest, Prof. Saleem H. Ali, Ph.D.

Saleem H. Ali is Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue & Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware (USA). He also serves as Lead for Critical Metals and Inclusive Energy Transitions at the United Nations University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health and is a member of the United Nations International Resource Panel. Before embarking on an academic career, Prof. Ali worked as an environmental health and safety professional at General Electric Corporation.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts (USA), Dr. Ali grew up in Lahore, Pakistan until his college years, receiving his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tufts University, and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in environmental policy and planning at Yale and MIT, respectively.

His laurels include being a National Geographic Explorer, with field experience in more than 160 countries and all continents; being selected as a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and serving on the boards of notable non-profit charitable organizations including RESOLVE, Adventure Scientists and Mediators Beyond Borders International. Dr. Ali is also a Senior Fellow at the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and an Affiliate of the Gund Institute for the Environment in Vermont.

Dr. Ali’s books include Soil to Foil: Aluminum and the Quest for Industrial Sustainability (Columbia University Press) Earthly Order: How Natural Laws Define Human Life (Oxford Univ. Press) and Treasures of the Earth: Need, Greed and a Sustainable Future (Yale Univ. Press). Dr. Ali is a citizen of the United States of America by birth; Pakistan by parental lineage; and Australia by naturalization.

About the Host, Jeff Perry, MBA

Jeff Perry is a leadership/career coach for engineers, building mindsets, leadership, and career intentions to unlock hidden potential and remove self-imposed roadblocks for career and life. For years, he has had the pleasure of supporting engineers and software pros, from new grads to director level. Having been on the front lines in the technical world, he has been able to map out the necessary skills for becoming a quality leader in the field.

You can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry/ or visit his website, https://morethan-engineering.com. Jeff also has a new, FREE, on-demand training course for engineers who are job searching or in job transitions. You can see it at https://engineeringcareeraccelerator.com.