Industrial Ecologists

Industrial ecology is sometimes referred to as the science of sustainability because it focuses mainly on sustainability issues, from green-building to solar energy to electric cars. Industrial ecologists track and manage the flow of materials, energy and water, and redesign and replace pollution control systems to reduce emissions and waste. They explore the ways in which industrial waste can be reused to minimize the damaging effects of environmental toxins often created as manufacturing byproducts.

This field goes beyond pollution prevention in that successful professionals must have the capacity to conceptualize and realize fundamentally new approaches to industrial production that better protect the environment.