1. BTEC First Engineering
Learning aim C Understand how engineering contributes to a sustainable future
Learning aim C is concerned with reducing the impacts of engineering on society and the environment. 1

2. Life Cycle Assessment raw material extraction material production
BTEC First Engineering
Life Cycle Assessment
raw material extraction
material production
product disposal
recycling
production of parts
the product use
Teacher notes (PS 9):
Learners should be aware of the cyclical nature of LCA.
Depending on the product, raw materials may be needed and then disposed off at the end of the cycle, such as foodstuffs or oil, while other products, such as plastic (PET) bottles or aluminium cans, can be recycled and the loop can continue almost indefinitely.
assembly of products
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3. Reducing waste Reduce Reuse
BTEC First Engineering
Reducing waste
Reduce
Reuse
Engineers should think about using less materials and energy to manufacture products.
If a product can be used again, this reduces the amount of materials going to landfill.
Recover
Recycle
Waste materials can be treated to generate heat or power for other uses.
Products can be broken down into materials that can then be re-manufactured to make new items.
Teacher notes (PS 10):
Reduce – Linked with LCA. Designers should reduce the materials needed to make products and also the need to replace them frequently. It is not appropriate to have built-in obsolescence (no longer being useful) if the desire is to reduce waste in this way.
Reuse – Sometimes it is possible to reuse all or part of a product. This is an effective way of reducing wastage. Examples could include reusing boxes for storage or cannibalising vehicles for spare parts to keep others working.
Recover – Waste and offcuts can be treated to generate energy. The simplest form would be burning offcuts of timber for water heating and central heating in a factory.
Recycle – If a product cannot be reused it should, where possible, be recycled. In many areas waste is sorted and materials that can be recycled are separated from general waste. Materials such as glass and aluminium can potentially be recycled infinitely, while paper and card can only be recycled a limited amount of times.
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4. Lean manufacturing Just-in-Time Kaizan Poka-yoke
BTEC First Engineering
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-Time
Kaizan
Poka-yoke
Materials and components are delivered to a production line when they are needed, thus reducing cost and time. Many well-planned manufacturing systems are based on Just-in-Time.
To make things better, a company needs to improve continuously. Kaizan is a system where ideas that are suggested by workers that can be used to make production better.
Mistakes often happen in engineering. Poka-yoke is a method that can be used to eliminate human error where tasks are repeated. The benefit to staff is that jobs become less boring.
Teacher notes (PS 11):
Lean manufacturing improves the efficiency of an engineering business.
Many methods were developed in Japan and have spread worldwide.
The overall aim of lean manufacturing is to reduce wastage, either by reducing the amount of stock held, or by reducing mistakes/faulty products.
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5. Renewable sources of energy
BTEC First Engineering
Renewable sources of energy
Wind
Solar
Turbines are used to convert wind energy into electricity. They cause no air or water pollution, but are only efficient when it is windy.
Photovoltaic cells use the light of the sun to produce electricity. They work most efficiently when they are south-facing.
Hydro
Geothermal
Moving water can be used to generate electricity via a turbine. The water can be stored in a reservoir to make sure there is always a supply.
Steam naturally heated by the earth can be used to turn a turbine. This then generates electricity. There is no pollution from geothermal energy.
Teacher notes (PS 12):
Each type of renewable energy has benefits and disadvantages. Wind energy is only viable if there sufficient wind, hence the location of wind farms in upland areas or out to sea. Wind farms significantly alter the appearance of the environment. They produce no air or water pollution, but can be noisy if there are many. Land used for wind farms can, however, still be used for agriculture.
Solar energy is most efficient where panels are south-facing. Energy can be stored in batteries for use overnight, and despite the name, only need daylight, rather than direct sunlight, to operate.
Hydro energy often involves building a dam, through which pipes allow water to pass through the turbine to create electricity. Energy from hydro plants can be brought online instantly if there is a high demand for power. In times of lower demand, water can be pumped from a lower reservoir back to the upper reservoir.
Geothermal energy is not common in the UK, but the principle involves pumping water into the ground. The heat from the ground turns this to steam which then turns a turbine to generate electricity.
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