Chemistry can make us greener
Posted on 9 March 2004
The site focuses on the practical application of chemistry to make industrial processes more environmentally friendly. It gives students vital examples of real-world problems and how to solve them.
The image of chemistry is undergoing a radical change for budding scientists studying the subject at A-level, thanks to work at the University of York.
The new website – www.greener-industry.org - has been developed by the Chemical Industry Education Centre (CIEC) in collaboration with the Clean Technology Centre, both based at the University.
The Greener Industry website builds on the success of the publication ‘The Essential Chemical Industry’, used by over 60% of secondary schools in the UK. This introduces the concepts of ‘green chemistry’ in industrial production.
The site provides information about how industry ammonia, ethanoic acid, ethanol, nylon, sulphuric acid and others. Each section is broken down into easily understood sections and illustrated with photos and diagrams.
During its test phase, the site received a positive reaction from A-level chemistry students at Trinity School, Nottingham, and from John Dexter, Head of Sixth Form at Trinity School, who said: “Chemistry has long wanted to shake off the image of problem causer and here is a great resource showing chemistry as the problem solver. This site is showing chemistry moving in new and exciting directions.”
The site is due to at least double in size, and will aim to encourage debate on green issues and sustainable development. Over the last decade industrial and research chemists have been changing and introducing processes to make better use of renewable resources, produce less waste, use energy more efficiently and reduce impact on the environment.
Notes to editors:
- Four jpeg images of pages from the site are available by email on request (md24@york.ac.uk)
- The Chemical Industry Education Centre (CIEC)
The CIEC was founded in 1988 as a joint venture between the Chemical Industries Association and the University of York. It is sited in the Department of Chemistry at the University. The aims of the Centre are to:- enhance the effective teaching of science and technology
- create enthusiasm in school students and children for science and technology
- generate an improved level of understanding between schools and the chemical industry
- create a better understanding of the nature and rôle of the chemical industry within society
- The Clean Technology Group
The Centre, based in the Chemistry Department at the University of York, houses some 50 staff and graduates working on various aspects of Green Chemistry. The internationally renowned Green Chemistry Group, led by Professor James Clark, is world leading in its research and promotion of Green Chemistry. The group receives substantial funding from many sources including the Research Councils, the European Union and the UK, European and American industrial sponsors with whom they collaborate and other agencies such as local government and Central Government Departments. The CTC is also a hub for the Green Chemistry Network, which was formed in 1998 and has over 800 members worldwide. The aim of the GCN is to promote the awareness and facilitate education, training and practice of Green Chemistry in industry, academia and schools. - Sponsorship and Support
“Greener Industry” is being produced with sponsorship and support from the following companies and organisations:- Rhodia http://www.rhodia.co.uk
- Royal Society of Chemistry http://www.rsc.org
- The Salters Institute http://www.salters.co.uk/institute/home.asp
- The Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) http://www.epsrc.ac.uk