DNC2020: Keynote by Christina Dornack on Engineer as Pragmatist or Innovator in a Circular Economy

Keynote speech by Christina Dornack, Director of the Institute and Head of the Chair “Waste Management and Circular Economy” at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). To submit your questions to keynote speakers, please use the comments function down below. The keynote speakers will aim to answer as many questions as possible in the 30-minute live Q&A sessions during the conference.
Under the theme “Circular Economy in a Sustainable Society”, the virtual DNC2020 aims to accelerate a transition to a more sustainable economy by providing a platform for the discussion of the Resource Nexus, nexus-related thinking, and the promotion of a circular economy.

The views and opinions expressed in this video or the comments on the channel are solely those of the presenter(s) and author(s) and not necessarily those of the Dresden Nexus Conference or the organisers. The Dresden Nexus Conference does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information provided herein.

[dianag]

One big opportunity to close the loops is about better design. Yet another way to close the loops is by using innovative business models in order to increase the lifecycle of probucts, transforming them in services. However in both cases, decisions are made usually beyond the typical engineer's sphere of influence. What do you think are the best options for engineers to push for innovative products & services within those constraints?

[africain.info-bm]

Merci pour cette précieuse présentation.
Particulièrement dans les pays en voie de développement, Comment adapter cette approche avec les réalités différentes selon les pays et les techniques de recyclage?
Ne serait t-il pas nécessaire d’encourager le tourisme afin d'inciter à une bonne gestion des déchets?
Pour les pays en voie de développement, l'assainissement autonome n'est-il pas la solution pour l'atteinte rapides des ODD?

[ismaabdelatif]

In the process of the circular economy from input to output, is it more efficient for innovative engineering to think about increasing the recycling percentage by developing efficient sorting and transformation technologies or rather focus upstream of the chain and develop new materials that are better recyclable or generate less waste.

[jashparmar]

Thank you for an interesting presentation. In my opinion, I think that an Engineer should come up with an integrative approach. I have some examples to support my statement:

1. Space X- Elon Musk and his team came up with an innovative idea of recyclable rockets. This innovation has reduced the cost of the space mission and metal waste. However, at the same time, the fuel emissions from Heavy Falcon (RP-1) harms the environment. This is the point where pragmatism comes into the picture. If Space X finds an alternative way to replace fuel of heavy falcon, then it could serve the purpose. Now, the question arises whether we really need to do Mars missions?

2. Electric cars - They are one of the innovations that replace gasoline and internal combustion engines. Now if dive deeper into the production process and lifespan, we can observe the rise in demand for Li-on in battery production. Moreover, we cannot avoid the impact of toxic waste on groundwater and other factors of an ecosystem.

My Question:
Is it possible to develop a well-balanced approach that focuses on the long term impacts considering the field tension(at 03:12)? How can that approach be addressed?

Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
Jash Parmar

[chiaramagrini]

Thanks for the presentation. How social sustainability of waste management sector can be monitered and measured?