Green Chemistry

Chemistry uses a phenomenal amount of energy. In a recent analysis, the labs of Nobel prize winner Ben Feringa were shown to use as much energy in 1 hour as a family home does in a whole year! Electricity use is associated with emissions of carbon dioxide, even more so when the 12 principles of Green Chemistry were first devised at the turn of the century. This means that reducing energy demand reduces climate change impact. It is also true that using renewable energy reduces carbon emissions. As the energy mix incorporates more and more renewable energy, the impact of chemistry research and manufacturing decreases. Ideally, chemistry is performed at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure, eliminating heating and electricity costs (both financial and environmental). There are other aspects of chemistry that consume energy, such as distillation and other purification techniques. New technologies such as membrane filtration can avoid high temperatures. New ways of doing chemistry are also being developed to minimise energy use and maximise productivity. Flow chemistry and electrochemistry are good examples. These concepts are described in more detail in our advanced modules if you want to give it a try.