Is carbon truly as guilty as charged? The perspective of a process systems engineer on sustainability
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Date
2025-08-06
Authors
Usman, M.A.
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Publisher
UNILAG Press and Bookshop Limited
Abstract
This abstract examines the role of carbon within the sustainability discourse from the perspective of a process systems engineer. Carbon—primarily in the form of carbon dioxide—is often viewed as the principal culprit behind climate change and environmental degradation. However, this binary framing oversimplifies complex industrial, ecological, and societal systems. This paper critically analyzes carbon’s multifaceted role, considering both its negative impacts and its essential functions in various processes. By integrating principles of process systems engineering—systems modeling, optimization, and lifecycle assessment—this study evaluates carbon flows and emissions across industries, highlighting opportunities for sustainable redesign. It challenges the conventional guilt assigned to carbon by differentiating between unavoidable process emissions and those from inefficient practices or outdated technologies. The engineering perspective advocates for a systemic approach to sustainability that balances carbon reduction with economic viability and resource efficiency. Essential strategies discussed include carbon capture and utilization, circular economy integration, and innovation in process intensification. The paper also reflects on policy implications and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to align engineering solutions with global sustainability goals. Ultimately, this perspective positions carbon not solely as an environmental villain, but as a critical element whose impact depends on how systems manage and transform it. This nuanced understanding informs more effective strategies for achieving sustainability in process design and operation, supporting a transition to low-carbon industrial futures. The findings contribute to advancing both academic discourse and practical frameworks by reframing carbon’s role through a scientifically rigorous, engineering-informed lens.
Description
Is carbon truly as guilty as charged? The perspective of a process systems engineer on sustainability. An Inaugural Lecture Delivered By Professor Mohammed Awwalu Usmanat the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos, Akoka.
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Citation
Usman, M.A. (2025). Is carbon truly as guilty as charged? The perspective of a process systems engineer on sustainability. An Inaugural Lecture Delivered at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos, Akoka. 68p.