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In this exciting subject spotlight, Dave Knapton delves into sustainable engineering, exploring the evolution of sustainable design practices. In episode one, Dave looks at the evolution of sustainable design engineering as well as how it looks in a contemporary setting, outlines the role of sustainable design engineers and identifies the key skills needed for a successful career. In episode two, Dave explores the design process and digital workflow of sustainable engineering, looking at how engineers take an idea and see it through to product testing and getting it ready for manufacture. In episode three, Dave looks at sustainable manufacturing processes and how these follow on from the initial design phase. He also identifies why sustainability can be used as a differentiator within a marketplace. In the final episode, Dave looks at some of the industries where sustainability has led to huge shifts in the way that products are developed and manufactured. He then sets you an activity which encourages you to step into the shoes of a sustainability engineer and think of ways to enhance the sustainable production of a mobile phone.
Dave KnaptonUniversity of SunderlandManufacturing engineering
All episodes
1. An introduction to Sustainable Engineering
2. Design process & digital workflow
3. Sustainable manufacturing
4. Activity: identifying sustainability
About the university
University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and a global institution which offers life-changing opportunities for over 20,000 students across its four campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, placement opportunities and the option to study full or part-time, there’s something for everyone at Sunderland. The University of Sunderland has also received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is in the top 10 UK universities for social inclusion (The Times Good University Guide 2024).
University of Sunderland profile →Meet the academic
Dave Knapton
Dave is the Associate Head of School for Engineering in the Faculty of Technology. Having graduated from the University of Sunderland with a BSc (Hons) in Product Design with Management, he garnered valuable experience as a Design Engineer within the tier 1 automotive supply chain. In this role, Dave worked directly for various OEMs, specialising in the design of large-scale injection moulded products and associated assemblies. His extensive industrial background extends to supporting a diverse range of sectors as a consultant of digital tools for manufacturing organisations. Dave's specific expertise and interests revolve around design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and manufacturing processes. Since joining the academic team at the University of Sunderland, Dave has actively contributed to teaching modules in design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, he plays a significant role in academic leadership across the School of Engineering. Dave’s research interests lie in the education of Engineering.
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