Design of chemical processes and products that minimize or eliminate the potential for accidents, releases, or disasters that can harm human health and the environment.
Hazard identification: This involves identifying potential hazards that are associated with a particular chemical, process or operation. It lays the foundation for the implementation of inherent safety measures.
Risk assessment: It assesses the probability and severity of potential hazards and the likelihood of their occurrence under certain conditions.
Material selection: Choosing materials that are inherently safer than the ones currently in use.
Process modification: Modifying existing processes to reduce hazardous conditions and eliminate potential hazards.
Process intensification: Methods of intensifying chemical processes to reduce the quantities of chemicals used and the energy consumed.
Waste minimization: Reducing the amount of waste generated by a process.
Energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of a process by reducing the energy consumption.
Life cycle analysis: Evaluating the environmental impact of a process, from raw materials to disposal.
Environmental regulations: Understanding and complying with environmental regulations related to chemical manufacturing.
Green chemistry metrics: Using green chemistry metrics to evaluate the sustainability of a chemical process.
Process safety management: Managing risk in chemical processes.
Chemical substitution: Substituting hazardous chemicals with less hazardous ones.
Environmental impact assessment: Assessing the environmental impact of a chemical process.
Process design: Incorporating inherent safety principles into the design of chemical processes.
Occupational health and safety: Ensuring the safety of workers in chemical processes.
Emergency planning: Developing plans to respond to chemical emergencies.
Green solvents: Using green solvents in chemical processes.
Renewable chemicals: Using renewable chemicals in chemical processes.
Green catalysts: Using green catalysts in chemical processes.
Green engineering: Practicing a holistic approach to engineering that incorporates environmental, economic, and social considerations.
Substitution: Replacement with a less toxic or non-toxic compound in the manufacturing and consumption process.
Formulation: Attending to the safety feature of the final product before formulation is manufactured.
Elimination: Reducing or eliminating the creation of hazardous substances generated while producing the material.
Prevention: Implement safety measures for less exposure to hazardous materials at every stage of production and use.
Design of the Chemical Process: Streamlining the chemical process for minimizing chemical reactions minimizing waste, and recycling resources.
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries: Using safer solvents and auxiliary agents to minimize health hazards and environmental impact.
Atom Economy: Ensuring the use of fewer reactants and reduction of waste from the process is further a prime aspect of green chemistry.
Renewable Resources: Using sustainable resources and sustainable technologies such as bio-based feedstocks, and other renewable sources to promote a circular economy.
Catalysis: Using catalysts for accelerating reactions, minimizing the use of harsh chemicals or reagents, and generating end-products with purer forms for the market.
Chemicals with a low energy focus: Employing low energy requirements and using fewer hazardous materials in the process.