An environmental consciousness is rising in the occupational mindset of engineers, who are showing a heightened interest in incorporating energy-saving and other green initiatives in product design projects, says a survey conducted jointly by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and 3-D design software company Autodesk.

Eighty-seven percent of mechanical engineering practitioners and mechanical engineering students responding to the 2012 ASME/Autodesk Sustainable Design Survey indicated they are "extremely or somewhat" interested in sustainable information and causes. Seventy-five percent of the respondents said that their organizations are involved or extremely involved in sustainability, with most of those organizations focused on reduced energy consumption and reduced environmental emissions in products and systems.

"Sustainability is clearly establishing itself as part of the mechanical-engineering culture," says Thomas G. Loughlin, ASME's executive director. "This is yet another example of the vision and commitment of engineers around the world to improve the quality of life for all."

Industrial firms, however, find it more difficult than individuals to embrace sustainability, due in large part to financial constraints and corporate goals to enhance the serviceability of products, according to the survey. Yet, 75 percent of respondents said they believe that sustainable designs produce greater product innovation.

The ASME/Autodesk Sustainability Design Survey is drawn from the responses of 4,500 engineering practitioners and 1,900 engineering students.

The survey says 19 percent of students are "extremely involved" with sustainability projects and initiatives. Mechanical Engineering magazine published an analysis of the ASME/Autodesk survey in its October 2012 edition. The article says mechanical engineers expect to see a greater emphasis on sustainability in the future."

Seventy percent of respondents said their companies are involved on projects that reduce energy or emissions or that comply with environmental standards and regulations. Substantially fewer, 29 percent, said their companies would invest in green design if it doesn't add to cost.

Among the surveyed students, 90 percent said they believe that sustainable designs foster greater product innovation, and 55 percent indicated that elective classes on sustainable engineering are available.

Founded in 1880, ASME is a nonprofit professional organization that works to aid collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of engineers in general.