The question of whether younger engineers are more environmentally conscious than their senior counterparts has sparked lively debate within the wastewater sector.
“I’m not going to dare insult the older engineers who I look up to,” said Ryan Riddle, aged 36, from pump and mixer manufacturer Landia in North Carolina. “But I guess the environment is more on the news agenda than ever before. Due to increasing energy prices, everyone wants to reduce their costs. Compared to my parents or grandparents, people my age talk more about renewable energy, house insulation and electric or fuel-efficient cars.”
Away from his role at Landia, Riddle is known for his musical performances at WEFTEC’s annual Jammin’4Water event. He noted a growing trend among clients seeking greater equipment longevity. “Longevity striking a chord with engineers is very encouraging for us,” he said. “Seeing our pumps and mixers still out in the field after more than 20 years isn’t rare. More and more companies want to plan and avoid open-ended expenditure, so we’re happy to provide an advance service plan for the first five years or more. This allows our customers to know exactly where they stand and gives peace of mind with equipment that will last.”
Riddle observed that while environmental concerns play a role, economic factors often drive decisions. “Maybe this is driven more by dollar signs rather than everyone suddenly caring about Planet Earth,” he said. “But it’s part of the discussion now, whereas maybe 20 or more years ago it was barely on the agenda. Younger engineers are often surprised to learn that older blowers can account for up to 70 percent of the energy required for an entire treatment process.”
He also noted a shift in how mixers are viewed: “Mixers are beginning to be valued as far more important assets. If your treatment numbers are off, that can be an early indicator something’s wrong with your mixing regime. It might not only be underperforming but using too much valuable energy at the same time. Not all mixers are the same.”
Riddle reflected on the sense of urgency many young people feel about environmental and global issues. “With 24-hour news and smartphones, it’s hard not to feel sometimes that the world can look apocalyptic. But every generation faces uncertainty. Being in the water and wastewater industry gives us a great opportunity to make a difference.”
He encouraged more young professionals to consider the field: “This industry is always evolving. We need to constantly find solutions and figure it out. It’s complicated, especially as legislation tightens, but always interesting. Trying to problem-solve in the real world while staying within budget is not easy.”
Looking ahead, Riddle sees growing interest in biogas. “The municipal side seems slow compared to the enquiries we’re seeing for agricultural and food waste biogas plants. Those embracing the circular economy are keen to explore how we can expand this side of the industry to help with sustainability.”
