Application of Green Chemistry Principles to Green Economy

Green chemistry is a scientific field that strives to work at the molecular level to achieve sustainability. Central to green chemistry is a set of twelve principles based on the minimization of toxic solvents in chemical processes. The relation between green chemistry and achieving the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, the value of green chemistry and sustainable development, and an economic model based on green chemistry principles are examined in this chapter. The future of green chemistry and sustainable development as well as implementation strategies are also suggested. Green chemistry principles include, prevention, atom economy, less hazardous chemical syntheses, designing safer chemicals, safer solvents and auxiliaries, use of renewable feedstocks, design for energy efficiency, reduce derivatives, catalysis, design for degradation, real-time analysis for pollution prevention, and inherently safer chemistry for accident prevention. Based on green chemistry principles, several potential green business such as green transportation, green building, green energy, green chemicals, green agriculture, and green tourism are addressed in this chapter. More detailed discussions will be expressed from Chaps. 13 – 17 in this book. In summary, green Chemistry is the molecular science of sustainability to design chemical products/processes that reduce the use/generation of hazardous substances, while ensuring their performance, cost and safety. It should be noted that green chemistry and green engineering are only scientific solutions for cleaner production. It would inevitably create strong interaction with end-users and markets. Integration of green chemistry and green engineering with prevention-assurance sustainability can simultaneously accelerate economic growth and the reduced environmental and social impacts.