The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), a technical society serving the needs of the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector, has launched a Sustainability Committee.

The committee will recommend policies and programs to help educate the public, members of the tribology and lubricants community and policymakers regarding the contributions of tribology advances to a more sustainable future.

STLE Outlines Sustainability Committee’s Goals

STLE said its Sustainability Committee plans to establish and promote the connection between tribology and sustainability, including energy, water and air quality, efficient use of renewable and non-renewable resources, development of technological solutions to support and accelerate sustainable practices

The committee will encourage the facilitation of approaches for reusing resources to achieve circularity.

STLE technical advisor Neil Canter, Ph.D., CMFS, Chemical Solutions, will chair the Sustainability Committee.

Subject Matter Experts to Serve on Sustainability Committee

The committee is comprised of STLE members employed by world-leading corporations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Committee members are:

• Nicolas Argibay, Ph.D., scientist IV, Ames National Laboratory – U.S. Department of Energy

• Vasilios Bakolas, Ph.D., principal expert bearings R&D, Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG

• Shubhamita Basu, Ph.D., business development director, engineered fluids, Perstorp

• Larry Beaver, Ph.D., vice president of research & development, RSC Bio Solutions

• Aaron Greco, Ph.D., principal materials scientist and group leader, Argonne National Laboratory

• Inga Herrmann, sales manager and sustainability lead, Ergon International Inc.

• Na Liu, Ph.D., advanced technology manager, North Americas, Fuchs Lubricants Co.

• Steven Schmid, Ph.D., Belk-Woodward Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“Implementing proper and novel tribology practices has the potential to provide end-users of lubricants with the means to reduce emissions, save energy and reduce operating costs. The lubricant and tribology field has been practicing sustainability for a long period of time. We are now showing how sustainability goals can be realized in a more formal manner,” said Canter.

Committee to Provide Sustainability Case Studies

Canter said the STLE Sustainability Committee intends to provide the membership and all interested parties with educational content and case studies to assist members with engaging in proper sustainability practices.

“STLE also intends to work with other global association partners to come up with a common approach for defining sustainability and providing globally accepted methodologies to the membership,” he added.

Sustainability is a key goal in the STLE 2023-2026 strategic plan. The Sustainability Committee intends to present a one-day session on the subject at the 2025 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.