The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the premier technical society serving the needs of the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector — is pleased to announce the launch of 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’s 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 and the development of technological solutions to support and accelerate sustainable practices. The committee will encourage the facilitation of approaches for reusing resources to achieve circularity. 

Dr. Neil Canter, CMFS, Chemical Solutions, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and STLE technical advisor, is the chair of the Sustainability Committee, which is comprised of STLE members who are employed by world-leading corporations, academic institutions and government agencies:

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

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

•    Dr. Shubhamita Basu, business development director, engineered fluids, Perstorp

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

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

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

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

•    Dr. Steven Schmid, 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. “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 in an effort to come up with a common approach for defining sustainability and providing globally accepted methodologies to the membership. The society would like to play a major role in helping members achieve climate change mitigation goals.” 

Sustainability is a key goal in the STLE 2023-2026 strategic plan. The Sustainability Committee intends to present a one-day session on this subject at the 2025 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition, May 18-22, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.