IChemE launches new open access journal: Process Engineering for Sustainable Development
1st September 2026
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is pleased to announce the launch of Process Engineering for Sustainable Development (PESD), a new fully open access journal dedicated to advancing the role of process engineering in addressing some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
The journal reflects IChemE’s Strategy28+ vision of Engineering a Sustainable World, which places chemical and process engineers at the heart of delivering solutions to global challenges including the energy transition, sustainable resource management, environmental protection, healthcare, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PESD will provide a dedicated international platform for researchers and practitioners to share the knowledge, innovation and practical engineering solutions needed to support a more sustainable future.
Published by Elsevier on behalf of IChemE, PESD is a new fully open access journal devoted specifically to the field of process engineering for sustainable development. The journal will publish original research, reviews and perspectives covering a wide range of topics, including sustainable process design and optimisation, circular economy approaches, renewable and low-carbon energy systems, resource efficiency, carbon management, digitalisation, environmental technologies and emerging innovations that can accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
Professor Yinghe He (FIChemE, Brunel University of London, UK), Editor-in-Chief of PESD, said: “Sustainable development involves balancing society’s needs with the responsible use of limited resources. Achieving this balance is essential for the well-being of future generations. Process engineering plays an important role in supporting this goal as it contributes to more than half of the UN's SDGs. PESD is the first open-access journal dedicated to this discipline. It provides a global platform for researchers in the field to share the latest advances, innovations, and practical solutions that support sustainable development.”
The launch of PESD supports IChemE’s strategic aims of strengthening a vibrant and thriving profession while collaborating with partners across academia, industry and government to serve society. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and showcasing research with real-world impact, the journal will help connect the global process engineering community and demonstrate the profession’s vital contribution to a sustainable future.
PESD welcomes contributions that bridge fundamental science, engineering innovation and industrial practice, recognising that many sustainability challenges require collaboration across disciplines, sectors and regions. The journal aims to be a forum for transformative ideas and scalable solutions that can be applied across industries ranging from energy and chemicals to water, food and advanced manufacturing.
To encourage submissions and maximise the accessibility of new research, all article processing charges (APCs) will be waived for papers submitted and accepted during the journal’s first two years, until 31 August 2028.
Researchers working at the forefront of sustainable process engineering are now invited to submit their work and help shape a new journal dedicated to advancing knowledge, supporting innovation and delivering the engineering solutions needed to build a more sustainable world.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.