CIVIL ENGINEERING,
SUSTAINABILITY
AND THE FUTURE
CIVIL ENGINEERING ORIENTATION
ENGR. CLYDE JILL JAMOLIN
CE-111 INSTRUCTOR
01
SUSTAINABILITY
according to AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Defines “sustainability” as a set of economic, environmental and
social conditions in which all of society has the capacity and
opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely,
without degrading the quantity, quality or the availability of natural,
economic and social resources.
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THE VISION FOR
CIVIL ENGINEERING IN 2025
Entrusted by society to create a sustainable world and enhance
the global quality of life, civil engineers serve competently,
collaboratively, and ethically as master:
• planners, designers, constructors, and operators of
society’s economic and social engine—the built environment;
• stewards of the natural environment and its resources;
• innovators and integrators of ideas and technology across
the public, private, and academic sectors;
• managers of risk and uncertainty caused by natural events,
accidents, and other threats; and
• leaders in discussions and decisions shaping public
environmental and infrastructure policy.
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A sustainable building, or green building is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the
efficiency of resource use — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and
the environment during the building's lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance,
and removal. Though green building is interpreted in many different ways, a common view is that they should be
designed and operated to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural
environment by:
(a) Efficiently using energy, water,
and other resources;
(b) Protecting occupant health and
improving employee productivity;
and
(c) Reducing waste, pollution and
environmental degradation
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SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
FOR A GREENER
FUTURE
1. Green Building Design and Construction
2. Low-Impact Development (LID) Techniques
3. Sustainable Materials Selection
4. Energy-Efficient Infrastructure
5. Adaptive Reuse and Urban Regeneration
6. Life Cycle Assessment and Green Certification
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Green Building
Design and
Construction
One of the fundamental aspects of sustainable civil
engineering is green building design and construction.
This involves the incorporation of eco-friendly
materials, energy-efficient technologies, and innovative
designs that reduce resource consumption and waste
generation. Buildings with features like solar panels,
rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient
insulation significantly decrease their carbon footprint
while promoting renewable energy utilization.
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Low-Impact
Development
(LID) Techniques
In urban areas, managing stormwater runoff is a crucial
challenge. Traditional methods often lead to increased
erosion, water pollution, and altered hydrological
patterns. Low-Impact Development (LID) techniques
offer a sustainable solution by mimicking natural
processes. Practices such as permeable pavements,
green roofs, and rain gardens help to absorb, treat,
and store stormwater, reducing strain on existing
drainage systems and protecting natural water bodies.
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Sustainable
Materials
Selection
Civil engineers play a pivotal role in developing energy-
efficient infrastructure, such as transportation systems
and utilities. Implementing intelligent transportation
systems, promoting public transit, and integrating
renewable energy sources into infrastructure projects
can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and energy consumption.
08
Adaptive Reuse
and Urban
Regeneration
Rather than demolishing old structures, adaptive reuse
and urban regeneration projects aim to breathe new
life into existing buildings and areas. These practices
reduce the need for new construction and limit waste
generation. Preserving historical and cultural heritage
while revitalizing communities fosters a sustainable
and inclusive urban environment.
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Life Cycle
Assessment and
Green Certification
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool in evaluating
the environmental impact of civil engineering projects from
cradle to grave. By analyzing the full lifecycle, engineers
can identify areas for improvement and make informed
decisions to minimize environmental burdens. Additionally,
pursuing green certifications such as LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building
Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method) further validates a project's commitment to
sustainability.
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Energy-Efficient
Infrastructure
Opting for sustainable materials in civil engineering
projects can significantly reduce environmental
impacts. This involves using recycled and locally-
sourced materials, as well as those with lower
embodied carbon. Sustainable materials not only
contribute to decreased resource depletion but also
minimize waste generation, ultimately leading to a more
circular and eco-friendly construction industry.
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HOW TO ENSURE
SUSTAINABLE
CONSTRUCTION?
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IN ORDER TO PERFORM
SUSTAINABILITY IN
CONSTRUCTION, THE
FOLLOWING MUST BE
SATISFIED
1. BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT
2. SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
3. EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES
4. POLLUTION REDUCTION
5. CREATING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
6. PROCESS MANAGEMENT
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01 02 03
Biodiversity Support to the Effective use
Enhancement Community of resourcess
Sustainable Construction must Support and help should reach Sand and Gravel have been used
stop threatening use of the the real need, aspirations and for thousands of years in
environment or species real requirements. Also involve construction. The demand for
wherever possible so that the the needs in the key decisions. these is increasing day by day as
natural habitat is not affected. demand for infrastructure
development is increasing. Over
use of construction materials such
as river sand and gravels also
have a negative impact on the
environment.
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04 05 06
Pollution Creating Healthy Process
Reduction Environment Management
Use of durable construction Around 40% of total energy Too many aspirations for a project
materials and quality control at consumption and greenhouse won’t give sustainable
site for durability of structure is gas emissions are directly due construction. Hence, identification
one step towards minimization to construction and operation of of appropriate targets,
of construction waste buildings. The best of to reduce benchmarks and tools along with
their proper management will give
generation. this impact is the use of green
sustainability in construction.
buildings construction
techniques.
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SUSTAINABLE
INFRASTRUCTURE
EXAMPLES
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1. One Central Park, Sydney, Australia (Building)
Features: This residential and commercial complex incorporates a vertical garden with a variety of
plant species, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality. It also includes sustainable water
and energy management systems.
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2. The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands (Building)
Features: This innovative office building incorporates numerous sustainable features, including
solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a smart lighting system. It is designed to be energy-efficient
and has received the highest sustainability rating (BREEAM) for its green initiatives.
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3. The Crystal, London, United Kingdom (Building)
Features: This sustainable building is known for its energy-efficient design, featuring solar panels,
rainwater harvesting, and a combined heat and power (CHP) system. It serves as an exhibition
space and a hub for sustainable development.
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4. Sidwell Friends School, Washington, D.C., USA (Building)
Features: This school building is designed with a focus on sustainability, featuring a green roof,
rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems. It was one of the first LEED Platinum-certified
K-12 schools in the United States.
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5. The Øresund Bridge, Denmark and Sweden (Bridge)
Features: The Øresund Bridge connects Denmark and Sweden and incorporates sustainable
transportation solutions. It combines a bridge, an artificial island, and an underwater tunnel. The
bridge supports both road and rail transport, promoting efficient and eco-friendly connectivity
between the two countries.
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WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER?
SUSTAINABLE?
OR DEVELOPMENT?
Sustainability and development are not necessarily mutually exclusive; in fact, they are
often considered interrelated. Sustainable development seeks to balance economic,
social, and environmental considerations to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Choosing between sustainability and development might imply a false dichotomy.
Ideally, development should be pursued in a sustainable manner, ensuring that
economic growth is environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. Sustainable
development takes into account the long-term consequences of actions and aims to
create a balance that benefits society, the economy, and the environment.
In many discussions, the goal is to find ways to achieve both development and
sustainability, recognizing that a healthy environment and social equity are essential
components of long-term economic success. Sustainable development practices aim
to address current needs while safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
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