As the world faces heightened environmental challenges, civil engineers are not just designing structures and infrastructure for today, but they can also pave the way for a sustainable future. In an ideal world, sustainable practices would be cost-effective rather than cost prohibitive. However, engineers are researching ways to close that gap and balance sustainable practices with feasible costs.
Foundation of Sustainability
A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a part of the foundation of any major project. Defined by ASCE, an LCA is “a tool to analyze the environmental impacts of a building, from construction to end-of-life; thereby identifying ways to reduce those impacts, “thus finding how best to incorporate sustainability practices. For example, evaluating elements related to topography and hydrology is vital to understanding how a new build may impact the environment. This step is already a standard practice for civil engineers. How can they go further?
Strides in Sustainability
When taking on a new project, visible elements are not the only issue to consider. Civil engineers can also identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall sustainability. The city of Paris, France, set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, has made commitments to reduce their carbon footprint by using an innovative energy model, turning to renewable energy as a primary source. In addition, the city will reuse and/or repurpose structures to increase their longevity. While some of this is more easily achievable for a short-term project, Paris’ commitment to sustainability, including the ways civil engineers are contributing to this commitment, is an inspiring look toward the future.
Challenges of Sustainability
Unfortunately, there is often a higher initial investment required for green technologies and materials. For example, green building designs may incorporate energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and advanced technologies like solar panels or geothermal heating systems. These technologies typically have higher upfront costs compared to conventional systems, which can present a challenge to developers who need to prioritize short-term financial returns. A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), however, may demonstrate how investments in sustainability can lead to significant savings and environmental benefits over time. At a basic level, the LCCA will evaluate individual costs at various project stages, such as design or construction or maintenance of structures. However, at a higher level, the LCCA would explore additional financial benefits that resiliency and sustainability might afford. In addition to understanding full project costs, leveraging government incentives, such as potential tax credits, can help make sustainable practices more financially feasible for developers and clients.
Incorporating sustainable practices in civil engineering can certainly pose cost challenges. However, by demonstrating the long-term financial and environmental benefits of sustainable practices, civil engineers can drive positive change towards a more sustainably built environment. Ultimately, integrating sustainability into civil engineering practices is not just about meeting environmental goals—it’s about creating resilient and cost-effective infrastructure for future generations.
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