5 Ways Civil Engineers Are Going Green

With the threat of climate change and its consequences looming larger every day, professionals in every industry are looking to go green. Civil engineers are no exception. Civil Engineers are involved in the construction and design of new buildings that we all live and work in and therefore have a huge impact on all of our environmental footprints. While there are a multitude of ways that everyone can help the environment, civil engineers have a particular set of skills and responsibilities that help them green their own lives and those around them in five specific ways.

Using Recycled Materials

While many people want structures built from entirely new materials, those constructed from reused and recycled materials have a much smaller environmental impact. This measure not only helps the environment but saves money as well and can even lend a more interesting aesthetic to structures.

Focusing on Renewable Energy

Civil Engineers are responsible for not only the structures that we live and work in, but for our bridges and factories as well. In this way Civil Engineers can choose to spend their time and talents on projects that positively impact the environment, like clean energy plants and buildings that utilize renewables like solar energy.

Push for LEED Certification

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) is a certification earned by building structures up to environmental standards. Civil Engineers often have a part in making design decisions in building, and when doing so they can advocate for buildings that meet LEED standards. A great way to do this is by becoming familiar with the standards themselves.

Take Advantage of Technology

Some technological advances have been harmful to the environment, but luckily now, many technological advances serve the purpose of helping the environment. Civil Engineers can go green by taking full advantage of these advancements, like smart meters, advanced insulation, and low water plumbing solutions.

Pursuing Environmental Engineering

Environmental civil engineering is a growing field, and those truly interested in it should consider pursuing a Master’s degree civil engineering so they can receive more specific training in the field. In this way Civil Engineers can be more prepared to better go green.

Overall, while building new things it may seem difficult to do so with a light footprint on the environment, but luckily with proper training and a bit of insight, Civil Engineers should have no problem going green!