(ITE) Sustainability in Engineering Lesson
Sustainability
Introduction
Sustainability is a term that is used to describe engineering practices that are friendly to the environment and the ability of that technology or design solution to endure without harm to the environment, society, or depletion of natural resources. All of this is with consideration of economic needs. Green Engineering describes the development of sustainable solutions in product design and application.
Through the evaluation of real world examples presented in this lesson, you will learn the variety of engineering disciplines that work together to provide sustainable solutions. These designed solutions consider all aspects of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic. All of these technical solutions contribute to a green environment while considering the impacts of the solutions for future societies.
Explore
Emory University WaterHub Project
This project requires the collaboration of engineer teams from several fields. Reference the image, Emory University WaterHub Flow Chart, below. Environmental and Civil engineers would be involved in the overall project. Mechanical engineering disciplines provide for the mechanical for the pumps, piping, and HVAC infrastructure. Agricultural engineers would be involved for the integration of the hydroponic reactors. Bioengineers and possibly Chemical engineers contribute their knowledge and expertise for the primary treatment reactors.
Challenge
Take Away
Stadium Sustainability
Sustainability in development and major projects has become a center point of consideration by professional engineering societies, governmental leaders, and communities. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Atlanta Falcons stadium is the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Platinum status. Among other qualifications to achieve this certification, the stadium will use 60% less lighting energy through LED systems. In addition, solar panels are used to power electric vehicles and green space is created through the space of the former Georgia Dome. However, one of the most impressive features for this project is the over 600,000 square foot cistern to contain and reuse rainwater. This not only reduces the demand on the water supply, but minimize local neighborhood flooding while providing water for irrigation.
IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS