Opening the Window of Sustainable Development to Future Civil Engineers
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 128, Issue 4
Abstract
A recent survey by ASCE showed a major need for rebuilding the critical components of the nation’s aging infrastructure, such as roads and water-supply systems. To accomplish this major task, in addition to knowledge of basic civil engineering principles and techniques, future civil engineers need to be aware of the effects of planning, design, and construction on our environment. Specifically, a course needs to be developed for educating future civil engineers on concepts and techniques of protecting our natural resources, and planning for sustainable development and construction in an environmentally friendly manner. Specific topics can include modules on water resources and recycling in construction. The focus should be on teaching applications of new environmentally friendly concepts and techniques through case histories and real-world problems. Continuous evaluation of course content and methods of presentation should be made. The course should instill environmental awareness in the students’ minds such that in the future, the environment is considered as much a part of any decision-making process in the practice of civil engineering, as are mathematics or the physical sciences.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 128 • Issue 4 • October 2002
Pages: 212 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 22, 2001
Accepted: Jan 4, 2002
Published online: Sep 13, 2002
Published in print: Oct 2002
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