Green Building and Sustainable Infrastructure: Sustainability Education for Civil Engineers
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper discusses a framework for incorporating sustainable design/thinking as a new civil engineering course and experiences from the pilot offering. Important areas are outlined to aid all engineers in understanding sustainability in context with traditional engineering principles. Green-building rating systems were used to introduce the concepts of sustainability in buildings and infrastructure, highlighted by presentations from green-building professionals. By providing a better understanding of sustainability through education, civil engineers can provide proactive solutions to a growing global infrastructure.
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Acknowledgments
The author would like to acknowledge the individuals who provided the materials to make the green-building course a success. Dr. Liv Haselbach’s help in writing the course text and in providing suggestions for course material is appreciated. The American Institute of Architects provided LEED materials. Thanks to the industry speakers, Dr. Jacob Wagner; Elise Kirchoffer, P.E.; Nathan Benjamin, P.E.; Kevin Pinkowski, P.E.; and Donald Baker, P.E. Special thanks to the Kansas City engineering community, who requested the course to be developed.
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© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 15, 2010
Accepted: Aug 27, 2010
Published online: Sep 2, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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