Structural Engineers and Sustainability: An Opinion Survey
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 141, Issue 3
Abstract
Energy use in buildings is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; the residential sector uses more than 20% of the energy in the United States. For this reason among others it is important to implement sustainable design practices in construction. Previous research has shown that there are significant barriers to doing so and that sustainability is not a main consideration in choosing the structural system. To improve understanding of structural engineers’ attitudes toward sustainability, an opinion survey was conducted in Oregon and Washington. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Results highlight lack of information as a major barrier to adopting sustainable design practices. Respondents request standardized, current, and reputable data applicable to codes and standards. Results also indicate that clients are the most important influence on structural engineers. Results suggest that structural engineers should expand their thinking about both techniques and how engineering fits in the larger context of sustainable development. Results also suggest that the profession as a whole needs to become more assertive in advising and educating clients about sustainability.
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Acknowledgments
Partial funding was provided by the Kiewit Center for Infrastructure and Transportation. The help of Lynnell Brunswig (Structural Engineering Association of Washington) and Jenny Carlson (Structural Engineering Association of Oregon), who forwarded the survey to their membership, was invaluable. The authors also thank all the participants who took time out of their busy days to answer the survey.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 141 • Issue 3 • July 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 2014
Accepted: Aug 26, 2014
Published online: Sep 29, 2014
Discussion open until: Feb 28, 2015
Published in print: Jul 1, 2015
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