SUSTAINABILITY What Does it Mean for Civil Engineers? Developed by Yvette Pearson Weatherton, Ph.D., P.E. This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (project no ).

Objectives Prioritize alternatives based on resource conservation/waste management hierarchy Categorize project elements into life cycle stages Use the Sustainable Design Checklist to compare alternatives

What is Sustainability?

Meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Commission, 1987)

Triple Bottom Line People ProfitPlanet

Sustainable Alternatives Consider… Resources Used Renewable versus Non-renewable Resource Conservation/Waste Management Hierarchical System Life Cycle Analysis Cradle to Grave Impacts

Resources Renewable Resources Can be replaced within a few generations Examples: Timber Surface Water Solar Power Wind Photo Credit:

Resources Non-renewable Resources Can only be replaced on geological time scales Examples: Fossil Fuels Coal Oil Natural Gas Metal Ores Aluminum Copper Iron Photo Credits:

Why is reuse preferred above recycling? Photo Credit:

Activity 1: Resources A bicycle manufacturer is considering changing from steel wheel rims to rims made from either aluminum or titanium alloy. From a resource conservation point of view, which alternative would you recommend? Explain your choice. Consider the Following Aluminum is a non- renewable resource. Titanium alloy is created by adding other elements to titanium to improve its properties. Aluminum is more easily recycled than titanium. Titanium is more durable than aluminum. Source: Davis, M. L. and Masten, S. J. (2009). Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science, 2 nd edition. McGraw-Hill, Boston.

Life Cycle Stages CreationUseDemolition

Life Cycle Stages Creation “Cradle” UseDemolition Design Material Selection Site Selection Construction

Life Cycle Stages Use Demolition Distribution Operation Maintenance

Life Cycle Stages Use Demolition “Grave” Destruction Disposal

Life Cycle Stages Example: Water Supply and Treatment Ground Water Water Treatment Storage Distribution Customer Use Wastewater Disposal and Treatment Surface Water

Life Cycle Stages Example: Water Supply and Treatment Ground Water Water Treatment Storage Distribution Customer Use Wastewater Disposal and Treatment Surface Water

Life Cycle Stages Example: Water Supply and Treatment Ground Water Water Treatment Storage Distribution Customer Use Wastewater Disposal and Treatment Surface Water Wastewater Reuse (Irrigation)

Life Cycle Stages Example: Water Supply and Treatment Ground Water Water Treatment Storage Distribution Customer Use Wastewater Disposal and Treatment Surface Water Wastewater Reuse (Irrigation)

Inputs and Outputs for a Single Stage Raw wastewater from domestic and industrial sources Wastewater Treatment Energy, equipment, chemicals, etc. Treated wastewater to receiving stream Reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation

Activity 2: Life Cycle Stages Create three separate headings on your paper, one for each life cycle stage. Consider a highway resurfacing project. (1)List as many components of the project as you can, placing each under the proper life cycle heading. (2)Consider the demolition stage. List the inputs and outputs associated with that stage.

Alternative Analysis Safety Cost Usefulness/Feasibility Sustainability Sustainability Other Material Use Energy Use Water Use Solid Waste Generation Emissions Generation Water Pollution Discharges Land Impacts Other Sustainable Design Checklist