How can civil engineers design environmentally-friendly structures?

1 Adopt a life cycle perspective

A life cycle perspective means considering the environmental impacts of a structure from its conception to its end-of-life, including design, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. By adopting a life cycle perspective, civil engineers can identify the most critical stages and aspects of a structure's environmental performance, and optimize them accordingly. For example, civil engineers can select materials that have low embodied energy and carbon, high durability and recyclability, and minimal toxicity and pollution potential. They can also design structures that use renewable energy sources, reduce water and energy consumption, and facilitate waste management and recycling.

2 Integrate nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions are interventions that use natural processes and elements to address environmental and social challenges. For example, civil engineers can design structures that mimic natural forms and functions, such as biomimetic buildings that adapt to changing conditions and reduce energy demand. They can also design structures that enhance natural capital and ecosystem services, such as green roofs and walls that provide insulation, stormwater management, biodiversity, and aesthetic benefits. They can also design structures that restore or create natural habitats, such as wetlands, forests, or urban gardens that improve water quality, carbon sequestration, and human well-being.

3 Collaborate with stakeholders

Collaborating with stakeholders means engaging with the people and organizations that are affected by or have an interest in a structure, such as clients, users, communities, regulators, suppliers, contractors, and experts. By collaborating with stakeholders, civil engineers can understand their needs, expectations, values, and preferences, and incorporate them into the design process. This can result in structures that are more responsive, inclusive, accessible, and acceptable to the stakeholders, and that generate social and economic benefits. It can also result in structures that are more resilient, adaptable, and innovative, as stakeholders can provide feedback, input, and support throughout the life cycle of the structure.

4 Follow green standards and certifications

Following green standards and certifications means complying with or exceeding the requirements and criteria of established frameworks and systems that measure and evaluate the environmental performance of structures. For example, civil engineers can follow green standards and certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, or CEEQUAL, which cover various aspects of environmental quality, such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials efficiency, indoor environmental quality, site selection, and innovation. By following green standards and certifications, civil engineers can demonstrate their commitment to environmental excellence, gain recognition and reputation, and access incentives and opportunities.

Civil engineering design is a powerful tool to shape the built environment and influence the natural environment. By applying these principles and strategies, civil engineers can design environmentally-friendly structures that balance human needs and environmental values, and that contribute to a more sustainable future.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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