How do you use environmental engineering in civil design?

1 Benefits of environmental engineering in civil design

Environmental engineering in civil design can offer many benefits for both the project and the society. For instance, it can enhance the performance and durability of civil infrastructure by taking environmental factors, such as climate change, soil conditions, water quality, and natural hazards into account. Additionally, green and low-impact design principles can reduce the environmental impacts and costs of civil infrastructure by minimizing waste, energy, and water consumption, using renewable and recycled materials, and integrating natural features and ecosystems. Furthermore, environmental engineering can improve the social and economic outcomes of civil infrastructure by ensuring that the design meets the needs of stakeholders, complies with regulations and standards, and contributes to the well-being of the community.

2 Examples of environmental engineering in civil design

Environmental engineering can be used in civil design to create sustainable solutions for different types of civil infrastructure. For instance, green roofs and walls are vegetated surfaces that provide insulation, stormwater management, air quality improvement, noise reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and aesthetic value. Bioretention systems are landscaped features that capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff. Permeable pavements allow water to pass through them, reducing runoff and improving water quality. Solar roads use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity from sunlight and provide lighting and heating. Geothermal energy systems use the heat from the earth to provide heating and cooling for buildings, reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions.

3 Skills and tools for environmental engineering in civil design

To use environmental engineering in civil design, you need a combination of skills and tools that enable you to analyze, design, and evaluate environmental aspects of civil infrastructure. This includes having a solid understanding of environmental engineering principles, methods, and applications, such as environmental chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, ecology, geology, and waste management. Additionally, you need a strong foundation in civil engineering disciplines such as structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, transportation, and construction engineering. You must also be able to conduct environmental impact assessments, environmental audits, environmental risk assessments, and environmental management plans. Moreover, you should be able to use design software such as CAD, GIS, and BIM to create and visualize environmental engineering solutions. Finally, you should have the ability to communicate these solutions effectively to the clients, contractors, regulators, and the public through oral, written and graphical methods.

4 Challenges and opportunities for environmental engineering in civil design

Using environmental engineering in civil design can also pose some challenges and opportunities for the civil engineers and the society. Technical, economic, social, and regulatory challenges may arise, such as dealing with complex and uncertain environmental conditions, balancing the costs and benefits of environmental engineering solutions, satisfying the interests of stakeholders, and complying with changing environmental laws. On the other hand, there are also opportunities to advance one's career, improve their reputation, and make a positive difference in the world. These include developing new solutions, collaborating with other professionals and organizations, obtaining certifications and accreditations in environmental engineering, and contributing to the environmental awareness of society.

5 How to learn more about environmental engineering in civil design

If you are interested in learning more about environmental engineering in civil design, there are many resources and opportunities available for you. From books and journals, such as Environmental Engineering for Civil Engineers by Nolte et al., Environmental Engineering: Principles and Practice by Reynolds and Richards, and Journal of Environmental Engineering by ASCE, to courses and programs offered online by Coursera and edX, certificate programs by ASCE and AEE, and degree programs by universities and colleges. You can also join associations and events that provide networking and learning opportunities for environmental engineering in civil design, such as professional associations by ASCE, AEE, and IWA, as well as conferences and workshops by EWRI, WEFTEC, and ICE.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?