The History of Sustainable Engineering Solutions
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveEngineers are moving towards increasingly sustainable
solutions. Government statistics show the contribution of waste by the
construction, demolition, and excavation (CD&E) sector, accounts for 62 per cent
of the UK’s total waste. Therefore, the need to implement site waste management
strategies has never been more important.
There are many examples of sustainable engineering being
utilised in the past. But recent innovations have highlighted the need to
create sustainable spaces. Here, we look at the history of sustainable engineering
solutions, how it has paved the way for society today, and how we can build a
future on its foundations.
Starting with sewers
While one may argue that ancient water distribution systems
are the earliest form of sustainable engineering, modern sustainable
engineering finds its beginnings in 19th century London.
Joseph Bazelgate designed the world’s first
major sewer system to solve the Great Stink, where hot weather inflamed the
smell of waste in the River Thames. Before the system, the sewers emptied
directly into the river which was also the main supply of drinking water for
the city. The design did more than change how waste was moved – it
revolutionised how the public lived, with waterborne diseases reducing
dramatically.
This intelligent design focused on improving environmental
quality and the health of the population. It also paved the way for the next millennium
of engineering.
Bridging to today
Since then, sustainable engineering has picked up the pace.
This is particularly true in terms of sustainable bridge development.
The method of creating bridges with a limited environmental impact
is a result of the UN’s 1987 commission report, ‘Our
Common Future’. The report emphasised “the present generations’
responsibility to regenerate, maintain and improve planetary resources for use
by future generations.”.
The growing population meant that infrastructure, including
bridges, was constructed at an increasing pace. In turn, this had detrimental
consequences for the environment. The period saw a rapid increase in pollution
from harmful emissions.
Nowadays, bridge construction considers longevity and
maintenance in order to limit its environmental impact. Most bridge
requirements stipulate a minimum serviceability of 100 years. Inspired by
existing bridges, it’s understandable how bridge engineering
can be designed with sustainability and longevity in mind. Today, sustainable
engineering solutions must consider structural integrity and the ease of
maintenance. Historically, the utilisation of local supplies has been essential.
Now, that approach has been adopted again in order to limit material
transportation.
Building the future
Activism surrounding the climate emergency has spotlighted
the need to protect the environment.
In the future, sustainable strategies will drive longevity
and change how the public interacts with the environment. Engineering will not
just reflect the technical and economic feasibility but also how resources are
used.
Smart technology
will be integrated into engineering solutions, with algorithms dictating
the most structurally sound structures. From this, engineers may consider using
more natural materials in their designs. Garden walls, for example, are
becoming increasingly common in cities with poor air quality.
Engineering is built on its history. New solutions are being
built on the original principles of sustainable construction. As engineers
learn to make more innovative designs, integrating technology and nature into
their construction will be imperative. This will be particularly important for
private sector companies looking to reduce their environmental impact. With
this in mind, the history and future of sustainability will always focus on
longevity, human impact, and environmental improvement.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-waste-data
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2020/10/29/a-force-for-good-technology-in-design-and-construction/
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Created on Jan 27th 2021 08:24. Viewed 324 times.