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Sustainable Development in Civil Engineering. How B Tech Civil Engineering Students Can Help Build a Greener Future
Civil engineers are vital stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainable goals of the UNSDG (Sustainable Development Goals) including lower-carbon footprint, innovative nature-based solutions for engineering challenges and self-sustaining green approaches to design and construct long-lasting structures. (Source: SpringerLink)
It is an exciting time to pursue B Tech Civil Engineering with a global and national focus on a green future. Governments and Industries are adopting sustainable practices. Realtors are making buildings with a focus on green methods and practices. The surge in demand for green practices is healthy for the environment and occupants of commercial, residential and mixed-use buildings.
We have done enough harm to nature, and it is time to mend our ways through innovative civil engineering methods and materials.
It is also important to enrol for Civil Engineering at one of the best universities of India for B Tech to ensure quality learning and growth opportunities. We got the just right university to boost your dreams, Manipal University, Jaipur. It is among the best NAAC-accredited universities in Rajasthan and across India with an excellent alumni network, placements, and more. Keep reading for more.
In the next section, let us go through innovative and greener practices that B Tech Civil Engineering students can adopt for sustainable development.
Top Innovative and Green Civil Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development
B Tech Civil Engineering graduates from the best universities in India for B Tech learn to use the latest and advanced green methods and materials for sustainable structures that stay healthy and save utility bills.
Here are five top green systems being used in civil engineering projects
Radiant Floors
Radiant floors are a cost-efficient method to heat a place while saving significantly on energy bills. Civil engineers also plan renewable energy sources such as solar energy for less pressure on the grid.
Grey Water Recycling
The study says buildings and related facilities consume up to 12 per cent of the total water supply. It makes water conservation methods essential for green and sustainable buildings and living. Therefore, recycling water is a perfect way to accomplish green civil engineering goals.
Condensated water from air conditioning and other household items that utilises water is known as grey water. B Tech Civil Engineering students learn ways to recycle and utilise this water through sustainable building and facilities design.
Recycled water can be applied to hydronic cooling equipment, irrigation, and to fuel boilers at home.
Solar Power
Solar energy is cost-efficient, renewable, and saves significantly on household and commercial utility bills. A study says solar energy-powered buildings can enhance the heating and cooling system efficiency by around 30 per cent.
Graduates after B Tech Civil Engineering plan, analyse, and design Solar Powered Energy Efficient Structures with the ground and rooftop-mounted solar panels. It is safe for the environment and saves on operation costs.
Geothermal Systems
Buildings with geothermal systems heat or cool facilities using a renewable source of energy. The innovative civil engineering method can also be utilised for domestic water heating and to warm radiant floors.
Energy-Efficient Window Systems
Heat gain and loss inside a building depend a lot on the number, size, and position of windows. Innovatively engineered buildings use double panes and triple paces to help inhibit heat circulation.
Two or three panes windows contain argon gas in between and control heat from entering or leaving the facility.
Additionally, the positioning of windows at strategic points of the building and homes allows maximum natural light. It helps to rely less on electrical lighting options, saves on energy bills, and reduces carbon footprint.
Prominent Green Materials for Civil Engineering Projects
Green construction technology includes cutting-edge energy-efficient construction materials. Here is the list of sustainable green materials, civil engineers use extensively in their project planning for sustainable construction and a green future.
Recycled Steel for customised steel beams saves energy produced in new steel manufacturing and saves space in landfills.
Insulating Concrete Forms saves up to 20 per cent of energy compared to wood frame buildings.
Plant-based Polyurethane Rigid Foam is utilised in furniture, insulation, wind turbine blades, and more. It insulates better and provides better thermal resistance.
Engineered Wood, Bamboo, Straw Bale, and Rammed Earthen Materials are gaining popularity as sustainable materials for civil engineering projects. These are known for fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation, and long life (more than 100 years)
Cool Roofing Materials reflect heat to the atmosphere and keep the building cooler on hot days.
Structural Insulated Panels can be used for floors, foundations, basements, and load-bearing walls. These are energy-efficient compare to traditional building materials and also fire resistant as per the National Association of Home Builders, USA.
Recycled Wood or Plastic Composite Lumber is long-lasting and comparatively less toxic than traditional treated lumber.
Low-E Windows with a soft coating and hard coating
Vacuum Insulation Panel provides seven times better insulation and is utilised primarily for industrial refrigeration solutions and specialised container systems.
Conclusion
These are our top picks of sustainable and efficient building materials, methods, and practices, every B Tech Civil Engineering graduate should know and apply in their university projects and at the workplace.
From the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of UNO to the common people, everybody wants green solutions for a healthy and sustainable future. And Civil Engineers can help to achieve that with their innovative methods and materials.
You can explore Manipal University, Jaipur, for excellent placements at MUJ, industry tie-ups, collaborations, field visits, world-class labs, and renowned faculty to become a hot-shot civil engineer, skilled in green methods to build futuristic structures.
Synopsis
Sustainable development and green construction methods are the calls of the hour. Civil engineers are prominent stakeholders in this process for sustainable development and a healthy environment. The blog explores trending green practices and advanced materials being used in building construction that B Tech in Civil Engineering graduates should know.
You can explore Manipal University, Jaipur, for a holistic B Tech program that grooms you theoretically and practically.
Reference Links
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-16-9744-9_25#:~:text=Installation%20of%20electric%20poles%2C%20design,the%20involvement%20of%20civil%20engineers.
https://constructiontimes.co.in/future-of-straw-bale-housing-in-india
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