The term sustainability is deemed to be a model for sustainable development for the humanity. Especially the Agenda 21 is setting on sustainability for solutions of environmental problems in present and future cases. To counteract an advancing degradation of the situation of people on the globe the Agenda 21 was created at a worldwide environmental conference in Rio de Janero, Brazil in 1992. Many years of intensive spadework had to be done befor all the different countries agreed on it. But does everyone in the world has the same ideas of sustainability and what is sustainable development all about? This work will show the different aspects of sustainability especially for civil engineering as it is demonstrated in the literatur but also a personal view on the theme.
After a definition of sustainability the models of sustainable development are demonstrated to have a base of knowledge. You will see that sustainability is measurable and that there are aims to be aspired for a single human beeing as well as the hole population of our planet.
Sustainability in civil engineering includes many differnt aspects like energy systems and technologies, building service engineering or management of resources. A precise assessment of existing or new buildings must be done and this work will give some examples of executed buildings and developed techniques.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Sustainability from a global view
2.1 A definition of sustainability
2.2 Models of sustainability
2.3 The eco-foodprint
3. Aims of Sustainability
3.1 Efficient use of resources
3.2 Sustainable mobility
3.3 Sustainable purchasing
3.4 Social sustainability
3.5 Efficient use of energy
4. Sustainability in Civil enineering
4.1 Passive house
4.2 “The house of sustainability”
5. Personal comment
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore the multidimensional nature of sustainability, specifically focusing on its application and relevance within the field of civil engineering, while integrating both theoretical literature and the author's personal perspectives.
- Global definitions and the intergenerational equity of sustainability.
- Methodological frameworks such as the ecological footprint and three-dimensional sustainability models.
- Resource efficiency, focusing on water management, waste handling, and sustainable mobility.
- Energy efficiency in civil engineering, including renewable energy sources and ultra-low energy building concepts.
- Practical implementation of sustainable construction, exemplified by the Passive house model.
Excerpts from the Book
4.1 Passive house
A passive house is a further stage of an ultra-low energy building where the energy for space heating is reduced distinctly. According to WIKIPEDIA (2006e) this technique can be used for several kinds of new buildings like office buildings, schools or supermarkets but also installed within a refurbishment of an existing building. In Figure 27 you can see that there is much less heat escaping from the passiv house on the right then from the traditional building on the left side.
This is because of the standard which a passive house has to accomplish:
• Heating energy ≤ 15 kWh/(m²a)
• Heating load ≤ 10 W/m²
• Air tightness n50 ≤ 0,6/h (as a result from a blower door test)
• Total primary energy consumption ≤ 120 kWh/(m²a)
The aims of these standards are to minimise the loss of heat and to maximise the profit of heat. A heat recovery vetilation system is a very important component of a passive house. The air change and movement in a building is very important so this system optimises the energy efficiency and the human comfort. Figure 28 is showing a summery of the design and construction of a passive house where many different techniques and technologies are combined.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the concept of sustainability as a model for development and outlines the research focus on civil engineering applications.
2. Sustainability from a global view: Explores key definitions, including the Brundtland report, and examines measurement tools like the ecological footprint.
3. Aims of Sustainability: Discusses resource efficiency, sustainable mobility, social aspects, and energy conservation as core pillars.
4. Sustainability in Civil enineering: Examines how civil engineering can integrate sustainable practices, specifically highlighting Passive house technology.
5. Personal comment: Provides a reflective summary on individual responsibility and the challenges of implementing sustainability in modern industry.
Keywords
Sustainability, Civil Engineering, Ecology, Ecological Footprint, Sustainable Development, Passive House, Resource Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Intergenerational Equity, Social Sustainability, Environmental Protection, Waste Management, Sustainable Mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on defining sustainability and demonstrating its critical application within civil engineering through efficient resource use and construction techniques.
Which thematic fields are central to the study?
The study centers on global environmental challenges, the measurement of eco-footprints, sustainable mobility, and the integration of energy-efficient building technologies.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to assess how sustainability principles can be systematically applied to civil engineering projects to reduce environmental impact.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a literature-based analysis combined with descriptive case examples and quantitative indicators such as the ecological footprint.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers global sustainability models, resource management (water/waste/energy), and specific construction innovations like the Passive house.
What are the characterizing keywords?
Key terms include Sustainability, Civil Engineering, Passive House, Ecological Footprint, and Resource Efficiency.
How does the author define the "Passive house" standard?
It is defined by specific technical benchmarks, including maximum heating energy of 15 kWh/m²a and strict air-tightness requirements.
What is the "house of sustainability" example?
It is a practical German construction project that utilizes local materials, rainwater systems, and renewable energy to demonstrate sustainable living.
- Quote paper
- Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Jan Seidel (Author), 2006, Sustainability in Civil Engineering, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/77054
