Incorporating Environmentally Efficient Structural Engineering Design into Concrete Buildings

Abstract

Sustainable development has been studied for over three decades and was broadly defined to include the appropriate consideration of the triple bottom line approach. This incorporates economic, social and environmental considerations of development. Historically, development has been observed to focus principally on economic outcomes, with environmental considerations being ancillary to these. Progress has ensued, and research continually aims to improve the appropriateness of broadly adaptable procedures to contribute to the improvement of all aspects of development. To date progress has been largely ineffective at achieving qualitative and quantitative solutions. The building and construction industry contributes enormous detrimental environmental impact. This industry has been previously estimated to contribute between 40-50% of energy consumption and to produce a similar proportion of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. With global populations predicted to continue to increase throughout the first half of this century, demands driving such impacts are set to continue. These factors contribute extensively to environmental impacts of global significance, ie. climate change and global warming. As such, the need to mitigate the impacts of the industry cannot be overstated.