The Value of Structural Engineering to Sustainable Construction

Numerous rating schemes have been proposed to incentivize green design, but how well do these codes relate to the building structures. The Institution of Structural Engineers set out to identify which green codes, if any, successfully addressed structures. Their report, titled The Value of Structural Engineering to Sustainable Construction, takes a methodical look at provisions in eight main categories common to most of the rating systems:

1. Reuse
2. Reduction of Portland cement
3. Recycled content
4. Responsible sourcing 
5. Local sourcing
6. Life cycle assessment
7. Efficiency & future proofing
8. Health implications

The conclusions are generally predictable, but the report does a nice job of recommending changes to improve the codes. Highest on the list are needed changes to those credits witch promote a perversion of the sustainable intent, like achieving full recycled content credit by using structural steel (over 90% post-industrial recycled content by nature) or using more interior finish for it's recycled content when a polished concrete wall would be perfectly fine. The best features of the report are the meticulously researched figures and user surveys. Anyone preparing a talk on sustainable structures should read this report for statistical backup to their conclusions.

Download the report at:
http://www.istructe.org/webtest/files/ff/ff7707de-d68f-47f2-b002-b472d90861d8.pdf

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Sustainable Infrastructure Update

The recently revived Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) strives to engage the structural engineering community outside of building designers in an effort to disseminate the fundamental concepts of sustainability that are applicable to all types of structures.

While the LEED rating system has pushed building designers to develop and apply their fundamental principles of sustainability, the lack of such a driver within the bridge, tunnel, dam, levee, and other industries has left a gap in the sustainability fundamentals of its engineers. The IWG is working to fill that gap by raising awareness about sustainability project rating systems such as Envision and Greenroads that are applicable to transportation and other non-building type structures.

Envision is a newly released system developed to help evaluate the sustainability of civil infrastructure. It was created by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) which was founded by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the American Public Works Association (APWA). The rating system uses a holistic approach to educate owners and project teams on the aspects of sustainability and offers guidance on how to ensure each aspect receives due consideration. Projects are evaluated based on 55 credits within 5 categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World, and Climate and Risk.

More information about Envision and ISI can be found at www.sustainableinfrastructure.org/index.cfm

Post submitted by committee member Marty Chorkey.

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EPDs and PCRs: Developing environmental footprint standards

Have you tried to understand the carbon footprint of a material or product and been frustrated not knowing which data to use? Tried to compare the environmental performance of similar products and been unable to find an apples-to-apples comparison? These challenges and others are driving the development of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) standards that integrate a comprehensive assessment of full lifecycle environmental impacts to enable reporting of the "environmental footprint" of a material or product. Follow the link for more information.
EPDs and PCRs: Developing environmental footprint standards

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Green Globes

The Green Globes system is a design and management tool for assessing building environmental performance. The rating system utilizes an online assessment program and offers guidance for green building design, operation and management. In 2005, the Green Globes Initiative was the first green building organization to be accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Green Globes continues to be influential in sustainable design, particularly in Canada, where the federal government adopted it. Follow the link for more information.

www.greenglobes.com/

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Green Codes

The purpose of the Green Codes Working Group (GCWG) is to connect the structural design community with the myriad of green codes, standards, and rating systems that may impact their clients and work product. To accomplish this goal, the GCWG will:

1. Provide information on green codes and standards related to green codes, and how their adoption may affect structural engineers in their practice and the specification of products and systems. Instruments monitored include LEED, CalGreen, GreenGlobes, and ASHRAE.
2. Monitor the announcements from codes, standards, and rating-system developers, providing timely information on opportunities to submit public comments and cast ballots.
3. Pursue opportunities to provide comments to advocacy groups and standards development organizations on behalf of ASCE SEI structural engineer members.

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