Significance of Environmental Engineering

Roman Aqueducts

These sophisticated systems supplied water over vast distances, demonstrating early innovation in managing natural resources to meet urban demands.

Roman Aqueducts

Hydraulic engineering principles are integrated into water supply designs for modern cities.

London's Great Stink (1858)

The overwhelming odor of untreated sewage in the Thames River prompted the design of modern sewer systems, laying the groundwork for urban sanitation infrastructure.

London's Great Stink (1858)

Sanitation system designs are vital in urban planning to prevent public health crises.

Cuyahoga River Fire (1969)

This pollution-fueled fire catalyzed the US environmental movement, leading to the Clean Water Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Cuyahoga River Fire (1969)

Legislative frameworks such as the Clean Water Act demonstrate the engineer's role in policy influence.

Minamata Disease (1950s–60s)

A tragic result of industrial mercury poisoning in Japan, this disaster highlighted the consequences of industrial negligence and the need for environmental oversight.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Los Angeles' smog crisis spurred the development of one of the most comprehensive air quality regulations, reducing emissions and improving public health.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Air quality management is incorporated into sustainable building practices.

Stormwater Management

Design systems that mitigate flood risks, improving urban livability. Examples are Urban landscapes to manage rainwater, mitigate flooding, and reduce water pollution.

Sustainable Materials

Innovation; Employing eco-friendly materials like bamboo and recycled steel to minimize resource depletion, and reduce carbon footprint

Erosion Control

Apply soil stabilization techniques, especially for projects in typhoon-prone areas like geotextiles to prevent soil erosion and protect landscapes.

Wastewater Treatment

Ensuring efficient treatment systems to recycle water and prevent contamination. Design efficient and scalable wastewater systems for urban and rural applications.

Energy Efficiency

Designing structures with energy-saving technologies to reduce carbon footprints.

Energy Efficiency

Integrate renewable energy and energy-saving measures to align with international building standards like LEED.

Historical Insights

Learning from the past ensures informed, ethical, and sustainable engineering practices.

Global Relevance

Competencies in environmental engineering prepare students for both local and international challenges, fostering competitiveness and adaptability.

Structural Stability

Ensure resilience against seismic and wind forces.

Safety and Accessibility

Adhere to fire safety measures (sprinklers, fire exits). Follow Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 for inclusive design ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Sustainability

Integration of the Philippine Green Building Code (PGBC) for energy and resource efficiency.

Green Building Practices

Rainwater harvesting, solar energy integration, and passive cooling.

Modern Construction Materials

Use of sustainable and locally sourced materials like bamboo.

Risk Assessment and Disaster Resilience

Urban planning to reduce flood and landslide risks.

Zuellig Building (LEED Platinum Certified)

Demonstrates energy efficiency and resource management.

Marikina Flood Control Project

Integrated stormwater management in urban settings.

Public Housing Compliance

Accessibility and fire safety standards in social housing projects.

6.0 square meters

Habitable Rooms

At least ____ for single-occupancy rooms.

2.0 meters

Habitable Rooms

Minimum dimension: ____

1.2 square meter

Bathrooms

At least ____, with proper ventilation.

3.0 square meters

Kitchens

Minimum area: _____, with a width of at least 1.5 meters.

1.2 meters

Corridors and Hallways

Minimum width: _____ in residential buildings.

2.7 meters

Ceiling Heights

Living Areas: Minimum height of ____ for the ground floor.

1.8 meters

Ceiling Heights

Mezzanine Floors: At least ____ clear height.

at least 10%

Windows and Openings

Natural Light: Windows must occupy ___ of the floor area for habitable rooms.

at least 5%

Windows and Openings

Ventilation: Openings for natural ventilation must be ____ of the floor area.

Artificial Lighting

Minimum illumination levels (lux):

General work areas: 250 lux.

Reading/study areas: 500 lux.

Ventilation Systems

Compliance with ASHRAE standards for air changes per hour (ACH).

two exits

Fire Exits:

Minimum of ____ for every floor above the second

0.9 meters

Fire Exits:

Minimum width: _____

Residential Buildings

Stairways:

______: Minimum width: 0.8 meters.

Commercial Buildings

Stairways:

_____: Minimum width: 1.2 meters.

15 meters

Sprinkler Systems:

Mandatory for buildings over ____ in height or with a floor area exceeding 1,000 square meters.

70%

Maximum Lot Coverage:

Residential Zones: Maximum __ of the lot area for built structures.

80-90%

Maximum Lot Coverage:

Commercial Zones: Varies by city ordinances but typically ___.

Front Yard

Setbacks:

____: At least 2.0 meters for residential buildings.

Minimum 1.5 meters

Setbacks:

Side and Rear Yards: _____ unless specified otherwise

1:12

Ramps:

Maximum slope: ___ for wheelchair accessibility.

1.2 meters

Ramps:

Minimum width: ___.

0.9 meters

Doors and Entrances:

Minimum clear width: ____ for public buildings.

4 stories

Elevators:

Required in buildings taller than ____, with dimensions to accommodate wheelchairs.