sdg

Sustainability in Civil Engineering

  • Course: Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours, EAA112 – Introduction to Civil Engineering

  • Instructor: Assoc. Prof Ir. Dr. Mohd Ashraf Mohamad Ismail

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Definition: Important element of sustainability.

  • Goals include:

    • No Poverty

    • Zero Hunger

    • Good Health and Well-being

    • Quality Education

    • Gender Equality

    • Clean Water and Sanitation

    • Affordable and Clean Energy

    • Decent Work and Economic Growth

    • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    • Reduced Inequalities

    • Responsible Consumption and Production

    • Climate Action

    • Life Below Water

    • Life on Land

    • Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

    • Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Partnerships for the Goals

Transition from MDGs to SDGs

  • Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):

    • Established in 2000 by the UN.

    • Focused on improving living standards in developing countries by 2015.

    • Key Lessons from MDGs:

      1. Simplified Framework helped focus global efforts.

      2. Limited inclusivity regarding inequality, sustainability, and governance.

      3. Data collection challenges hindered tracking progress.

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

    • Built on MDG successes while addressing their shortcomings.

    • Aims for a more inclusive and comprehensive global development agenda.

Defining Sustainability

  • Sustainability: To "sustain" means to endure or maintain.

  • Sustainable Development:

    • According to the Brundtland Report, it is about meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

    • Important for managing changes for long-term justice and equity in development.

Role of Civil Engineers in Sustainability

  • American Society of Civil Engineers Definition:

    • Sustainability is a condition where society can maintain and improve the quality of life without degrading natural resources.

  • Application:

    • Civil engineers develop sustainable construction practices that meet the SDGs, ensuring infrastructure supports a sustainable future.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

  • Definition: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere leading to the greenhouse effect.

  • Mechanism:

    • GHGs allow sunlight to enter but absorb outgoing heat, maintaining Earth's average temperature around 14°C (57°F).

  • Types of GHGs:

    • Carbon dioxide (CO2)

    • Methane (CH4)

    • Nitrous oxide (N2O)

    • Fluorinated gases (F-gases)

    • Surface-level ozone (O3)

Global GHG Emissions by Sector (2019)

  • Percentages:

    • Energy Supply: 34%

    • Industry: 24%

    • Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use: 22%

    • Buildings: 5.6%

    • Transport: 15%

Sources of GHG Emissions

  • Contribution by Sector:

    • Agriculture:

      • Food production, deforestation, livestock digestion, fertilizers.

    • Buildings:

      • Electricity for heating, ventilation, AC, and lighting.

    • Industry:

      • Electricity use for machinery.

Carbon Footprint

  • Definition: Total amount of GHGs produced to support human activities, expressed in tons of CO2.

  • Calculation: Applicable to individuals, buildings, organizations, and communities.

Goals of SDGs Related to Civil Engineering

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Importance: Infrastructure improves health through better living conditions.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Building hospitals and sanitation systems.

    • Ensuring air quality through pollution reductions.

    • Designing safer transportation systems.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Importance: Engineers design water supply and wastewater treatment systems.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Designing water networks and sewage plants.

    • Implementing sustainable drainage systems.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Importance: Engineers support renewable energy and energy-efficient structures.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Designing wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy systems.

    • Developing energy-efficient building designs.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  • Importance: Focus on building sustainable infrastructure.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Creating durable infrastructure like roads and bridges.

    • Implementing smart urban infrastructure.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Importance: Engineers enhance urban environments for sustainability.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Urban planning for sustainability.

    • Designing eco-friendly public transport.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Importance: Promoting sustainable practices in resource management.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Recycling construction materials.

    • Using sustainable construction methods.

Goal 13: Climate Action

  • Importance: Designing resilient infrastructure that adapts to climate change.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Developing flood defenses and climate-adaptive buildings.

    • Utilizing low-carbon materials.

Goal 14: Life Below Water

  • Importance: Engineers protect aquatic ecosystems through sustainable practices.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Designing structures to mitigate coastal erosion.

    • Reducing marine pollution through wastewater systems.

Goal 15: Life on Land

  • Importance: Contributing to sustainable land management and reforestation.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Implementing eco-friendly construction methods.

    • Designing urban greenspaces.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Importance: Collaboration with various sectors for sustainable infrastructure.

  • Examples of Engineering Role:

    • Partnering in urban development projects.

    • Engaging communities in design processes.

Key Sustainability Initiatives in Engineering

  • Sustainability Priorities Include:

    • Energy/GHG Emissions reduction in buildings and transportation.

    • Community engagement in sustainable practices.

Resources and Tools for Sustainability

  • Green Building Index and GreenRE:

    • Tools to assess and promote sustainable building practices in Malaysia.

The Future of Construction

  • Innovative Practices:

    • Prefabrication, modular construction, advanced materials.

    • Adoption of automation and technology in construction processes.