By: Raju Ramrao Kulkarni and Shweta Kulkarni
Abstract
Sustainability has become a pivotal focus in structural engineering, driven by the growing global awareness of environmental challenges and the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This paper explores how sustainable practices are being integrated into structural engineering using green materials, energy-efficient design, and life-cycle assessment (LCA). Structural engineers are now playing a vital role in designing buildings and infrastructure that not only meet functional and safety requirements but also minimize resource consumption, energy usage, and environmental impact over their entire life span. Green materials, such as recycled concrete, timber, and low-carbon steel, are gaining prominence in the construction of environmentally friendly structures. These materials deliver performance levels like traditional options while greatly minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, energy-efficient structural design, incorporating strategies, such as passive solar design, optimized building orientation, and natural ventilation, is helping to reduce the energy demands of buildings. LCA is a critical tool that enables engineers to evaluate the environmental impact of structures from cradle to grave, ensuring that design decisions consider not only the initial construction phase but also long-term factors, such as maintenance, deconstruction, and recyclability. Through the integration of these sustainable approaches, structural engineering is contributing to the creation of green buildings and infrastructure that are resilient, resource-efficient, and aligned with global sustainability goals. This paper reviews key developments in sustainable structural engineering, presenting case studies and examples that highlight the potential for structural engineers to lead the way in the fight against climate change. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adopting holistic design approaches that balance sustainability with performance, cost, and durability.
Keywords: Sustainable structural engineering, green materials, energy efficiency, life-cycle assessment, resource-efficient design, environmental impact, low-carbon construction
Citation:
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