As 2018 draws to a close, one of the hottest topics in the news at the moment is climate change, and just how big of an impact it is having on the world. Despite a lot of effort, changes to laws and regulations, and more mainstream knowledge about what people and their habits are doing to the planet, it appears there is still a long way to go if any real results are to happen. And that doesn’t just apply to individuals in their everyday lives and the little things they can be changing, rather it also applies to industries across the board and the need to make more environmentally-friendly choices.
One industry that seems to be well aware of the need for a change in approach is the engineering industry. Engineers are responsible for designing and building structures all around the world, and if they can do so in greener ways, then this can start to effect real change. So, just how is engineering taking a more environmentally-friendly or green approach? There are some really innovative approaches happening right now in the area of Eco-Friendly Development Engineering.
The Use of Sustainable Materials
While there are all kinds of ways that engineers are using green approaches, one of the biggest steps is in using environmentally sustainable materials in projects and structures. When you think of the size and scope of some of these big commercial projects, switching out materials for greener ones can have a massive impact.
The industry as a whole is taking a look at itself, its practices, and equipment, and really asking what is wasteful and what is not sustainable. What this means is some of the older materials, equipment, and practices are no longer being used as the push for sustainability grows stronger and stronger.
A Changing Definition of Eco-Friendliness
Even the definition of eco-friendly has evolved. No longer does the industry see one or two changes as being "good enough". Eco-friendly practices are being used from the start to the finish of a project. What this means is that green measures are being incorporated in each and every step of the construction process.
Innovation is Leading the Way
Just as innovation drives other industries, the same can be said of the engineering industry. Innovation with the emphasis on green measures is most certainly a driving force today.
Take, for example, Maccaferri, who has been in the business for more than 130 years offering advanced solutions for the environmental, geotechnical, and civil construction markets. One of the products the company is known for is its coastal products, more specifically, coastal construction products for waterproofing. The company’s products adhere to its goal of creating environmentally sound solutions and applications that enhance and complement nature, rather than harm it. The green approach is used throughout the design and manufacturing process.
Expect the Trend to Continue
As people learn more about climate change and how each and every action is affecting the earth in some way, expect for eco-friendly engineering methods and products to continue and grow.