Together we can make a difference today and save tomorrow. (June 11, 2013) http://www.ecosan.co.za/product_info.html, Edmunds, Dan. For example, use the cruise control to save gas and consider the pros and cons of Drive Safe and Save to further reduce fuel consumption while also getting car insurance discounts. Hi, Sustainability Success comes from 15 years of experience working in industries at the pinnacle of advanced technologies, with a passion for their potential applications to improve sustainability and achieve sustainable development. Read on to find out what sorts of things these stewards of the earth have provided for us in the past, and are working on for the future. Or we can think of other ways we can help the environment by using less, or taking care of the trees, plants and animals nearby. "High-Altitude Wind Power." In the long run, growing forests are drawing in carbon and distributing it to the soil. "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation." (June 14, 2013) http://www.conservationmagazine.org/2012/12/high-altitude-wind-power/, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and Other Certification Programs. That is where the environmental engineer comes onto the scene. Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering Reader is supported. Depending upon make and model, hybrid-electric cars can get far better gas mileage than comparatively sized traditional vehicles. (June 16, 2013) http://www.fao.org/forestry/81630/en/, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "Biofiltration of Air." For example, environmental engineers create programs for waste management, water treatment and soil enhancement. (June 16, 2013) http://www.usgbc.org/leed/why-leed, Mohammed T., S. Vigneswaran and J. Kandasamy. Unlike traditional filters, biofilters destroy harmful substances rather than just filtering them out, but they can only work with biodegradable contaminants. But as issues of fuel efficiency and emissions became increasingly important, hybrids reemerged. Environmental engineering is the development of methods and structures that deal with challenges people face that affect the planet. Seaweed might be the food of the future, 3. Therefore, our daily activities use gallons of water without us even realizing it. May 27, 2010. (June 14, 2013) http://www.surfertoday.com/kiteboarding/6963-futuristic-kite-turbines-generate-high-altitude-wind-power, Taylor, Rabun. Bioswales remove contaminants like heavy metals, oil, grease and sediment from runoff. Environmental engineering is something that you can get a degree in these days, but the field is one that existed long before it had a name, begun at the dawn of civilization when we started modifying our environment to meet our needs. Additionally, they have one of the largest green energy systems in the world. Makani means wind in Hawaiian, incidentally. Environmental engineering is a comprehensive career that takes you all over. The conversion of organic matter into soil carbon, 29. Create a new recycling idea for your community! Plastic materials may take centuries to decompose. According to recent findings, Germany has the best recycling rate. Environmental engineers are there to ensure the work civil and chemical engineers do will not further impact the planet. There would also be no solid waste management orrecycling. They also cool water that has heated up while traveling across pavement before it reaches natural bodies of water, where warmer water could harm wildlife. "Ancient sewer excavation sheds light on the Roman diet." It is up to environmental engineers to create ways to utilize recyclable garbage, select landfill areas, and recommend systems for waste disposal. Here are 15 amazing environmental facts 1. "BREEAM, LEED and Green Star agree on approach." At the end of Earth Day, see how much you have collected and compare it to what other families have collected. "Ancient Rome sewer tunnels 'in danger of collapsing.'" The premise of their business requires them to work in a variety of settings. Without environmental engineers, humans would not have clean water and proper waste disposal. You have entered an incorrect email address! UV light in the higher 320 to 400 nanometer range is not effective against germs. They take this knowledge and use it to develop processes to reduce environmental pollutants, both man-made and organic. Engineering means solving problems or innovating by applying math and science in a practical way. "What We Do - Toilets - Models." Although public transportation still consumes fuels and emits gases, it is six times safer for the environment than personal cars. Take a look at some interestingfacts about environmental engineeringyou may not know: With todays need to find sustainable solutions to climate change, you may hear more about environmental engineers, but the role dates back to ancient civilizations. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant germs (including drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis) and fear of bioterrorism has renewed interest in UVGI. Environmental Science Facts (Facts About Environmental Science) 1 #7. They are similar, and they do tackle some of the same issues. This is all pretty obvious stuff, but how often do we think about how our current hygienic state of being was attained? Your guide to a green and eco-friendly lifestyle. National Geographic News. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sanctioned its use in hospitals in conjunction with air cleaning systems to help control the spread of TB. The first commercially available hybrid was the Toyota Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 and in the U.S. in 2001. "EcoSan Waterless Toilet - Product Information." Read more facts below. Christian Science Monitor. Its considered the most eco-friendly country in the world, followed by Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the UK. Avoid bottled water and save the environment, 35. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/ec/stormwater/biofiltration_strips.htm, California Department of Transportation. Sustaining our environment, promoting economic growth, and eradicating poverty are the fights we often indulge in. Environmental engineers, also known as sustainability engineers, are concerned with maintaining and updating processes, improving public health and improving waste disposal. Some hybrids use regenerative braking. 18 May 2014. When composted, organic matter changes into soil carbon. In other words, sustainability goals are achieved thanks to environmental responsibility and by fulfilling the three important pillars, including: In some cases, this framework is slightly modified into the 4 pillars of sustainability by giving additional emphasis to the human aspects. With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is highly qualified to write on all aspects of renewable energy. 34 Master's students. Nature is their client, so they must be outside to test soil and water and to analyze land. It requires 63 credit hours to graduate with a degree. Add to that the advancements in technology and improvements must be made. While preventing this alone can be nearly impossible, you can make the right decision of not being part of it. In addition, farmers would not be unable to analyze their soil for safe and efficient crop growth. Earth Day is a day to show how we care for our planet and all the animals and plants on it. These can also be sold before the trees are ready for harvesting. 10 Fun Facts about Engineers | RINGFEDER ZDNet. However, they also travel to sites to collect samples. A junior environmental engineer does a lot of field work such as surface water, soil and ground water sampling and air monitoring. Various agroforestry methods can be employed depending upon the available land and resources. Sunlight does this naturally to some extent. (June 14, 2013), North Carolina State University. March 6, 2012. Now lets dive into the most interesting environmental sustainability facts! THE World's largest biome The Taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the world's largest biome. This makes it the major human-caused climatic change contributor. June 23, 2011. Although it can be challenging to live without paperwork, you can reduce and learn to live with less of it. The discoveries during the international coastal clean-ups, 18. It's more than just math. Create an organic garden in your backyard, community garden or school so you can grow your own fruit and vegetables. It contributes to 60% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Moreover, Chinas population counts over 1.4 billion people while the USA counts just over 300 million people. They also look like little landscaped parks in some cases, which are more aesthetically pleasing than concrete drainage structures. January 20, 2011. The most eco-friendly country is Denmark, Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability EXPLAINED, Internal Communications for Digital Transformation (Unlock the Power!). "Move over, Caligula! What Is Environmental Geology? - Definition & Importance Biofiltration is the process of passing air or water through a porous, moist material containing microorganisms in order to remove odors and contaminants. Environmental engineers study engineering but also chemistry, biology, mathematics and soil science. Environmental engineering career paths can lead to employers in a variety of industries, including consulting, Interesting facts about petroleum engineering, interesting facts about robotics engineering, interesting facts about engineering students, interesting facts about engineering, interesting facts about genetic engineering, interesting environmental facts, interesting facts about aerospace engineering, interesting facts about electrical engineering, interesting facts about biomedical engineering, interesting facts about mechanical engineering, interesting facts about civil engineering, interesting facts about architectural engineering. "Biofiltration as pre-treatment to water harvesting and recycling." However, filtered or purified tap water is of similar quality compared to bottled water, costs a fraction of it, and doesnt pollute the environment. Read stories about our environment to learn more Earth Day facts. In addition, they go to offices and meet with other engineers in conference rooms. (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/manual.html, Our Soil. That means they are researchers, analysts, machinists, environmentalists and even law enforcement when they find infractions. As cities began to spring up, environmental engineering became even more critical. Their job is to determine how the things humans do affect the environment. Although greenhouse gas is caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, there are many other sources, including organic waste decomposition. There needs to be a change in how we do things; environmental engineers will play a key role in making that happen. One brand -- EcoSan -- was introduced in 2000. (June 16, 2013) http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrids.jsp, Wagner, Eric. "What is BREEAM?" Other good alternatives include riding bicycles and walking. Popular Mechanics. Sewer systems fit the bill by transporting large amounts of human excrement away from populated areas, and they have been evolving for thousands of years. Civil engineering is responsible for many of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate . They also play an intricate role inair pollutioncontrol, water supply maintenance andglobal warming. BREEAM and LEED are the most commonly used methods worldwide at the moment, but others are springing up, like Green Star -- created by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) in 2003 -- as well as CASBEE in Japan and Estidama in Abu Dhabi. (June 16, 2013) http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidferris/2012/11/28/a-wind-power-innovator-dies-too-young/, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As a result, you will be ready to address global problems likerecycling, safedrinking waterand pollution control. Central Michigan University offers a full-time course of study that you can complete in four years. 10 Fun Facts About the Environment | One Tree Planted Most stability engineers work 40 hours per week on a regular basis. By the Earths climate standards we are actually living in a quite cool era. The tethers can reach up to 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) above ground, and they're both the suspension method and the method for transmitting power back to the base. Energy is the major contributor to climate change. (June 14, 2013) http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2012/03/5327266/bioswales-new-york-city-plan-make-more-tree-stands-and-less-sewage-, Schladweiler, Jon C. "Tracking Down the Roots of Our Sanitary Sewers." Environmental engineers work in a number of areas that can relate to air pollution, waste disposal, recycling, global warming, water pollution and other environmental issues. "Air Emissions/Off-Gas Treatment - Biofiltration." Using LED can save up to 90% of this energy. 10 Advancements in Environmental Engineering | HowStuffWorks This weather condition was described as a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere, and that is in addition to natural climate variability over a comparable period.. That would carry it out to the ocean instead of letting sitting in the river. Here are some: When we all work together, we can make a big difference to the way the Earth looks and preserve it for our future. Now lets look at some sustainable facts, or I could also say: sustainability did you know? interesting facts about the environment. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror films. July 2, 2005. Here are some simple, fun activities that anyone can try. According to recent findings, around 36 million people, especially those working in the western brands of supply chains, are living in modern slavery today. In many cases, the resulting waste can even be composted and used as fertilizer or fuel. Environmental engineering is the front line of defense against things that affect all animals, including humans water contamination and pollution. We reach our clients goals while maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship and future sustainability. Forbes. Solid waste produced by the average college student, 13. "Bioswales." These include the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Harvard . "Rome's Lost Aqueduct." "Agroforestry." Aqueducts were used to transport large amounts of water from one place to another, sometimes over as far as 60 miles (96.6 kilometers). Of course, gas-only vehicles won the day. Modern environmental engineers look for ways to make things more efficient, sustainable and environmentally sound. They develop strategies to keepenvironmental problemsat bay while letting people live robust lives. "What Is a Hybrid Car? Single-use items are harmful to the environment, 33. If that sounds like the future you want, dont delay further. They also use these principles to create new practices such as biofiltration or the use of wind energy. 1) Green Buildings Utilize Less Energy According to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), green buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water in comparison with the ordinary commercial building. This translates to about 9.8 million trees annually. This is due to the coming grand solar minimum that started in 2020 and will last until 2053. However, deadlines and projects can bring additional stress, causing some engineers to work longer hours. Sewerhistory.org. February 2009. And this will have a greater positive impact. At first, youll cut fuel expenses. An aqueduct's destination was a distribution tank called a castellum, which was usually at a high point in the city. It can also be used to shelter wildlife, protect watersheds and manage carbon emissions more effectively. Plastic, which is dangerous to the planet, is the largest percentage of all the waste worldwide. Trees breathe in carbon dioxide. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/ec/stormwater/biofiltration_swales.htm, California Department of Transportation. Dry, odorless matter only 5 to 10 percent of its original mass is eventually deposited into a receptacle for removal and repurposing. (June 14, 2013) http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/MISC/biofilt/biofiltration.htm, BBC. Single-use such as plates, forks, cups, and bags are scattered everywhere because these items can be used and disposed of without the need to reuse them. Check out these fun facts about women, engineers, and cool engineering achievements. Bonus points for plastic bottles or bags every one you collect means one less that ends up in our rivers and oceans! The standards can be tailored to different regions or construction types, and buildings are rated on various things, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, land use, pollution, waste and indoor environmental quality. China and the USA are the TOP polluters in the world. If we are truly concerned about sustainability, we need to make more sustainable decisions by following the 6 Rs of sustainability for an eco-friendly lifestyle. February 22, 2000. Fewer jobs are as critical these days as that of environmental engineers. Springer. They assess the impact of a design on factors such as plants, animals, people, air, soil, and water. Every time people build something new, an environmental engineer analyzes the impact of that project. June 17, 2011. On this day, children and students all over the world wear green clothes to school, or they wear a green ribbon. They dont just handle water management. Houston Engineering Inc. - Bethany Fraase Promoted to Director of Create recycled art from things you would normally throw away. It is a special day to celebrate our planet and all the wonderful things we have on it. This is pretty easy nowadays, considering the available digital technologies. Whatever you do this Earth Day, have fun and remember its not just for adults! It also provides additional power while the car is accelerating or going uphill through electric motor drive/assist, enabling installation of a smaller, more efficient gas engine. The result of the entire process is high-quality fertilizer. Around 27,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper The world has over 3.04 trillion trees in the world. Environmental engineers are inventors. (function(){window.mc4wp=window.mc4wp||{listeners:[],forms:{on:function(evt,cb){window.mc4wp.listeners.push({event:evt,callback:cb});}}}})(); Address: Unit 4d, Lansbury Business Estate, 102 Lower Guildford Road, Knaphill, GU21 2EP, United Kingdom, 40 Environmental & Sustainability Fun Facts 2022. This can include minimizing the environmental impact of radiation and hazardous chemicals. Host an Earth Day party where everyone brings their own recyclable item and make a craft. Because when the trees grow and produce oxygen, they also store carbon in their trunk. "Compare Hybrids Side-by-Side." You still have to fill them up with gasoline, but the electric motor leads to gains in fuel efficiency by allowing the combustion engine to shut down while idling via automatic start/shutoff. The three pillars of sustainability or 3 Ps (Planet, People, Profit) are the pathways government, corporations, and institutions follow to achieve sustainable development goals. (June 8, 2013) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110623-ancient-rome-human-waste-herculaneum-science-diet-excrement-italy/, Papadopoulos, A.M. and E. Giama. (June 8, 2013) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9677683/Ancient-Rome-sewer-tunnels-in-danger-of-collapsing.html, Surfer Today.