CIV1307 Evaluating the Sustainability of Engineering Activities
Engineers in the 21st Century need to incorporate economic, environmental and sustainability objectives into their work. In comparing two projects/designs it is not always apparent which one has better lifetime performance with regard to these goals. The course presents a systems evaluation framework, including environmental, economic and policy analyses methods for evaluating engineering activities. Specific topics include life cycle assessment; materials accounting; green engineering; risk assessment and management; benefit cost and cost effectiveness analyses; and uncertainty analysis. We examine these methods and apply them to current engineering design issues, including those related to global climate change, alternative-fueled vehicles, water and wastewater treatment, energy issues, and air pollution.