Civil Engineers ideate, design, prepare strategies and supervise the execution of diverse infrastructure projects. They ensure best practices for efficient and sustainable construction. Civil Engineering projects include the design and construction of bridges, roads, dams, commercial and residential buildings, water, pipelines, sewage systems, etc.
Civil engineers are crucial stakeholders in building energy-efficient and sustainable structures for future cities. Even the United Nations has recognised the importance of civil engineers in fulfilling its Sustainable Development Goals with 169 targets.
According to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), “the rapid urbanisation and construction activities will increase waste that will gradually eliminate wildlife habitats and natural resources more than 70% of the earth from now up to 2032.”
This is alarming, and top engineering colleges in India play a crucial role in grooming B. Tech Civil Engineering students for a vital role in knitting a sustainable future. These engineering institutions teach theoretical and practical methods to students for deploying innovative and sustainable nature-based solutions to achieve SDG goals and overcome global issues.
We suggest here to explore Manipal University Jaipur for quality B. Tech in Civil Engineering with outstanding learning outcomes. The Faculty of Engineering at MUJ offers industry-ready UG, PG and PhD courses in engineering with specialisations in various engineering verticals.
Now that we know the world requires civil engineers to create a sustainable green future, let us explore top innovative technologies, methods and green materials that civil engineering students should know and apply in their projects, internships and workplace.
All the B Tech in Civil Engineering students should make a note of following sustainable construction practices.
One of the best ways to build sustainable infrastructure is to use resilient, lighter and reusable building materials like insulated access panels and doors. It helps to create environment-friendly constructions.
Environmentally friendly building materials support minimise the carbon footprint of structures and promote a cleaner and healthier Earth. Also, construction with advanced green materials looks aesthetically pleasing and modern.
Bamboo: It is eco-friendly with a high regenerative capacity of up to three feet in 24 hours. It is a good choice for flooring and cabinetry because of its high weight-to-strength ratio.
Precast Concrete Slabs: These slabs hold well in all weather conditions and are preferable to construct walls, facades, flat roofs, and more.
Cork: It is robust, regenerative, flexible and durable, the perfect option for floor tiles. Highlights of this eco-friendly material are shock absorption, noise absorption, thermal insulation, fire resistance and more.
Strawbales: An excellent green material for framing, filling between columns and beams with good insulation properties. Strawbales are easy to grow with minimum impact on the environment.
Recycled Plastic: Civil Engineers use recycled plastics or recycled plastics blended with virgin plastics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It helps to reduce plastic pollution, a global talking point with multiple harmful impacts.
Reclaimed Wood: It helps to reduce deforestation and is good for structural framing, flooring, and cabinetry.
Reclaimed or Recycled Steel: Steel is 100% recyclable, minimises the environmental impact of new constructions, and boosts the durability of structures against high-speed winds and even earthquakes.
B. Tech Civil Engineering students should focus on using recycled materials for green infrastructure with minimum impact on the environment with new construction activities.
Plant-based Polyurethane Rigid Foam: This plant-based construction material is used for furniture and turbine blades. It is robust, and rigid, supports sound insulation and protects against pests and mould.
Sheep’s Wool: It is considered an efficient alternative for chemical-based insulation. Civil Engineers use this for enhanced energy efficiency and soundproof structure.
Rammed Earth: It involves the compression of multiple natural materials including chalk, earth, lime, gravel and more. It is the Engineers’ favourite eco-friendly material for the steadfast construction of walls and floors.
You will learn about all these green construction materials during the Civil Engineering programme at top institutions like Manipal University, Jaipur.
You should apply the following methods to ensure the optimum outcome of using sustainable construction materials. Top engineering colleges in India teach green methods through progressive curriculum, learned faculty, and hands-on experience.
Some of the popular methods and tips for B. Tech Civil Engineering students are-
Conclusion
Sustainable infrastructure must be attained in harmony with nature, not only by adding “Green” features to conventional construction methods. Civil Engineering students must learn and develop self-sustaining long-term technologies and solutions with cutting-edge features with minimum impact on ecology and to reduce the carbon footprint for future generations.
Manipal University, Jaipur, helps to become responsible and future-ready civil engineering professionals with essential skills and know-how of the latest building technologies.
Synopsis
Sustainable infrastructure is the need of the hour for a greener future and a healthy environment. And Civil Engineers are major stakeholders to apply the right methods to ensure a sustainable future. The blog explores the job role of Civil Engineers, green methods, and techniques, with eco-friendly construction materials. Read on to learn more. You can also explore Manipal University, Jaipur, for quality engineering programmes and contribute towards greener infrastructure.