fun facts about environmental engineering

I am thankful for all of our modern sanitary conveniences and the scientists and engineers past and present who have made them possible. Other good alternatives include riding bicycles and walking. #10. The first recognized environmental engineer was Joseph Bazalgette, who managed London's initial large-scale municipal sanitary sewer system. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The existence of such assessment entities helps to bring environmentally friendly construction and operational practices into the mainstream, which is especially important since buildings apparently contribute more than 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in some areas [source: HVN Plus]. "Agroforestry Forest Farming." 1999. Here are 50 of the best facts about Environmental Science And Pollution Research and Environmental Science Degree I managed to collect. "Biofiltration as pre-treatment to water harvesting and recycling." Denmark is one of the smallest countries on earth, yet very well developed and eco-friendly. Tack on large-scale farming, and it is not hard to see how vital environment engineers are to a healthy lifestyle. Lighting uses about 15% of the worlds electricity use. Archaeology. Denmarks sustainability is promoted by its culture, and sustainability has been one of their cultures for centuries. 17 BSE graduates, Class of 2021. Environmental Engineering is not new. (June 11, 2013) http://phys.org/news/2011-06-ancient-sewer-excavation-roman-diet.html, Engineering for Change. The turbines reportedly have the potential to generate twice as much power, perhaps even more, at half the cost of modern ground-level wind turbines. Green is the color of life and nature. Now lets dive into the most interesting environmental sustainability facts! The main message behind Earth Day is the importance of sustainability, which means creating systems that are economically viable and environmentally friendly. First and foremost, I have an insatiable desire to learn. Going green can also cut down on energy, water and other costs and improve the health of people working in the structures. "The power of poo." (June 14, 2013), North Carolina State University. You don't need an undergraduate degree in science. May 1, 2012, Volume 65, Issue 9, Pages 1705-1712. "I quickly discovered that engineering involves so much more than just math," Turner said. (June 8, 2013) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079169/A-book-Roman-Elagabalus-reveals-story-cross-dressing-boy-emperor.html, LEED. One ton of recycled baled cardboard saves up to 2584l of oil, 264981 water, and 2.5 m of landfill space. Here are 15 amazing environmental facts 1. While the motor is applying resistance to the drive train and slowing the car, energy from the wheel is turning the motor and generating electricity, which is stored in the metal hydride (NiMH) battery for later use. We have long desired to live in an environment free of human waste, initially because of the foul smell, and later, once we made the connection, to prevent serious and deadly outbreaks of disease. #9. You might want to look at a paper on Human and Nature Dynamics (HANDY): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800914000615. But as issues of fuel efficiency and emissions became increasingly important, hybrids reemerged. Someone working towards a degree in environmental engineering can expect to take introductory biology and chemistry classes, as well as possible prerequisites. Create recycled art from things you would normally throw away. Cigarette butts, plastic cans, bottles, food wrappers, plastic lids, straws, and stirrers are common discoveries during international coastal clean-ups. Buildings are going certifiably green. Conservation Magazine. They take this knowledge and use it to develop processes to reduce environmental pollutants, both man-made and organic. The kites themselves are around one hundred feet long and made of carbon fiber. They also often work together. The global population comprises 5% of Americans. Nature is their client, so they must be outside to test soil and water and to analyze land. In many cases, the resulting waste can even be composted and used as fertilizer or fuel. Engineering requires the application of science and math to solve a problem. They are similar, and they do tackle some of the same issues. Read more facts below. 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. The first commercially available hybrid was the Toyota Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 and in the U.S. in 2001. Environmental engineers play an important role in project design. "Google X is acquiring high altitude wind startup Makani Power." I am an atmospheric scientist, and feel it is the most interesting and rewarding career. "Hybrid cars 101: How long should batteries last?" He has already achieved a zero carbon footprint and aims to help as many people as possible to do the same. To prevent massive environmental damage, you should prefer reusable items. Still not convinced? You may also develop ways to remediate areas damaged by hazardous spills or research ways to neutralize toxic materials before disposal. Serman Poppen created a winter toy for his daughter, by bolting two snow skis together and attaching a rope to the front. Some even involve toxic cleansing. It is a versatile and nutritious crop, and they grow quickly compared to land crops. As the ongoing threat of climate change continues to impact the planet, more people are considering careers as environmental engineers. 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. 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. (June 14, 2013) http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/what-is-a-hybrid-car-how-do-hybrids-work.html, Edwards, Lin. It's more than just math. 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. What about waste and sewer systems? (June 14, 2013) https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Paris_Sewers_Page.html, Shapley, Dan. July 2, 2005. Thats why theyre so important to helping us fight climate change, reduce global warming and make the world a healthier place. They also use these principles to create new practices such as biofiltration or the use of wind energy. Life didnt end because of that. (June 14, 2013) http://www.hvnplus.co.uk/breeam-leed-and-green-star-agree-on-approach/3101246.article, Hindu. Our experience in water resource management demonstrates our continued commitment to ensure safe solutions for all our clients needs. Without all that, todays society would be no better off than London in the 1800s when cholera killed thousands or in the 1950s when coal pollution choked the city. This can include minimizing the environmental impact of radiation and hazardous chemicals. A tap that runs for two minutes can use up to 3.5 gallons of water. Phys.org. The program covers engineering topics, waste management, soil science, biochemistry and biology. Learn about the responsibilities of each discipline. As an environmental engineer you will be able to guide people towards reducing these dangers that past generations, including mine, have created. These two groups often compliment each other when working on infrastructure designs, including roads, pipes, tanks, and bridges. It could be a concert with a big name artist, it could be an outdoor festival, or it could be speakers talking about ways you can help the planet. By a few hundred years B.C.E., the Greeks had sewer systems that transported rain and wastewater to collection basins that irrigated and fertilized fields. Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years. 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. "Biofiltration of Air." Because nothing can be more persuasive than irrefutable eco facts about sustainability and how human activities are affecting our planet. Around 640 pounds of trash is produced by college students each year. As part of their training, they study the things that impact these significant issues and suggest solutions for modern challenges like acid rain, ozone depletion and energy sustainability. Because recent years saw a steep rise in the temperature of our planet and a large percentage of those emissions are just caused by inefficiencies that can be avoided in our processes. December 28, 2011. How Do Hybrids Work?" Assign a point value to each litter item. "About." Biofiltration systems are used to treat wastewater and industrial gaseous emissions, as well as emissions from composting operations, among other applications. Some of the engineering designs of the past have not been perfect. what's environmental science? Biofiltration is the process of passing air or water through a porous, moist material containing microorganisms in order to remove odors and contaminants. My teacher got me into Environmental Engineering, and I wanted to ask you: Could you inform me with interesting facts about Environmental Engineering? Create an organic garden in your backyard, community garden or school so you can grow your own fruit and vegetables. The three pillars of sustainability or 3 Ps (Planet, People, Profit) are the pathways government, corporations, and institutions follow to achieve sustainable development goals. In the last decade, the hottest years in history have been recorded. They focus on performing tasks such as reviewing designs and addressing environmental health and safety issues. Additionally, scanning your work and going digital reduces paperwork. Interesting Facts about Environmental Engineering. I only gave it scant thought before researching this article. As you know, climate change is a most important danger facing humankind, together with the degradation of the environment due to over-exploitation of Nature and natural resources. The first system opened in 1865, but the network took more than ten years to complete. But a San Francisco-area start-up founded in 2006 called Makani Power has been working on using kite-like wind turbines attached to tethers to generate wind power at high altitudes, where there are stronger and steadier winds than we have at ground level. Huge tons of fuel are used in heating and transportation. (June 16, 2013) http://www.hybridcars.com/history-of-hybrid-vehicles/, Berman, Bradley. 5: LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and Other Certification Programs, Anit, Selvi B. and Robert J. Artuz. The technicians prepare, update and maintain environmental inspection reports and plans. "Ancient sewer excavation sheds light on the Roman diet." Some hybrids use regenerative braking. Environmental engineering is a comprehensive career that takes you all over. At first, youll cut fuel expenses. One way to practice sustainable living is to reduce your carbon footprint through simple steps such as turning off electronics when not in use or recycling items instead of throwing them away every little bit counts! Additionally, you can install energy-efficient appliances in your room to reduce energy consumption. (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." Job Outlook. October 24, 2007. Another agroforestry method is silvopasture, using trees to shelter livestock and the grasses and other plants they eat. "What are Environmental Engineers?" A special day helps to raise awareness so that we can educate more people about what is an environmentally friendly resource and how important it is to take care of our environment. "6 trends that will drive electric vehicle adoption in 2013." Together we can make a difference today and save tomorrow. You can find many more facts and information about Earth Day by checking out these resources, some of which are specially designed for children. Read stories about our environment to learn more Earth Day facts. They dont just supervise waste control or pollution. But in places that can support them, bioswales can do a lot of good. Christian Science Monitor. That would carry it out to the ocean instead of letting sitting in the river. Bazalgette proposed a system to create networks underground that would divert raw sewage from the streets to the river. There have already been some major innovations that helped get most of us to this point alive and well. We would love to read them, and so would your parents and teachers. This reduction will effectively give us more time to reduce our emissions and avoid the more negative climate scenarios presented by some scientists. This is pretty easy nowadays, considering the available digital technologies. An aqueduct's destination was a distribution tank called a castellum, which was usually at a high point in the city. This specialist engineer strives for a cleaner environment by using biology, soil science, and chemistry. And this will have a greater positive impact. My wife gives me a hard time as I am always searching for answers and providing useless but interesting facts. Environmental engineers are perhaps unsung heroes who have helped make the modern world what it is today, replete with relatively safe food and water, breathable air, largely plague-free living environments and energy-efficient fuel consumption to help power pretty much everything we do. It can also be used to shelter wildlife, protect watersheds and manage carbon emissions more effectively. Environmental geology is essentially a way of applying geologic knowledge to identify, remediate, and hopefully prevent, environmental problems from occurring as a result of people.. (June 17, 2013) http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706, Squires, Nick. This right was first recognized by the UN General Assembly and Human Right Council. 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. China emits 10,357 metric carbon dioxide tons, making it the worlds largest polluter. Additionally, they have one of the largest green energy systems in the world. "The bioswales of New York: A city plan to make more tree-stands and less sewage runoff." City officials saw the need after a series of cholera epidemics killed thousands. "Google's X factor: 'Captain of Moonshots' describes secret lab." Edmunds. Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. "How Hybrids Work." When composted, organic matter changes into soil carbon. You'll find them in manufacturing plants as they build systems to control waste. The contaminants are degraded to basic compounds like water or carbon dioxide, along with other benign biomass products, all as byproducts of the microbes' metabolic processes. Environmental engineers study engineering but also chemistry, biology, mathematics and soil science. 80-130 undergraduate students in civil engineering and environmental engineering programs Class size is typically between 10 and 60 students Nearly all undergraduates finish in four years or fewer Cooperative education program available Study abroad and foreign externships available Certificate program in architectural engineering and design Sunlight does this naturally to some extent. Such systems are ideal for places where water is scarce, since they usually require no connection to a plumbing or sewer system. Plastic materials account for massive toxins in our environment today. Secondly, it reduces emissions to the atmosphere. "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation." (June 11, 2013) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV-1To9DkJQ, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. "Compare Hybrids Side-by-Side." Some types of seaweeds can be harvested within six weeks. Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering, Osha Construction Safety And Health Training, Honey Bunches Of Oats Chocolate Discontinued, Health And Safety Equipment In The Workplace, Science Fair Projects Ideas For 6th Graders, Pomegranate Nutrition Facts And Health Benefits. Seaweed might be the food of the future, 3. This is for everyone from all walks of life who care about our planet. In addition, they go to offices and meet with other engineers in conference rooms. Large or small, OEI is committed to completing every project on time, within budget, and exceeding client expectations. Of course, gas-only vehicles won the day. That means environmental engineers work in almost every industry. They can be used in parking lots in place of storm drains, and, in urban areas that don't have a lot of plant cover, they can help prevent sewers from overflowing due to too much rainfall going directly down the drain. February 20, 2012. Paperwork leads to tons of paper trash. To cover our costs, we may earn a commission from any sale at no cost to you. Gigaom. It is a special day to celebrate our planet and all the wonderful things we have on it. This graph from climate.gov shows the temperature of our planet during the past 500 million years. But they also work in pharmaceuticals, business and academia. Fifty percent of the gas has been added in the last 50 years. Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering - Reader is supported. Civil engineering is responsible for many of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate . Modern environmental engineers work on solutions to issues like pollution reduction and cleanup, energy consumption and emissions, land erosion, water treatment and waste management in an effort to properly manage and maintain the quality of our soil, water and air. For example, where is the water supply coming from and is it safe? "Rome's Lost Aqueduct." Duke CEE At a Glance. "10 Advancements in Environmental Engineering" About 1,500 openings for health and safety engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. It requires 63 credit hours to graduate with a degree. Many people are living in modern slavery today, 20. The automobile is made up of complicated braking, steering, and electrical systems, in addition to the engine and drive train. "Rating systems for counting buildings' environmental performance." The above environmental sustainability facts will help you learn what to do to live a sustainable lifestyle. February 2005, Volume 35, Issue 1, Page 9. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/20627618, Berg, Phil. They strive to keep everyone healthier and happier by helping us live off the land more efficiently and less destructively. We know that UV light damages our skin and eyes; it also kills or inactivates some microorganisms. As an added bonus, good ratings might qualify a building for tax rebates and other monetary incentives, and may increase property and rental values. Over time, we also learned of the need to maintain the sewers, and the manhole was born (or re-invented, as we'll see later). (June 16, 2013) http://www.zdnet.com/6-trends-that-will-drive-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-2013-7000009207/, CNN Money. They actually fly in loops rather than hover. According to recent findings, bottled water is a major contributor to tons of plastic waste. January/February 2010, Volume 125, Issue 1, Pages 15-27. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who . However, out of 70 percent, only 2.5 percent is fresh and what is accessible for human use is 1%. (June 14, 2013) http://books.google.com/books?id=ReqUM_XNGjoC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false, Leafe, David. Ecosan (ecological sanitation) systems include various designs of environmentally friendly toilets or latrines that generally require little or no water, while isolating waste in a way that prevents odor and disease. Generally, purified tap water is the preferred option and it is also the most eco-friendly. Hybrid cars were invented far earlier than most of us imagine. Aqueducts were used to transport large amounts of water from one place to another, sometimes over as far as 60 miles (96.6 kilometers). Environmental engineering applies various scientific principles and ideas to help provide clean water, minimize pollution and improve the environment. These emitters accounted for over 70% of the energy-related carbon dioxide emission in 2004. However, Americans are responsible for approximately 30% of global trash. Bioswales remove contaminants like heavy metals, oil, grease and sediment from runoff. Moreover, Chinas population counts over 1.4 billion people while the USA counts just over 300 million people. The last decade recorded the five warmest years since recordings started. Environmental and Sustainability fun facts, 1. They are also on construction sites to ensure new structures are safe and not adding to pollution. ZDNet. Pets: A three-legged cat named Tux (he lost one arm to cancer) Top Destination on Bucket List: Europe (specifically Ireland or Scotland) Favorite Season: Summer; Currently Reading: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Currently Watching: The Office ; Work Fuel: Black coffee Makani means wind in Hawaiian, incidentally. In this special Earth Day guide for children, we explain what Earth Day is and why it is so important in a way that children can easily understand. (June 16, 2013) http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/, Clancy, Heather. "Bio Filtration Swales and Strips." "Sacks of Human Waste Reveal Secrets of Ancient Rome." Civil Engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines. UVGI has been incorporated into ventilation ducts, heating and air conditioning systems and air disinfection units. "The Sewers of Paris: A Brief History." "Why LEED?" March 6, 2012. The vegetation will vary by region, and unfortunately, bioswales are not ideal for arid climates. 8. Additionally, the process releases nearly 25% less of the total emission than conventional paper. August 19, 2009. UVGI systems use concentrated UV light to do so in a controlled manner, emitting shortwave ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-C radiation at certain wavelengths, namely in the germicidal range between 200 and 320 nanometers -- often via a low-pressure mercury lamp. (June 14, 2013) http://www.upperdesplainesriver.org/bioswales.htm, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Forbes. Below are tenfacts about environmental engineeringthat will blow your mind. In some countries, governmental policies stifle these practices, partially because of disconnects between the agencies that deal with the different items involved. March/April 2012, Volume 65, Number 2. Bioswales can even end up sheltering small forms of wildlife like butterflies and birds. Moreover, the importance of recycling and its benefits to the environment, society, and the economy are going well behind this. (BSE Graduates: May graduates only, first major is civil engineering or environmental engineering) 3. Bioswales are patches of vegetation made up of grass, flowers, trees or other plants that absorb storm water runoff, helping to degrade or remove pollutants before it flows untreated into any nearby bodies of water, or into sewer systems. "Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Technical Overview." (June 11, 2013) http://archive.archaeology.org/1203/features/rome_aqua_traiana_aqueduct_carestia.html, Unicef, India. And our responsibility begins with utilizing the available resources while sustaining our planet. Modern sewer systems are more complex, leading to sewage treatment plants where the water is treated via filtration and addition of various chemicals to disinfect and remove contaminants before it's returned to nature. Check out our work to learn how OEI applies environmental engineering facts and practices to solve complicated engineering problems throughout the state of Texas and beyond. (June 11, 2013), EcoSan. Bioswales can be used to form channels that direct the flow of and filter the water, or they can be placed in strips (sometimes called biofiltration strips or filter strips) to catch water that flows over in thin sheets from paved areas. (June 14, 2013) http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml, USDA National Agroforestry Center. "Closed Waterless Toilet Systems." BSRIA. CO2 emissions need to drop by 45% by 2030, OR NOT? Housing and transportation are the major contributors to carbon dioxide, 15. Some of the more expensive hybrids can also operate in electric-only mode for a few miles, although others will shut down if they have no gas. By the time of the construction of the Aqua Traiana by the Emperor Trajan around 109 C.E., the Roman aqueducts brought hundreds of millions of gallons of water into the city daily. (June 16, 2013) http://www.usgbc.org/leed/why-leed, Mohammed T., S. Vigneswaran and J. Kandasamy. "When Old Things Turn Into New Again." Interesting Facts About Environmental Engineering Reader is supported. Book reveals the story of cross-dressing boy emperor Elagabalus, whose savagery and sexual hedonism were unparalleled." I hope you enjoyed those environmental fun facts about sustainability. "BREEAM, LEED and Green Star agree on approach." Environmental engineering is the front line of defense against things that affect all animals, including humans water contamination and pollution. November 28, 2012. They can use their advanced knowledge and improved technology to make things better for the planet and those that call it home. (June 16, 2013) http://www.breeam.org/about.jsp?id=66, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 55 PhD students. (June 16, 2013) http://www.fao.org/forestry/9469/en/, Gaylord, Chris. The discoveries during the international coastal clean-ups, 18. This despite the USA having outsourced most of its (polluting) manufacturing to China to then import back just the finished goods. Many global leaders embraced the united nations sustainable development goals, 6. Plastic production primarily depends on non-renewable fossil hydrocarbons. 2009. March 13, 2013. Today we learned all about Earth Day, an annual environmental holiday that celebrates the Earth and its natural beauty. While it is good practice to set ambitious targets, there is also another argument claiming that the 2030 deadline is not so strict. Discover the Secret to a Winning Digital Transformation Strategy! At the time, residents used the River Thames almost like an open sewer, making it a public health hazard for the residents of London.

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