Possess an understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development.

Assignment Brief

Events and the External Environment

Learning Outcomes:

LO3: Possess an understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development.

LO4: Have a thorough awareness of current legislator and governing guidelines in the context of civil engineering projects including health and safety, quality assurance, and environmental issues.

This is an individual assignment designed to provide opportunity for independent research into sustainable construction. The coursework submission is preceded by an oral presentation as indicated in the Module Calendar.

Requirement (1)

“Select a sector/ an area (e.g. Highways/transportation, Water supply, Power generation, Housing etc.) of the built environment, identify the likely environmental impacts of this selected sector/area and discuss how environmental management tools can contribute to achieving more sustainable systems and environment.”

Critical appreciation/appraisal to cover aspects such as:

1. Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
2. Environmental management systems
3. Concept of sustainability
4. Use a current example as a case study in your chosen sector in 1 to demonstrate your understanding of how sustainability can be applied in construction/built environment.
5. Students will be awarded marks for their originality, critical appraisal, the use of academic language and appropriate referencing.

Sample Answer

Sustainable Construction in the Highways Sector: Environmental Impacts and Management Tools

Introduction

The highways and transportation sector plays a crucial role in connecting people, goods, and services. However, the construction and maintenance of roads have significant environmental impacts. This essay explores the sector`s environmental effects and how environmental management tools like Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and sustainability principles can help make highway projects more sustainable. A recent project from the UK will be used as a case study to show how these concepts are applied in real-world construction.

Environmental Impacts of the Highways Sector

Highway construction and maintenance can negatively affect the environment in several ways:

1. Air Pollution

• Road construction releases dust and pollutants.

• Increase in vehicle emissions contributes to greenhouse gases and poor air quality.

2. Noise Pollution

• Construction equipment and increased traffic create loud noise, which affects wildlife and nearby communities.

3. Habitat Destruction

• New roads often cut through forests or countryside, leading to loss of biodiversity.

4. Water Pollution

• Runoff from roads can carry oil, fuel, and chemicals into rivers and lakes.

5. Resource Use

• Roads use large amounts of non-renewable resources like bitumen, concrete, and gravel.

Environmental Management Tools for Sustainable Construction

To reduce the negative impacts, several tools and strategies are used:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The EIA is a legal requirement before starting major projects. It helps identify the environmental risks and how to avoid or reduce them.

Steps of EIA:

• Screening: Decides if EIA is needed.

• Scoping: Identifies what to study.

• Impact Analysis: Predicts effects on air, water, soil, and wildlife.

• Mitigation Measures: Plans to reduce harm.

• Public Consultation: Involves communities in decision-making.

Example:

The A303 Stonehenge Tunnel Project went through EIA. It aimed to reduce traffic near the historic site but raised concerns about damaging heritage and landscape. The EIA helped in adjusting the route and plans to protect sensitive areas.

2. Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

An EMS is a structured plan within an organisation that ensures environmental responsibilities are followed. ISO 14001 is the international standard for EMS.

EMS Includes:

• Setting environmental goals.

• Monitoring and controlling pollution.

• Training workers.

• Regular reviews and audits.

In highway projects, EMS ensures that rules are followed throughout the construction process.

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