CORE COMPETENCIES OF SUSTAINABILITY

CIVENGR/GLE 421

Uses the three paradigms of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) for strategic environmental initiatives in an engineering setting. Proactive environmental management opportunities, including practices of pollution prevention, industrial ecology, and design for the environment. A systems approach to manufacturing, examining the life cycle of products, incorporating total cost accounting, extended producer responsibility, and design for end-of-life.

EPD 730

Explore the environmental impacts of commercial and residential buildings, including energy, water, materials, transportation, waste, human health, and land use. All phases of a building's life cycle will be considered, along with relevant case studies, benchmarking tools, public policies and emerging concepts.

EPD 669

Provides the opportunity to demonstrate ability to think globally, sustainably, and creatively. Gain real-world experience by applying theory, tools, and research to conceptualize, analyze, and design a solution to a real-world problem within a social and environmental context. Showcase the knowledge and analytical skills acquired, and integrate tools, science, and communication to address a community or industry need. Work with an industry mentor and customer throughout your project.

EPD 639

Sustainability and recycling aspects in the life cycles of plastics and polymeric materials. Chemistries that can be used to make polymers from sustainable or renewable sources and biodegradable polymers. Current recycling practices and their limitations including polymer-based materials such as composites and layered packaging. Textile recycling and plastic pollution including microplastics are covered.

CIVENGR 121

Interdisciplinary contexts of sustainability, including environment, economy, and society. History of sustainability in engineering, sustainability engineering tools, and contemporary applications of sustainability in a wide range of fields.