Celebrating Earth Day: Sustainability in Structural Engineering and Preserving the Built Environment

Every year on April 22, Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility toward the environment. It urges individuals, communities, and businesses to renew their commitment to sustainable practices and consider how their actions impact the Earth. As structural engineers, a significant aspect of our commitment lies within the design, innovation, preservation and sustainability of the built environment. Aiming to minimize the environmental footprint, we employ various strategies to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the surrounding ecosystem.

Resource & Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption in buildings is a significant concern, accounting for approximately 40% of total energy use globally. By improving energy efficiency in buildings, we not only reduce operating costs but also lessen the demand for fossil fuels, contributing to a more sustainable future. 

HANAC Corona Gardens is a 60,000 SF, affordable housing development that is Passive House certified. In order to meet Passive House standards, close collaboration was required particularly of the structural detailing to prevent thermal-bridging. Proprietary thermal break products were utilized at the front canopies and to support the rooftop mechanical equipment. READ MORE

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation

The built environment often directly impacts surrounding ecosystems.  Promoting biodiversity not only supports healthy ecosystems but also enhances the quality of life for communities. Multi-Modal Transportation projects, such as those found in urban areas, support public transport, cycling, and walking, help to reduce reliance on vehicles and excess fossil fuels.

The Village of Ossining's new Bike Shed Facility is part of the ongoing Multi-Modal Transportation Hub (MMTH or The Hub) project. The Hub consists of a 4-story parking structure with more than 200 parking spaces, and the free standing accessory Bike Shed Facility which will provide e-bike charging stations and rentals. This project is part of a larger effort to make downtown Ossining more walkable and is intended to encourage more sustainable transportation and less reliance on gas-powered vehicles. READ MORE

Preservation of Existing Structural Elements

Preserving and repurposing existing materials, such as in adaptive reuse projects, is another way we practice sustainability. This process which includes maintaining structural components like walls, beams, and floors, minimizes the need for new products and has several benefits including reducing demolition waste, resource conservation and lower transportation emissions.

1188 Lofts, is a converted mixed-use building located in Bridgeport, CT, that included structural restoration and adaptive reuse of the Newfield Building, a 5-story, steel-frame and masonry industrial building.  Due to years of water infiltration, corrosion of many structural elements required certain areas to be reframed and others to be strengthened. In order to preserve floor areas and maintain a cost effective solution for the renovations, an under slab reinforcing system was devised to minimize areas that had to be demolished. READ MORE

As our population continues to grow and urbanize, the importance of sustainable practices in structural engineering is paramount. Our approach to this challenge remains to inspire positive change in our built environment through mindful engineering and innovative practices.