If youre feeling creative, why not write your own story? However, federal environmental laws are also critical when an environmental engineer is doing and building new systems. Heavy research on UVGI was done from the 1930s through the 1970s in hospitals and schools, but despite its demonstrated efficacy, UVGI was mostly abandoned, in part due to breakthroughs in immunization, antibiotics advancements and safety concerns about UV radiation. (June 14, 2013) http://www.sewerhistory.org/chronos/roots.htm, Schwartz, Robert. Whatever it is, make sure you get involved! United States, India, Russia, and Japan respectively follow closely. And this will have a greater positive impact. Environmental Engineering is not new. For example, environmental engineers create programs for waste management, water treatment and soil enhancement. Huge tons of fuel are used in heating and transportation. Cigarette butts, plastic cans, bottles, food wrappers, plastic lids, straws, and stirrers are common discoveries during international coastal clean-ups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It sent water to smaller castella, from which it flowed via masonry conduits or pipes to feed fountains, baths, public drinking basins and sometimes even private residences. But the ancient Greeks and Romans found a way to thwart, or at least divert, nature with the invention of aqueducts. 6. I am hoping to share a little about my passion in life via this site. Some systems emit UV light in near-ceiling areas to disinfect the air above peoples' heads in conjunction with vertical airflow mechanisms. See if there are any local community events in your area on Earth Day, or see what kind of events are happening at your school! It is a time to reflect on how we can be better stewards of our planet, but it also gives us opportunities for creativity in art projects or other activities. "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook: UVGI for Air and Surface Disinfection." The first system opened in 1865, but the network took more than ten years to complete. 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. June 14, 2011. Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links. (June 16, 2013) http://www.engr.psu.edu/iec/abe/control/ultraviolet.asp, Reed, Nicholas G. "The History of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Air Disinfection." It is a versatile and nutritious crop, and they grow quickly compared to land crops. (June 16, 2013) http://www.fao.org/forestry/9469/en/, Gaylord, Chris. When you become a sustainability engineer, you will be part of the clean energy industry. Fun Facts About Civil Engineering. Some bioswales also include other mechanisms to further direct and filter runoff, such as under-drains and infiltration trenches. Meaning that our cars are wasting about 80% of the energy contained in their fuel. 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. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/ec/stormwater/biofiltration_strips.htm, California Department of Transportation. This can include minimizing the environmental impact of radiation and hazardous chemicals. March/April 2012, Volume 65, Number 2. I am thankful for all of our modern sanitary conveniences and the scientists and engineers past and present who have made them possible. Public transportation is one of the preferred means of transport. (June 11, 2013) http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070216680300.htm, Kowalski, Wladyslaw. #9. If that sounds like the future you want, dont delay further. (June 14, 2013) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_y1u9jQ2w, H&V News. Around 27,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper The world has over 3.04 trillion trees in the world. With the continuous rise in world population, seaweed coupled with other green technology examples (like hydroponics), could be the perfect remedy for food shortages. That is where the environmental engineer comes onto the scene. Still not convinced? They have four propellers and incorporate sensors and GPS units on the wings that transmit data that can be used to optimize their flight. Gigaom. Energy is the main factor leading to climate change, 12. "Move over, Caligula! Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering that protects others from serious environmental impacts, such as pollution. Together, they plan communities, develop waste management systems and work with major industries, such as pharmaceuticals, to prevent dumping. 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! Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Some research in an industrial plant, while others conduct research in a laboratory. Assign a point value to each litter item. Capital New York. There have already been some major innovations that helped get most of us to this point alive and well. You still have to fill them up with gasoline, but the electric motor leads to gains in fuel efficiency by allowing the combustion engine to shut down while idling via automatic start/shutoff. However, deadlines and projects can bring additional stress, causing some engineers to work longer hours. Youll also find ideas for activities your kids can do (with or without parents) to help celebrate Earth Day. New ideas can replace outdated and sometimes harmful practices. Daily Green. (June 14, 2013), North Carolina State University. "Rome's Lost Aqueduct." Theyre at a higher risk of poor cognitive development. Popular Mechanics. It was established as part of binding international law in 2010. According to recent findings, air pollution is currently one of the factors that contribute to premature death. You can use your devices to take short notes rather than using paper. Or we can think of other ways we can help the environment by using less, or taking care of the trees, plants and animals nearby. According to an article on. Today, a good percentage of children under the age of 5 still suffering in Sothern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. 9. Donating reusable items reduces trash in the landfill, 39. For example, use the cruise control to save gas and consider the pros and cons of Drive Safe and Save to further reduce fuel consumption while also getting car insurance discounts. And no doubt they will continue to evolve. Denmark is one of the smallest countries on earth, yet very well developed and eco-friendly. June 17, 2011. Other countries such as Austria, South Korea, and Wales follow closely. They cant do their work safely and efficiently without knowing local and federal laws. If we are truly concerned about sustainability, we need to make more sustainable decisions by following the 6 Rs of sustainability for an eco-friendly lifestyle. Our daily activities consume gallons of water, 40. According to Bazalgette, they could collect sewage via a series of pumping stations around the city. You may have noticed that many companies choose this day to launch new products or go green with initiatives such as tree planting campaigns. They take this knowledge and use it to develop processes to reduce environmental pollutants, both man-made and organic. Hi, Sustainability Success comes from 15 years of experience working in industries at the pinnacle of advanced technologies, with a passion for their potential applications to improve sustainability and achieve sustainable development. Springer. It also provides additional power while the car is accelerating or going uphill through electric motor drive/assist, enabling installation of a smaller, more efficient gas engine. The production of methane gas by the organic matter, 30. January 20, 2011. (June 11, 2013) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV-1To9DkJQ, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Its considered the most eco-friendly country in the world, followed by Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the UK. One is alley cropping -- growing crops alongside rows of trees like oak, ash, walnut, pecan or other nut trees. "High-altitude wind energy from kites!" The ancient Egyptians were some of the first civil engineers, constructing pyramids and other monumental structures. Conservation Magazine. You'll find them in manufacturing plants as they build systems to control waste. Also, doing this allows you to save thousands on the annual budget for the average-size household. The standards can be tailored to different regions or construction types, and buildings are rated on various things, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, land use, pollution, waste and indoor environmental quality. The snowboard was invented by an engineer. 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. Archaeology. However, Americans are responsible for approximately 30% of global trash. Aqueducts were used to transport large amounts of water from one place to another, sometimes over as far as 60 miles (96.6 kilometers). (June 16, 2013) http://nac.unl.edu/, USDA National Agroforestry Center. All of these systems require a tremendous amount of engineering, which is the responsibility of automotive engineers. Serman Poppen created a winter toy for his daughter, by bolting two snow skis together and attaching a rope to the front. However, 27,000 of them are cut down daily to make toilet paper. Let's stay cholera-free, people! In many cases, the resulting waste can even be composted and used as fertilizer or fuel. You can find many more facts and information about Earth Day by checking out these resources, some of which are specially designed for children. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/stormwater/ongoing/pilot_studies/bmps/details/bs_strips/, Center for Agroforestry. Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering that protects others from harsh environmental effects, such as pollution. We offer simple, practical advice that anyone can follow. "Biofiltration for Air Pollution Control." BSRIA. "Why LEED?" They dont just handle water management. Experts say aspiring lawyers who had humanities majors in college shouldn't be discouraged from pursuing environmental law careers. Mount Holyoke College. "Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering - Environmental Engineering Programs." You might want to look at a paper on Human and Nature Dynamics (HANDY): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800914000615 Engineering requires the application of science and math to solve a problem. Sustainability fun facts can be very useful to know, as well as very interesting. Humans have added 2.3 trillion tons of emissions in the last 160 years. You can donate unused items such as clothes and toys rather than disposing of them in landfills. I love having clean running water that comes straight into my house and working bathroom facilities free of noxious odors. Fewer jobs are as critical these days as that of environmental engineers. Environmental engineers, also known as sustainability engineers, are concerned with maintaining and updating processes, improving public health and improving waste disposal. Environmental engineeringis a professional engineering disciplinethat encompasses broad scientifictopics like chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, and mathematics to create solutions that will protect and also improve the health of living organisms and improve the quality of the environment. The human population is around 7 billion and counting. "What are Environmental Engineers?" May 22, 2013. Americans are responsible for 30% of the global trash, 22. "What to Do When Your Hybrid Car's Battery Dies." (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/manual.html, Our Soil. According to recent findings, Germany has the best recycling rate. This is a move in the right direction if one wants to approach and resolve global issues. (June 8, 2013) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110623-ancient-rome-human-waste-herculaneum-science-diet-excrement-italy/, Papadopoulos, A.M. and E. Giama. Some require covering the waste with sawdust, lye, sand or other material to eliminate odor, remove moisture and assist with decomposition for disposal or composting. 5: LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and Other Certification Programs, Anit, Selvi B. and Robert J. Artuz. (June 16, 2013) http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2012/0306/Hybrid-cars-101-How-long-should-batteries-last, Green Star. March/April 2012, Volume 65, Number 2. They also look for sustainable solutions to common issues likerecycling, waste disposal and pollution. It involves applying science and engineering practices to how we utilize and impact our natural resources. Bioswales remove contaminants like heavy metals, oil, grease and sediment from runoff. (June 14, 2013) http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/ec/stormwater/biofiltration_swales.htm, California Department of Transportation. The country with the best recycling rate, 26. Civil Engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines. They have been used since the 1950s for removing noxious odors, but are now seeing widespread use for removal of industrial contaminants as well. Of course, gas-only vehicles won the day. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm, California Department of Transportation. The USA, China, Canada, Russia, India, and Japan are the major emitters. The technical skills environmental engineers learn are used to develop strategies and technologies to treat and protect the quality of air, water and earth. Sustaining our environment, promoting economic growth, and eradicating poverty are the fights we often indulge in. Environmental Science Facts (Facts About Environmental Science) 1 #7. "What is BREEAM?" It contributes to 60% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Such systems are ideal for places where water is scarce, since they usually require no connection to a plumbing or sewer system. (June 16, 2013) http://nac.unl.edu/Working_Trees/index.htm, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Add to that the advancements in technology and improvements must be made. Employment of health and safety engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The process also contributes to carbon emissions. Every state has its laws when it comes to waste management and community construction. Additionally, the process releases nearly 25% less of the total emission than conventional paper. (June 16, 2013) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc2.html, Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable. We need water to live, so it's no coincidence that many ancient civilizations sprang up around natural water sources. November 14, 2012. However, out of 70 percent, only 2.5 percent is fresh and what is accessible for human use is 1%. They take this knowledge and use it to develop processes to reduce environmental pollutants, both man-made and organic. They focus on performing tasks such as reviewing designs and addressing environmental health and safety issues. "Futuristic kite turbines generate high-altitude wind power." There would also be no solid waste management orrecycling. Anything that would convince me to continue looking forward for this career. Edmunds. Most were also constructed to be periodically flushed out with tidewater or rainwater. Give your parents a list of all the ways you can think of as a family to help the environment. BREEAM was started in 1990 by the BRE Trust and has been the dominant assessment standard in the U.K. LEED is a U.S. standard created by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1998. "Ecosan toilet ideal alternative." Every single person generates some form of waste daily through garbage disposal, home plumbing systems, transportation and even exhaling carbon dioxide. "BREEAM, LEED and Green Star agree on approach." Our lifestyles can put our planet at risk. The technicians prepare, update and maintain environmental inspection reports and plans. Agricultural engineers typically work full time. They assess the impact of a design on factors such as plants, animals, people, air, soil, and water. It is time to get your career as an environmental engineer started. May 1, 2012, Volume 65, Issue 9, Pages 1705-1712. This despite the USA having outsourced most of its (polluting) manufacturing to China to then import back just the finished goods. Through continued research and development, environmental engineers invent new ways to keep our air and water clean. A lot of those emissions could be avoided if we had better ways to use this energy. It's most commonly accepted for water disinfection, but air and surface disinfection uses continue to gain ground. The next time you will find yourself in an argument about the environment, just show them some interesting environmental facts! Ambient air pollution led to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths. Additionally, they have one of the largest green energy systems in the world. 1999. Generally, purified tap water is the preferred option and it is also the most eco-friendly. CRC Press. Todays engineer has access to tools that were unavailable to pioneers like Bazalgette. (June 8, 2013) http://www.engr.utk.edu/civil/about/envirengineer.php, Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership. Without environmental engineers, humans would not have clean water and proper waste disposal. 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. 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. In addition, they go to offices and meet with other engineers in conference rooms. "Biofiltration Swales." Makani means wind in Hawaiian, incidentally. Your local library may have nature books for you! As a result, you will be ready to address global problems likerecycling, safedrinking waterand pollution control. This makes it the major human-caused climatic change contributor. "Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Technical Overview." University of Missouri. 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. There are many simple and small ways you can help the environment. But there's increasing attention being given to agroforestry as a sustainable farming method. Another is forest farming, using canopies of trees to provide the right level of shade for crops like ferns, mushrooms and ginseng. In addition, LED lights are lastingmuch longer than traditional light bulbs. These solutions also include working through an intricate process of regulations to meet government environmental requirements. China and the USA are the TOP polluters in the world. NCBI. Besides promoting local farmers, going for local food prevents environmental pollution and saves tons of fossil energy. The aqueducts were mainly made of materials like concrete, cement, brick and stone. Environmental engineers are a little like doctors for the planet. (June 14, 2013) http://www.hvnplus.co.uk/breeam-leed-and-green-star-agree-on-approach/3101246.article, Hindu. Plastic materials account for massive toxins in our environment today. As the ongoing threat of climate change continues to impact the planet, more people are considering careers as environmental engineers. However, they also travel to sites to collect samples. Some people may also ask themselves whats the difference between purified vs distilled water and which one is better. Giving your car a break sustains the environment, 34. Some environmental engineers even go to law school to study environmental engineering laws. UV light in the higher 320 to 400 nanometer range is not effective against germs. Check out thebachelorsenvironmental engineering programat Central Michigan University today to learn more. Newer hybrid prototypes were developed starting in the 1970s, but most never made it to market. Bioswales can even end up sheltering small forms of wildlife like butterflies and birds. Children suffering from undernutrition are prone to common infections. International Journal of Sustainable Energy. Various factors, including water conservation, renewable energy sources, sustainable fashion, innovative construction, and sustainable urban design, are all examples of environmental sustainability which help conserve the planet from different angles. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror films. 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. 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. (function(){window.mc4wp=window.mc4wp||{listeners:[],forms:{on:function(evt,cb){window.mc4wp.listeners.push({event:evt,callback:cb});}}}})(); Address: Unit 4d, Lansbury Business Estate, 102 Lower Guildford Road, Knaphill, GU21 2EP, United Kingdom, 40 Environmental & Sustainability Fun Facts 2022. "Air Emissions/Off-Gas Treatment - Biofiltration." You don't need an undergraduate degree in science. Job Outlook. (June 16, 2013) http://www.breeam.org/about.jsp?id=66, Bureau of Labor Statistics. At OEI, we work with clients from private, municipal, state, and federal agencies to solve flooding and drainage issues. The first recognized environmental engineer was Joseph Bazalgette, who managed London's initial large-scale municipal sanitary sewer system. Going green can also cut down on energy, water and other costs and improve the health of people working in the structures. It can also be used to shelter wildlife, protect watersheds and manage carbon emissions more effectively. Due to this we should experience a reduction in the activity of the Sun and, as a consequence, a reduction of the temperature on our planet by up to 1.0C. That would carry it out to the ocean instead of letting sitting in the river. But have you ever considered how harmful they can be, especially the plastic versions? Moreover, this recycling process saves about 17 trees. Environmental engineers play an important role in project design. (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/roman-aqueducts.htmlnova, Nova Online. "Biofiltration Strips." Some types of seaweeds can be harvested within six weeks. There needs to be a change in how we do things; environmental engineers will play a key role in making that happen. The program covers engineering topics, waste management, soil science, biochemistry and biology. 37 Undergraduate students. "Biofiltration of Air." "The Sewers of Paris: A Brief History." It is a special day to celebrate our planet and all the wonderful things we have on it. Sustainability can be defined as the ability to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. When composted, organic matter changes into soil carbon. 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. "What We Do - Toilets - Models." Needless to say, the stability engineers work environment can be very different. The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, 14. Reverse Engineering. They also look like little landscaped parks in some cases, which are more aesthetically pleasing than concrete drainage structures. "Agroforestry." (June 11, 2013) http://phys.org/news/2011-06-ancient-sewer-excavation-roman-diet.html, Engineering for Change. "Best Jobs in America - Environmental Engineer." (June 8, 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/20627618, Berg, Phil. The Taiga houses 30% of the world's forest cover, 11% of the Earth's landmass and stretches from Scotland to Newfoundland, via Russia and Canada! Buildings are going certifiably green. "What We Do - Toilets." Earth Day helps raise awareness about environmental issues such as global warming and plastic pollution. Read more facts below. You can support local farmers by purchasing your food at local markets. Although greenhouse gas is caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, there are many other sources, including organic waste decomposition. Some of the engineering designs of the past have not been perfect. Or why not make a poster advertising recycling in your school. 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 16, 2013) http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/, Clancy, Heather. (June 14, 2013) https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Paris_Sewers_Page.html, Shapley, Dan. Biofiltration is the process of passing air or water through a porous, moist material containing microorganisms in order to remove odors and contaminants. (June 11, 2013) http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/academic/environmental-engineering.php, Nova. China emits 10,357 metric carbon dioxide tons, making it the worlds largest polluter. 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. The climate on our planet has always been evolving, going from much warmer periods compared to what we have now, up to much colder ones during the ice ages. 8. Plastic Eating Mushroom Revolution: How These Fungi are Saving Our Planet. Green is the color of life and nature. Sustainability engineers use chemistry, mathematics, and biology to prevent hazards from impacting the environment. (June 15, 2013) http://compost.css.cornell.edu/odors/odortreat.html, Roberts, Jeff John. Using LED can save up to 90% of this energy. You can celebrate Earth Day by doing something special. Many global leaders embraced the united nations sustainable development goals, 6. Some designs immediately separate the urine and feces (urine diversion systems). Plastic, which is dangerous to the planet, is the largest percentage of all the waste worldwide. Bring other children, parents, or even your teacher with you! Sewer systems fit the bill by transporting large amounts of human excrement away from populated areas, and they have been evolving for thousands of years.