Chapter 4 Sustainability

Sustainability is a phrase that is both familiar and open to interpretation. This chapter provides an overview of what sustainability means for a structural engineer. It sets the scene by considering an overview of global and home policy, discusses how sustainability can be measured and then addresses the basic principles of sustainability for buildings throughout the design and construction process. Carbon reduction policy is briefly reviewed, including the Brundtland Report to the Climate Change Act and Part L Building Regulations. The key measurement tools are introduced including footprinting, BREEAM, LEED and CEEQUAL. The main focus of the chapter is the application of the policies and tools for low carbon design of buildings for the structural engineer. Implementing the integrated design approach is discussed using case studies throughout the design process and each section concludes with significant ‘sustainable wins’.