Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Conference Track:  Sustainable Engineering or Construction

Keywords:         Sustainable, Green, Construction, Building, Environment

Contact Title::    Prof.

Contact First Name: Gene

Contact Last Name:  Farmer

University:       Florida International University

Web:             

Position:         Associate Professor

Country:          USA

Email:            farmerg@fiu.edu

Fax:              305-348-6255

Abstract Title: 

Sustainable Construction, The Move Towards a More Environmentally Friendly Way of Building 

Abstract: 

Sustainable Construction, sometimes referred to as Green Construction or Building, is a term used to describe methods of building design, planning, construction and operation which will increase environmental, economic, health and productivity performance over conventionally constructed buildings. 

According to the United States Department of Energy DOE, there are more than 75 million residential buildings and over 5 million commercial buildings in the United States. Collectively these buildings consume 68% of all of the electricity produced annually. In addition they use 88% of all the potable water supply. We have used 40% of all the raw materials in the United States to construct them and they contribute over one third of the annual municipal solid waste stream 

Our buildings are also one of the largest sources of pollution in the country. They produce 36% of all the anthropogenic carbon dioxide gas. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide gas is the primary greenhouse gas. They produce 46% of all sulfur dioxide emissions. Sulfur dioxide is the primary component of acid rain. 

Through the employment sustainable construction concepts, those involved with the built environment i.e. architects, engineers and constructors can take a great step forward in protecting the environment for our children. This paper deals with the impact of construction on the environment and the use of sustainable concepts in construction. 

Mailing Address: 

EC 2983

Department of Construction Management

Engineering Center

Florida International University

10555 West Flagler Street

Miami, Florida 33174

Phone:

305-348-3177 

Authors: 

Gene Farmer, AIA  (P)

Associate Professor

Department of Construction

Florida International University