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Geopolymers are green and sustainable cementitious materials that are a possible alternative to cement due to lower energy consumption and emissions. Volcanic ash can be used as raw material to prepare geopolymers by alkali activation owing to its high silica and alumina content. However, research on volcanic-ash-based geopolymers is still limited and no consensus on the optimal alkali activator and reaction mechanism has been obtained. This study investigates the effect of alkali activators with different cations on the mechanical properties and microstructure of volcanic-ash-based geopolymers. The flexural and compressive strengths were evaluated. X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and silicon-29 (29Si) magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterise the microstructural properties. The results showed that the alkali activation effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on volcanic ash was superior to those of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), particularly at a concentration of 8 mol/l, with 28-day flexural and compressive strengths of 3.0 and 28.3 MPa, respectively. Microstructural results indicated that the sodium hydroxide-activated geopolymers formed dense, continuous, highly polymerised silica–aluminate gels. This paper provides a proper ratio scheme for activating the volcanic ash from similar deposits and promoting practical applications conducive to sustainable engineering development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aspiration to act in a more sustainable manner has become a guiding principle across many aspects of life. Yet sustainability is still often perceived as poorly defined, and there are diverse opinions on what the implications of sustainability for the everyday practice of geotechnical engineers are. Against this background, this paper presents a survey conducted at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute at the beginning of 2021 that engaged a group of geotechnical engineers with the fundamental question as to how the concept of sustainability relates to geotechnical engineering. The Q methodology, a mixed-method approach, was applied to analyse different perspectives on sustainability in geotechnical engineering as inferred from the survey results. Three distinct perspectives were revealed that have a focus on (a) striving a balance between human action and nature, (b) mitigating the adverse impacts of geotechnical projects and (c) reducing resource use. Two of the perspectives considered the development of sustainability assessment tools as the most relevant means of working towards sustainable geotechnical practices, while the third perspective considered multidisciplinary collaboration and research as more important. Reflection on these perspectives can help the development of future tools and strategies, provide a direction for future research and contribute to a more sustainable geotechnical engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable engineering design requires the joint consideration of technical, ecological, economic and social aspects in the provision of societal demands, such as water and energy supply. A growing number of concepts and methods for integrated assessment and sustainable design have been developed in recent decades and pose new challenges to the engineering profession. This paper proposes the use of system design concepts and methods to link engineering design to ecological and social–economic knowledge. This study expands the conventional functional analysis approach from systems engineering with a technical focus towards a more integrated perspective that allows for the joint consideration of technical, ecological and social–economic solutions in engineering design. Participatory systems thinking and system dynamics modelling are used for conceptual and preliminary system design by analysing the hierarchy and flows of functions to meet system requirements. The methodology consists of three steps: requirement analysis (step 1), functional organisation analysis (step 2) and functional flow analysis (step 3). An application of the methodology is provided using sustainable water management in Cyprus as an example. The results demonstrate the synergies and trade-offs between technical, ecological and social solutions in water management that provide important information for the subsequent detailed system design phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Engineering Sustainability. The editorial discusses the role of new technologies and techniques in construction materials and management in promoting sustainable development. It highlights three research papers that explore the use of fly-ash as a more environmentally sustainable building material. The papers discuss the use of alternative alkali activators to enhance the strength of fly-ash in construction. The editorial also includes other papers that focus on sustainable construction processes, project management, and the acceptance of autonomous vehicles. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of continued innovation and sustainable practices in transitioning towards a more sustainable future. [Extracted from the article]

This document is an editorial from the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Engineering Sustainability. The editorial discusses three articles in the journal that explore environmental sustainability and carbon reduction from different perspectives: organization, built environment, and public policy. One article reviews the benefits and barriers of adopting the ISO 14001 global standard for environmental management systems. Another article examines the impact of building design characteristics on power plant carbon emissions. The third article evaluates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport sustainability in Tehran, Iran. The editorial highlights the importance of coordinated public policy and the challenges of achieving sustainability goals during crises. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of green building design and construction in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the use of innovative materials and optimization methodologies in the building process to minimize environmental impact and life cycle costs. The article presents four papers that explore different aspects of sustainable building practices, including the use of recycled materials, optimization algorithms for energy consumption, and integrating life-cycle assessment and cost analysis into geotechnical design. These papers contribute to the discourse on engineering sustainability and provide practical solutions for constructing energy-efficient buildings. [Extracted from the article]

The text is an editorial from the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Engineering Sustainability. The author discusses the importance of sustainability in the geotechnical engineering industry and highlights a paper that explores the factors that motivate engineers to adopt a sustainability-oriented approach. The paper identifies three categories of perspectives among engineers: those who prioritize achieving a balance between human activities and the natural environment, those who aim to minimize environmental impacts, and those who seek to reduce resource consumption. The editorial also mentions two other papers in the issue that align with these categories and provide resources for engineers interested in taking action. The author emphasizes the need for effective communication and tailored solutions to promote sustainable development. [Extracted from the article]

The document titled "Engineering Sustainability: Referees 2023" provides a list of referees who have reviewed papers for Engineering Sustainability between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The Institution of Civil Engineers expresses gratitude for their assistance and continues to seek suitable reviewers for future papers. The referees are required to judge the accuracy, style, impact, importance, and interest of the papers. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Jessica Evans for more information on the referee process. The document also includes a comprehensive list of the referees' names. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces that a paper published in the journal Engineering Sustainability has won the Richard Trevithick Prize in 2022. The paper examines social value activities in the built environment, focusing on placemaking in the Midlands, UK. It discusses how various agents, including design and planning professionals, contribute to social value and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The paper presents a case study of social value in practice and highlights the potential for future methodologies to improve social outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A number of models, metrics, benchmarks and charts have been developed to assess the sustainability of an engineered system. However, in the majority of these models, the concept of resilience is sequestered from sustainability, which generally focuses on socio-economic impacts and environmental stewardship. This paper attempts to present an approach that balances both sustainability and resilience aspects. To illustrate this, a surficial slope stabilisation research project in which several treatment methods were studied is used as a test platform. Both sustainability and resilience elements are quantified for each treatment method and are attached with appropriate weights based on their relative importance and at the discretion of the engineer. These weighted indicators are subjected to a multi-criteria analysis to designate a cumulative sustainability and resilience index ( I CSR) that parametrises the degree of sustainability and resilience in the system. The treatment method with the least I CSR is recommended for final field implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many regions worldwide which are susceptible to landslides, which cause loss of life and adverse impacts to infrastructure, environment and communities. Landslides are often triggered by exceptional rainfall and large-magnitude earthquakes. A range of strategies and methods have been developed to mitigate the occurrence of landslides and to reduce their impact, including risk to human safety. The adopted approaches and systems must be sustainable and resilient in relation to the communities that are at risk. This paper refers to an Australian regional case study of urban landslide management in the Wollongong region, New South Wales. The research carried out by the authors over two decades at the University of Wollongong has enhanced the resilience and sustainability of landslide management in the region. Reference is also made to Hong Kong as a case study of urban regional landslide practice, with particular reference to the upgrading of man-made slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal slope instability poses a risk to life and material properties and is of great concern in times of climate change, posing challenges as communities seek to adapt and ensure resilience. This paper presents two case studies of coastal slope stabilisation efforts from Scotland and reflects the growing difficultly faced by coastal communities who value intervention but are limited by uncertain ownership, funding and access to expertise. In both cases, the slopes are owned by private charities with no power of authorisation or means of procuring stabilisation works to protect the adjacent communities. The engineering solutions included an innovative eco-engineering component where vegetation was used to perform an engineering function. Based on the experience with these projects, the authors advocate this sustainable technique supported by the evidence from monitoring and testing. The case studies emphasise the importance of engaging with the community as a means of achieving acceptance of a workable solution as well as participation in its long-term development. Another significant observation was the contribution played by establishment of a learning culture that is supported through inter- and intraproject knowledge transfer deemed necessary to promote the necessary double-loop learning evident in these projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores sustainability as it relates to the services, operations and management of engineering and design (E&D) consulting firms, revealing how sustainability has been adopted by the engineering consulting industry as a key influence on its business. The motivations behind sustainability as a business priority for E&D consulting do not appear to reflect a corporate belief or endorsement of sustainability principles, but rather a reflection of market, employee and government drivers. Through interview-based reporting, the implications of these motivations are the focus of this paper through an exploration of the meaning, understanding and operationalising of sustainability in engineering design, assessment of design and in-firm management and strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures taken to address climate change and sustainability, more generally, imply a major reconfiguration of infrastructure systems and the built environment. Action across so many functions necessarily involves a range of organisations that may have differing priorities and motivations. This paper presents the concept of a decision theatre and describes how this approach was tested by co-designing, with a range of stakeholders, two events to identify the current vulnerabilities of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne to a storm event and to investigate the effectiveness of adaptation options to surface water flooding. The collaborative environment improved understanding of the physical and social vulnerabilities in the city, defined research questions relevant to society, improved the consideration of policy suggestions grounded in reality and improved the joint ownership of the issues and the facility itself. The lessons learned helped develop a long-term vision for a more widely applicable research and engagement facility for exploring and understanding decision-making with a range of stakeholders, including the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of a benchmarking mechanism specifically designed for local requirements and characteristics, a carbon dioxide footprint assessment and labelling scheme for construction materials is urgently needed to promote carbon dioxide reduction in the construction industry. This paper reports on a recent interview survey of 18 senior industry practitioners in Hong Kong to elicit their knowledge and opinions concerning the potential of such a carbon dioxide labelling scheme. The results of this research indicate the following. A well-designed carbon dioxide label could stimulate demand for low carbon dioxide construction materials. The assessment of carbon dioxide emissions should be extended to different stages of material lifecycles. The benchmarks for low carbon dioxide construction materials should be based on international standards but without sacrificing local integrity. Administration and monitoring of the carbon dioxide labelling scheme could be entrusted to an impartial and independent certification body. The implementation of any carbon dioxide labelling schemes should be on a voluntary basis. Cost, functionality, quality and durability are unlikely to be replaced by environmental considerations in the absence of any compelling incentives or penalties. There are difficulties in developing and operating a suitable scheme, particularly in view of the large data demands involved, reluctance in using low carbon dioxide materials and limited environmental awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, civil engineering and related professionals have begun to appreciate that the best projects take into consideration from the outset the impacts that they will have on communities through the whole project lifecycle. This means, implicitly, that projects must be developed taking into consideration the principles of corporate responsibility (CR). In February 2010, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) sponsored a workshop in London, building on a regional workshop held in the Midlands in 2009, to consider why CR is important to the ICE and its members; to ask what leadership the ICE should provide on CR; and to ask what guidance the ICE should expect on these issues from its members. This briefing reports on the seminar and its outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review investigates the performance of photovoltaic and solar-assisted ground-source heat pumps in which solar heat is transferred to the ground to improve the coefficient of performance. A number of studies indicate that, for systems with adequately sized ground heat exchangers, the effect on system efficiency is small: about 1% improvement if the heat source is photovoltaic, a 1-2% decline if the source is solar thermal. With possible exceptions for systems in which the ground heat exchanger is undersized, or natural recharge from ground water is insufficient, solar thermal energy is better used for domestic hot water than to recharge ground heat. This appears particularly true outside the heating season, as although much of the heat extracted from the ground can be replaced, it seems to have little effect on the coefficient of performance. Any savings in electrical consumption that do result from an improved coefficient can easily be outweighed by an inefficient control system for the circulation pumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method (Breeam) has increasingly been used for building projects in the UK. This presents design teams with numerous challenges, not the least of which is the need to manage and accommodate the Breeam requirements in their design. This paper examines the impact of the Breeam assessment process on the design of building projects in the UK using eight case studies. The main effects were found to be in the areas of building features, materials and water services. This impact varied from project to project depending on the building type, location, targeted/required Breeam rating, date of assessment and the assessor's role, as well as the team's knowledge of the assessment process. There were significant design changes in the cases aiming to achieve the highest Breeam rating. The results suggest in some cases that Breeam may limit design teams in their design by drawing their attention to achieving Breeam credits rather than the building in its entirety. For instance, Breeam tends to dictate design solutions rather than focusing on the intention - as an example, a designer may focus more on major leak detection than saving water. The paper also discusses potential incorporation of Breeam requirements into building regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of achieving a sustainable society is partly dependent on providing an infrastructure to minimise resource flows and associated environmental damage in ways that enhance a community's aspirations and needs. This implies that civil engineers need to understand the impact of population growth and its changing aspirations, developing technology and means to limit environmental impact in order to maintain, enhance or create interdependent infrastructure systems that are multifunctional and operate within complex qualitative and quantitative systems. Developing an understanding of existing resource networks and the interventions and initiatives needed to create a sustainable future leads to a framework that permits political and business decisions to be taken. Such an understanding is essential for appropriate civil engineering solutions for the underlying economic infrastructure - an infrastructure that is now developed through the UK's national infrastructure plan. This paper reviews the interventions, initiatives and barriers that affect the transformation of the food network, as a case study, to a sustainable network. This is to highlight the need for the resource flows to be factored into the national infrastructure plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over last 15 years it has been increasingly important to understand the sustainability performance of buildings across a broad range of considerations. This has stimulated the development of a number of sustainability assessment tools intended to measure objectively a project's impact in sustainability terms and so encourage designers and planners to improve a building's performance. This paper examines the nature and contribution, as well as the limitations, of current sustainability rating assessment tools in evaluating building sustainability in different countries. Two yardsticks are used to review the current tools: first, how well they relate to the goal of sustainable development, and second, how adequately they adhere to the principles of objective assessment. Scope for further development of sustainability assessment tools is identified - in particular, the need for tools to assess more adequately how buildings provide well-being, and to expand how assessment systems capture qualitative information. The paper proposes that methodology and procedures of assessment methods should feature the broad participation of user groups drawn from the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development is subjective and value laden, and achieving it involves balancing a complex system of issues. Most existing approaches to assessing and managing sustainability fail to address sustainability in the particular context of a project and its stakeholders. A more holistic, 'systems approach' is required to address sustainability effectively. The Halcrow sustainability toolkit and rating (Halstar) system has been designed to provide a truly holistic methodology, incorporating many of the features of existing approaches, while attempting to mitigate their disadvantages. Halstar provides a common framework to support decision-making, enabling the comprehensive assessment and management of sustainable development issues. The technique works to improve sustainability on projects and programmes by guiding decision-making and appraisal within unique contexts and priorities. It ensures that sustainability, rather than being an add-on to the development process, becomes a source of added value. This paper outlines the rationale behind the development of Halstar and includes a case study demonstrating one of the ways it can be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the potential for earth-filled bags as sustainable building materials for post-disaster housing construction in Sri Lanka. It explores peoples' attitude in the country to house construction and finds that either non-structural concrete or rendered brick designs are perceived as more desirable. The engineering performance of the earth bags is discussed.

The article considers obstacles to effective spatial planning in the provision of sustainable water management in Great Britain. It examines the mechanisms for balancing the needs of designing for climate change, flood and water quality, and economic growth. It recommends new ways of partnership working for planners and engineers to overcome misunderstanding and lack of technical expertise.

Despite the social goals of sustainable development, including the alleviation of poverty, sustainable engineering approaches have been largely limited to technical measures, promoting engineers as purely technical experts. By under-emphasising social factors, this limits opportunities for engineers to address the full spectrum of challenges posed by the sustainable development model. We explain this in terms of the dominant policy response to environmental problems, known as ecological modernisation, which conscripts engineers into reinforcing false boundaries between technology and society. In contrast to the technical focus of engineering under a framework of ecological modernisation, we suggest that engineering can, in fact, be usefully seen as a hybrid socio-technical profession that breaks these boundaries. This point is underlined by the case-study of indirect potable water reuse, demonstrating that the acknowledgement of hybridity can be used to improve engineers' relationships with the societies they serve, and enhance the contribution of the profession to sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on sustainable construction focusing on supply chain management (SCM) in Great Britain. It cites the need of an organisation to address sustainability issues to the whole supply chain to achieve corporate sustainability. It also identifies conditions and strategies for achieving sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) within construction organisations. Moreover, the barriers, tools and techniques for achieving successful SCM and SSCM are discussed.

The article presents abstracts of articles related to sustainable engineering, including on the stakeholder participation in major infrastructure projects, another on the Foresight programme of the future of intelligent transport infrastructure of the British Government and a report on the advances in engineering design.

The article presents a case study which examines the development of an assessment and reporting framework for a particular property developer company (PDC) in Great Britain. It describes the problems and advantages of each framework and the lessons learned in the development of the methodology. It concludes that the assessment control is simple to apply, easy to characterize and relies on the self-assessment of strategic indicators.

The article highlights a variety of sustainability indicators applied in decision-making processes for urban regeneration projects in Great Britain. It examines the indicators operating at city level, quarter level and individual development site level. It explores the role of indicators in achieving a more sustainable development and analyses how and when these indicators have formed an integral part of the decision-making process.

The article discusses the method for calculating ecological footprints of development projects in Great Britain. The method addresses a gap in disturbance-based ecological footprint calculation and considers anthropogenic disturbances. It presents a case study which describes and illustrates the method.

The article discusses the use of the civil engineering environmental quality assessment and awards scheme (Ceequal) to benchmark environmental management on an embankment project on London Underground's Central line in England. It examines the basis behind the assessment system and how it has been used to determine areas for improvement in environmental management in a particular project.

The article describes how to transform environmental impact assessment (EIA) into a process that allows sustainable development and poverty eradication and encourages dialogue among engineers, scientists and policy makers in Great Britain. It tackles an argument for the synthesis of four components to create an approach. A literature review and deductive reasoning which support the argument are presented.

The article discusses the fundamental characteristics of appropriate support for sustainable development decisions in engineering projects in Great Britain. It reviews the methodologies proposed for making strategic decisions and evaluating policy choices for their contributions towards sustainable development. It highlights the recommendations that are made to support best practice and to establish more support for such decisions.