Objectives
By the end of this unit, students will be able to: 1. Broaden design alternatives by brainstorming sustainable alternatives. 2. Use the sustainable design tables to incorporate sustainability into alternatives analysis. 3. Incorporate sustainability into economic analysis by:
Conducting life cycle cost analysis Including environmental benefits in cost-benefit analysis
What is Sustainability?
Meeting societys present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
(Brundtland Commission, 1987)
The 3 Pillars
People
Fair practices for all people and does not exploit interest of separate parties based on money, status or growth.
Planet
Management of renewable and non renewable resources while reducing waste.
Profit
Financial benefit enjoyed by the majority of society.
2.
3.
4.
Choose an alternative
Perform detailed design on chosen alternative
7.
Sustainability
2.
3.
Sustainability
Compare alternatives
Sustainability
5.
Choose an alternative
Sustainability
6.
7.
Traditional CE Alternatives
Asphalt Road
Concrete Road
Traditional CE Alternatives
Traditional CE Alternative
Traditional CE Alternatives
Traditional ME Alternatives
3-cylinder engine
33 mpg city/41 highway
Wind farm
b. Energy use
c. Water use d. Solid waste generation e. Emissions generation f. Toxic releases
g. Land impact
Cost-benefit analysis
Why might using full life cycle cost analysis benefit the environment?
In evaluating benefits, be sure to quantify environmental benefits so they are not excluded.
How would you quantify the costs associated with each alternative? How would you quantify the benefits associated with each alternative?
Other
Choose the option with the highest benefit-cost ratio or net benefit
Summary