It's a stand-alone toilet; lifting the lid causes waste to make its way through a coiled conveyor over 25 or so days, all the while evaporating and venting the liquid waste and breaking down the solid waste using biological processes. Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903, years before Henry Ford industrialized automobile production. 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! The next time you will find yourself in an argument about the environment, just show them some interesting environmental facts! 8. Want to know more? The expert engineer strives for a clean environment with biology, soil science and chemistry. In other words, sustainability goals are achieved thanks to environmental responsibility and by fulfilling the three important pillars, including: In some cases, this framework is slightly modified into the 4 pillars of sustainability by giving additional emphasis to the human aspects. (June 14, 2013) http://www.sewerhistory.org/chronos/roots.htm, Schwartz, Robert. If youre feeling creative, why not write your own story? (June 11, 2013) http://archive.archaeology.org/1203/features/how_a_roman_aqueduct_works.html, Taylor, Rabun. "Ancient sewer excavation sheds light on the Roman diet." 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. With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is highly qualified to write on all aspects of renewable energy. Read on to find out what sorts of things these stewards of the earth have provided for us in the past, and are working on for the future. 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. Humans have added 2.3 trillion tons of emissions in the last 160 years. Interesting Facts about Environmental Engineering. That is where the environmental engineer comes onto the scene. All of these systems require a tremendous amount of engineering, which is the responsibility of automotive engineers. (June 16, 2013) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc2.html, Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable. (June 16, 2013) http://nac.unl.edu/Working_Trees/index.htm, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. November 28, 2012. According to Bazalgette, they could collect sewage via a series of pumping stations around the city. In some countries, governmental policies stifle these practices, partially because of disconnects between the agencies that deal with the different items involved. The environmental engineer might also evaluate how a new structure or design will impact the environment once built. Other countries such as Austria, South Korea, and Wales follow closely. How Do Hybrids Work?" If you cant live without a private car, at least try to use it in a more efficient way. Using LED can save up to 90% of this energy. 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. They also look like little landscaped parks in some cases, which are more aesthetically pleasing than concrete drainage structures. While it is good practice to set ambitious targets, there is also another argument claiming that the 2030 deadline is not so strict. (June 16, 2013) http://www.usgbc.org/leed/, LEED. But it also means learning new ways to approach problems. Host an Earth Day party where everyone brings their own recyclable item and make a craft. At first, youll cut fuel expenses. As an added bonus, good ratings might qualify a building for tax rebates and other monetary incentives, and may increase property and rental values. To cover our costs, we may earn a commission from any sale at no cost to you. Single-use items are harmful to the environment, 33. January/February 2010, Volume 125, Issue 1, Pages 15-27. Moreover, Chinas population counts over 1.4 billion people while the USA counts just over 300 million people. The snowboard was invented by an engineer. The USA, China, Canada, Russia, India, and Japan are the major emitters. Similarly, trees and shrubs can be planted in configurations called windbreaks that shield crops from wind damage and erosion and protect animals from harm. June 2008, Volume 49, Issue 6, Page 14. The first system opened in 1865, but the network took more than ten years to complete. Plastic production primarily depends on non-renewable fossil hydrocarbons. While the motor is applying resistance to the drive train and slowing the car, energy from the wheel is turning the motor and generating electricity, which is stored in the metal hydride (NiMH) battery for later use. These two groups often compliment each other when working on infrastructure designs, including roads, pipes, tanks, and bridges. #8. I am an atmospheric scientist, and feel it is the most interesting and rewarding career. Although greenhouse gas is caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, there are many other sources, including organic waste decomposition. They strive to keep everyone healthier and happier by helping us live off the land more efficiently and less destructively. 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! International Journal of Sustainable Energy. "Google X is acquiring high altitude wind startup Makani Power." Greenhouse gas comes from many sources, 16. Generally, purified tap water is the preferred option and it is also the most eco-friendly. $5.2 million in new research awards, fiscal 2021. 80-130 undergraduate students in civil engineering and environmental engineering programs Class size is typically between 10 and 60 students Nearly all undergraduates finish in four years or fewer Cooperative education program available Study abroad and foreign externships available Certificate program in architectural engineering and design In the last decade, the hottest years in history have been recorded. Hopefully, some of those interesting facts and innovations about sustainability were unexpected and you learned something new! The costs are competitive with that of coal burning, and take up less space than other power generation methods. It has also been used on entire rooms, preferably while they are unoccupied or everyone is in protective gear. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant germs (including drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis) and fear of bioterrorism has renewed interest in UVGI. "About agroforestry." Today, a good percentage of children under the age of 5 still suffering in Sothern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. 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. This year, consider celebrating Earth Day by planting a garden with your family, writing a letter to your local congressman about environmental issues, helping to keep the Earth clean by picking up litter, or taking some time out of your day to appreciate the beauty and take Out in your environment. When landfilled, the organic matter produces 34 times more powerful methane gas than CO2, leading to climate change. (June 15, 2013) http://compost.css.cornell.edu/odors/odortreat.html, Roberts, Jeff John. "Biofiltration for Air Pollution Control." My teacher got me into Environmental Engineering, and I wanted to ask you: Could you inform me with interesting facts about Environmental Engineering? THE World's largest biome The Taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the world's largest biome. NCBI. We're referring here to hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) that use combustion engines and electric motors (also called motor generators) in conjunction to yield better gas mileage than standard cars. Learn what an environmental engineer does and what the future of the career may hold. They assess the impact of a design on factors such as plants, animals, people, air, soil, and water. One is alley cropping -- growing crops alongside rows of trees like oak, ash, walnut, pecan or other nut trees. Its healthier for you because you know whats in them, and its better for the environment because you wont be using pesticides or chemicals. The turbines reportedly have the potential to generate twice as much power, perhaps even more, at half the cost of modern ground-level wind turbines. Large or small, OEI is committed to completing every project on time, within budget, and exceeding client expectations. Plastic, which is dangerous to the planet, is the largest percentage of all the waste worldwide. Fifty percent of the gas has been added in the last 50 years. (June 11, 2013) http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/academic/environmental-engineering.php, Nova. March 13, 2012. Hybrid cars were invented far earlier than most of us imagine. Environmental engineering is the development of methods and structures that deal with challenges people face that affect the planet. (June 16, 2013) http://www.fao.org/forestry/81630/en/, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This makes it the major human-caused climatic change contributor. Someone working towards a degree in environmental engineering can expect to take introductory biology and chemistry classes, as well as possible prerequisites. As you can see, for most of the last 500 million years our planet was without the polar ice caps! March 2009, Volume 28, Issue 1-3, Pages 29-43. They develop the components and systems that make our vehicles efficient and safe. "Best Jobs in America - Environmental Engineer." (June 14, 2013) http://www.surfertoday.com/kiteboarding/6963-futuristic-kite-turbines-generate-high-altitude-wind-power, Taylor, Rabun. They also use these principles to create new practices such as biofiltration or the use of wind energy. But, of course, where there is a structure, there are environmental concerns. what's environmental science? December 28, 2011. June 14, 2011. This translates to about 9.8 million trees annually. You can also design a points system to make it more interesting. Seaweed might be the food of the future, 3. Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements. Between 2000 and 4000 B.C.E., the Mesopotamian Empire (modern-day Iraq), Mohenjo-Daro (modern-day Pakistan), Egypt, the island of Crete and the Orkney Islands in Scotland already had drainage systems -- and, in some cases, indoor sanitation facilities. It could be a concert with a big name artist, it could be an outdoor festival, or it could be speakers talking about ways you can help the planet. To prevent massive environmental damage, you should prefer reusable items. December 7, 2012. Daily Mail. They also play an intricate role inair pollutioncontrol, water supply maintenance andglobal warming. Earth Day is a day to show how we care for our planet and all the animals and plants on it. The result of the entire process is high-quality fertilizer. The ancient Egyptians were some of the first civil engineers, constructing pyramids and other monumental structures. Telegraph. Luckily, this rate can be lowered through simple steps. 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. Environmental engineering is closely linked to civil and chemical engineering. Plastic materials may take centuries to decompose. (June 11, 2013) http://www.oursoil.org/what-we-do/toilets/models/, Owen, James. "Google's X factor: 'Captain of Moonshots' describes secret lab." The first recognized environmental engineer was Joseph Bazalgette, who managed London's initial large-scale municipal sanitary sewer system. So one could argue that the US population is actually still the top polluter in the world! Avoid bottled water and save the environment, 35. You can support local farmers by purchasing your food at local markets. "I quickly discovered that engineering involves so much more than just math," Turner said. A senior environmental engineer leads many different projects for his organization. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Bernadette Johnson Air pollution is one of the risk factors for early death, 28. Make a chart of what they need to do each week, and make sure they stick to it! Some bioswales also include other mechanisms to further direct and filter runoff, such as under-drains and infiltration trenches. As a result, you will be ready to address global problems likerecycling, safedrinking waterand pollution control. According to an article on. There would also be no solid waste management orrecycling. These solutions also include working through an intricate process of regulations to meet government environmental requirements. They cant do their work safely and efficiently without knowing local and federal laws. Use recycled items to create something new or use items that can be recycled in a way that no one has ever thought of before. Without environmental engineers, humans would not have clean water and proper waste disposal. Sustainability fun facts can be very useful to know, as well as very interesting. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they competed alongside gas, electric and even steam-powered cars for dominance. But the aqueducts were also made up of shorter walls, covered ground-level trenches, underground tunnels and pipes to facilitate the water's travel across a wide variety of landscapes. (June 17, 2013) http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706, Squires, Nick. (June 14, 2013) http://www.building.co.uk/buildings/technical/essential-guides-breeam-leed-green-star-and-estidama/5002213.article, Pennsylvania State University Department of Architectural Engineering. (June 16, 2013) http://www.usgbc.org/leed/why-leed, Mohammed T., S. Vigneswaran and J. Kandasamy. It's most commonly accepted for water disinfection, but air and surface disinfection uses continue to gain ground. "Rome's Lost Aqueduct." "EcoSan Waterless Toilet - Product Information." Together, they plan communities, develop waste management systems and work with major industries, such as pharmaceuticals, to prevent dumping. January 20, 2011. Daily Green. Assessments take place both during design and after completion. And to achieve this, we need to first understand what sustainability entails. June 23, 2011. Here are some simple, fun activities that anyone can try. 18 May 2014. In addition, they go to offices and meet with other engineers in conference rooms. Besides promoting local farmers, going for local food prevents environmental pollution and saves tons of fossil energy. This contaminates soils and water hence endangering marine lives. Of course, gas-only vehicles won the day. We try to beautify the world by cleaning up discarded or abandoned items in parks, planting new trees and being kind to animals and each other. "What We Do - Toilets - Models." "BREEAM, LEED and Green Star agree on approach." It can also be defined as utilizing the available physical, natural, and social resources while preserving the ecosystem. Energy is the major contributor to climate change. Modern environmental engineers work on solutions to issues like pollution reduction and cleanup, energy consumption and emissions, land erosion, water treatment and waste management in an effort to properly manage and maintain the quality of our soil, water and air. 34 Master's students. "Why LEED?" It is up to environmental engineers to create ways to utilize recyclable garbage, select landfill areas, and recommend systems for waste disposal. (June 14, 2013) http://gigaom.com/2013/05/22/google-x-is-acquiring-high-altitude-wind-startup-makani-power/, Ferris, David. #9. (June 11, 2013) http://www.ecosan.co.za/introduction.html, EcoSan. Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public. It is time to get your career as an environmental engineer started. A small number of countries are the major emitters, 17. Many people are living in modern slavery today, 20. As we've become more conscious of the effect our buildings have on the environment and on us directly, organizations have developed voluntary methods of rating the environmental impact and efficiency of buildings, homes and other similar structures. (June 8, 2013) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm, California Department of Transportation. You don't need an undergraduate degree in science. Environmental engineers are perhaps unsung heroes who have helped make the modern world what it is today, replete with relatively safe food and water, breathable air, largely plague-free living environments and energy-efficient fuel consumption to help power pretty much everything we do. Environmental engineers study engineering but also chemistry, biology, mathematics and soil science. Bioswales remove contaminants like heavy metals, oil, grease and sediment from runoff. Makani means wind in Hawaiian, incidentally. Water Science & Technology. They dont just supervise waste control or pollution. With the continuous rise in world population, seaweed coupled with other green technology examples (like hydroponics), could be the perfect remedy for food shortages. Here are some fun facts to explain environmental engineering. Licensure generally requires: A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program. Get your family involved, then ask your teacher if you can show it in the hall or classroom. Whatever it is, make sure you get involved! Unlike traditional filters, biofilters destroy harmful substances rather than just filtering them out, but they can only work with biodegradable contaminants. 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. They also often work together. We are all responsible for the future generation. (June 11, 2013), EcoSan. 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. (June 16, 2013) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html, Environmental Protection Agency. (June 16, 2013) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/roman/manual.html, Our Soil. Thankfully, some great green technology companies have a solution for this issue. Some types of seaweeds can be harvested within six weeks. Central Michigan University offers a full-time course of study that you can complete in four years. Job Outlook The technicians prepare, update and maintain environmental inspection reports and plans. That means environmental engineers work in almost every industry. "Move over, Caligula! Every time people build something new, an environmental engineer analyzes the impact of that project. "About." "The bioswales of New York: A city plan to make more tree-stands and less sewage runoff." Environmental engineers are a little like doctors for the planet. What about waste and sewer systems? Their job is to determine how the things humans do affect the environment. Different strains of bacteria, along with moisture, pH and temperature control, can be used to effectively degrade various target contaminants.