Achieving Sustainable Buildings through Chemical Engineering

The general movement towards developing buildings that are intrinsically linked to their local communities and attempt to minimize the negative impacts via novel design and operation is termed ‘sustainable’ or ‘green’ building design. One of the Grand Challenges for Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) addresses this movement and is known as the challenge to: Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure. According to NAE, advanced design and innovative materials can improve holistic aspects (transportation, energy, water, and waste systems) of urban environments contributing to their sustainability. Systems perspectives (e.g. life cycle approaches) and the technologies that are applied to achieve this challenge are fundamental concepts found in the curriculum and practice of Chemical Engineering. However, the collection and organization of chemical engineers that work in the niche of the built environment can be highly focused (e.g. production of a particular material) and requires a forum to promote communication and collaboration. This session focuses on investigation of sustainable building research, development, applications, and promotion of an ultimate Building Science Community. In the past, presentations have been complimented by a moderated discussion among audience members and speakers. Often sustainable built environment and community experts are invited, but the session needs participation from market leaders desiring advanced building technologies. Priority has been given to innovative and high impact research.