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Factors that Influence the Use of Sustainable Technology in Structural Design

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Conference

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Vancouver, BC

Publication Date

June 26, 2011

Start Date

June 26, 2011

End Date

June 29, 2011

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

ETD Design IV: Construction and Civil Engineering Technology

Tagged Division

Engineering Technology

Page Count

14

Page Numbers

22.706.1 - 22.706.14

DOI

10.18260/1-2--17987

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/17987

Download Count

535

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Paper Authors

biography

Charles Feldhaus Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Dr. Feldhaus is an Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership with the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. He also serves as Chair of Gradaute Technology programs and recently developed the STEM Education track for the M.S. in Technology degree program. This partnership with the Indiana University School of Education allows students to receive the Indiana Teaching License in Engineering Technology Education and/or Computer Education as part of the M.S. in Technology degree.

Dr. Feldhaus spent 20 years as a K-12 faculty, principal and district administrator in various Indiana school districts before moving to his current position. His research interests include P-20 STEM education, STEM teacher preparation, Sustainability in STEM and STEM Leadership.

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Eric Nesbitt

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Abstract

Abstract The United States is becoming increasingly aware of the implications of overusingnatural resources; polluting the air, land, and water; and continuously neglecting theenvironment. This has spawned a new challenge for engineers, scientists, and businessmen andwomen. Not only are engineers and scientists expected to research, develop, and implementtechnology to improve the economy, they are also expected to accomplish this economic growthwithout compromising the environment for future generations. In addition, businessmen andwomen will be expected to market these new technologies. With declining natural resources and soaring oil prices, the development and realizationof sustainable technologies has become increasingly important. However, the acceptance ofthese technologies is not universal in structural design. This research examines the factors thatmay influence the use of sustainable technologies in the United States. The number of projectsregistered by the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) program within each state was chosen as the dependent variable.LEED certification is considered a standard for sustainable building. Independent variablesincluded population, median household income, educational level, geographical region, and stateand local policies. A regression analysis was conducted. The analysis revealed that only onevariable, the percentage of a state’s population that had achieved a college-level education,achieved statistical significance in relation to the number of LEED projects within that state.The author suggests that college education may increase awareness of environmental issues andsustainable technologies. More research is necessary to further delineate the factors thatinfluence the use of sustainable technologies in order to encourage widespread implementationof such technologies.

Feldhaus, C., & Nesbitt, E. (2011, June), Factors that Influence the Use of Sustainable Technology in Structural Design Paper presented at 2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Vancouver, BC. 10.18260/1-2--17987

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