Integrating Green Engineering Into A Multidisciplinary Seminar Course
- Conference
- Location
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Austin, Texas
- Publication Date
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June 14, 2009
- Start Date
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June 14, 2009
- End Date
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June 17, 2009
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology
- Page Count
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6
- Page Numbers
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14.758.1 - 14.758.6
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--5538
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/5538
- Download Count
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394
Paper Authors
David Cottrell University of North Carolina, Charlotte
DR. DAVID S. COTTRELL is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1978 and retired in 2000 after more than 22 years of service with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Studies at Texas A&M University resulted in an MS Degree in Civil Engineering in 1987 and a PhD in 1995. He is a registered Professional Engineer and has taught courses in statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, graphic communications, engineering economy, and construction planning, scheduling, estimating, and management.
Chung-Suk Cho University of North Carolina, Charlotte
DR. CHUNG-SUK CHO is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Engineering Technology. His teaching and research focus on project scope definition, pre-project planning, sustainable construction, project administration, construction safety, construction simulation, and project management. He has prior teaching experience at North Carolina A&T State University in construction management and working experience with Fluor Corporation as a project manager.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
Integrating Green Engineering into a Multi-Disciplinary Seminar Course: Capitalizing on a Target of Opportunity
Introduction
This paper describes the innovative development of a seminar course in a program that effectively blends two undergraduate Bachelor Degrees in Civil Engineering Technology and in Construction Management. In a bold attempt to foster unity within the student body, this seminar course is mandatory for all students within the program regardless of major or year classification. The course provides a unique opportunity for older students to serve as role models and mentors for younger students and to consequently aid in development of esprit and collegiality among the members of this relatively new program.
Since all students take this course each spring, the topics covered must change from year to year to prevent redundancy for returning students. Professors tailor the course coverage and redefine associated learning outcomes to match current issues and relevant subjects particularly germane to the needs of the students, responsive to the current state of the industry, and consistent with the expertise and research talents of the faculty. Presentations and class work include traditional instruction and extensive writing with guest lecturers periodically providing the voice of industry as a touch of reality. This paper focuses on the most recent complete semester where sustainable construction emerged as the new course focus.
Background
Traditionally, the focus of construction education in the United States has been on the management issues, materials, methods, and technical aspects of construction. Environmental concerns or issues were thought to be the problem of architect, thus, received less attention in construction curriculum.1 However, various organizations, from the United Nations to contractor associations, have called for green and sustainable practices to be integrated into the construction curriculum, and various approaches have been tried at different institutions.
With increased global concerns regarding environmental degradation, declining natural species, and global warming, there has been an accelerated movement toward increasing the sustainability of the built environment. One of the most obvious indicators of this increased concern is the tremendous expansion of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, a voluntary standard for sustainable buildings in which certification occurs upon meeting specified criteria.2 According to the USGBC, their membership has increased ten-fold since 2000 and the value of green building construction exceeded $12
Cottrell, D., & Cho, C. (2009, June), Integrating Green Engineering Into A Multidisciplinary Seminar Course Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--5538
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