sustainability

TSEC 06: The Emotional Side of Structural Engineering

August 8, 2019 By EMI

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In episode 06 of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we talk to Zohaib Alvi, P.E. who is a civil, structural, and forensic engineer and principal of za/engineering. We talk about sustainability in structural engineering and more specifically about the emotional side of structural engineering and how important it is to embrace and understand it as an engineer.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Zohaib in This Episode:

Where did your interest in sustainability come from?
In terms of policies, guidelines and regulations – has it been reflected in codes and guidelines in the recent history?
Can you give us an example of how resiliency needs to start with us?
How does smart technology play into all these trending issues?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Emotional Side of Structural Engineering

TSEC 03: Here’s Why Base Isolation is Rarely Used in the United States — It Doesn’t Sell Units

June 27, 2019 By EMI

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The picture above features the The Los Angeles City Hall. This building was renovated which included seismic strengthening, life safety and accessibility code upgrades, and preservation of historically significant building elements. The plan also included base isolation of the structure.

In this episode of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we will be taking to Ronald O. Hamburger, SE who is a Senior Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and Evan Reis, SE, co-founder of the U.S. Resiliency Council. We will be talking about recent articles in the New York Times on the concept of base isolation, including the article: Buildings Can Be Designed to Withstand Earthquakes – Why Doesn’t the U.S. Build More of them?

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Our Guests in This Episode:

Why Engineers Might Consider Opportunities in Construction Fields

January 21, 2019 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

The automotive, aeronautical and electronics industries are all popular among engineering graduates, however, as a recent graduate, it’s essential to explore the full spectrum of possibilities. While you likely have preferences and priorities, you shouldn’t limit yourself by your expectations. There’s no set path you need to follow.

With this in mind, you should consider seeking opportunities within the construction field. It’s an excellent field for engineers, and there’s always demand for professionals with a specific set of skills and abilities. More than that, the necessity of construction ensures its value far into the future.

Presently, you might be curious about what engineering in construction fields entails. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the subject, touching on three reasons why you should research the industry and review your options. Consider the following…

TCEP 107: How to Achieve Sustainable Innovation in Development Projects

December 19, 2018 By Christian Knutson, PE, PgMP, PMP

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In this episode, I talk with Chris Chi Lon Wan, the head of design of Masdar City, UAE. We had a great conversation around design management and sustainability and how to achieve innovation in development projects.

Engineering Quotes:

Here are some of the questions I asked Chris about sustainability:

TECC 188: Taking Action – A Bike Ride for Sustainability

October 30, 2018 By EMI

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In this episode, I speak with Professor Jim Tinjum, who is the Associate Chair of the Department of Engineering Professional Development at University of Wisconsin-Madison. We talk about his roughly 1300-mile, 14-day bike trip across the Upper Midwest and what made him decide to take this bike ride for sustainability.

Engineering Quotes:

Here are the top 10 reasons why Jim decided embark on a bike ride for sustainability:

TCEP 101: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the ICE Global Engineering Congress

October 10, 2018 By Christian Knutson, PE, PgMP, PMP

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In episode 101 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, which is the third episode in a 3-part special series focused on preparing us for the Global Engineering Congress 2018, I am bringing you with me to the offices of Mott MacDonald to sit down with Global Sustainability Leader Davide Stronati. Get ready for a great conversation around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how civil engineers can tactically support the achievement of these goals.

Here are some of the questions I ask Davide:

What role does a corporate, or strategic, sustainability managing director play and what responsibilities do they hold?
What is the primary outcome, with regards to GEC18, that you wish to see?
From a civil engineering perspective, what does sustainability mean to you?
What does your role as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Sustainability Leadership Team Chair entail?
What is your call to action regarding the SDGs for civil engineers listening to this podcast?

Engineering Quotes:

Here are some key points discussed on the UN SDGs and the ICE Global Engineering Congress:

TCEP 099: The Business of Engineering for Sustainability – Global Sustainability Series Episode #2

September 26, 2018 By Christian Knutson, PE, PgMP, PMP

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In episode 99 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk with Dr. Marlene Kanga, who is the current President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) about the business of engineering for sustainability. This is the second episode in a 3-part special global sustainability series that will both introduce you to and focus on the Global Engineering Congress 2018, taking place October 22nd through 26th in London at the Institution of Civil Engineering’s (ICE) Headquarters.

Here are some of the questions I ask Dr. Kanga in this global sustainability episode:

This is the Federation’s 50th anniversary — what does this mean to you both professionally and personally?
What was it that drew you to WFEO and has kept you so actively involved over the years?
As WFEO encourages national and international members to collaborate in their contributions to solving global problems, what role do you see diversity playing in this effort?
Why is the WFEO event important to the civil engineering profession, and what do you think should be one of the main takeaways from this event?
What do you feel requires the immediate attention of the engineering profession’s resources to attack and to solve?
Who are the typical attendees at one of these Global Engineering Congress events? What advice can you provide on how a participant should best prepare to come ready to actively participate in the event?
We’ve been talking about the sustainable development goals, what other roles does WFEO play on behalf of the engineering profession?
How do you keep your professional diary straight and know where to focus your mental energies?

Engineering Quotes:

Here are some key points discussed in this global sustainability episode:

TECC 015: The Engineering Career Coach Podcast – How to Break into the Field of Sustainability with Professional Soccer Player Turned Professor Leidy Klotz

March 25, 2014 By EMI

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In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, I interview Dr. Leidy Klotz, associate professor at the Glen Department of Civil Engineering at Clemson University. Dr. Klotz explains his journey from engineering student to professional soccer player to professor. The career-changing tip at the end of the show will provide you with a resource that you can use to learn more about sustainability.

“Leadership is influence.” – John C. Maxwell

“The world is all gates, all opportunities, strings of tension waiting to be struck.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Listen to this session and learn: [Read more…] about TECC 015: The Engineering Career Coach Podcast – How to Break into the Field of Sustainability with Professional Soccer Player Turned Professor Leidy Klotz