Sustainability in civil engineering is focused on protecting the environment by reducing waste in construction projects and increasing the lifespan of a new structure. Civil engineers have an important role to play in this. Here we round-up some sustainability books that will help you to make a more positive impact on the environment.
- Updated: 28 Sep 2020
- Author: Melanie Bell, development editor
In this age of climate emergency, sustainability is a central concern for civil engineers engaged in planning and building the future. ICE signed a statement of intent showing their commitment to help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals through infrastructure improvements. The importance of this has only grown. Recently Richard Fenner has written about the progress made in civil engineering sustainability and John Shideler has provided information on effective environmental communication.
But what can you do? We offer a number of titles focused on different areas of sustainable practice. If you’re looking to learn more about this vital topic, check out the books below.
Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure series
Sustainable Buildings
Looking to build structures that last? An experienced author team show how to make buildings sustainable at the design and procurement stages by considering environmental physics and taking an interdisciplinary perspective. Sustainable building knowledge is rapidly changing, and this book, available in print and as an eBook, outlines the most current practice as well as what is anticipated for the future.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Principle into practice
This guide, available in print and as an eBook, offers a set of tools and principles that can guide decision making whichever sector you are working in. It identifies changes needed in order to make infrastructure more sustainable and ways to turn these changes into best practice, along with global case studies.
Sustainable Water
Water is the most important natural resource for supporting human life. This practical guide, in print and as an eBook, describes how to deliver sustainable water infrastructure without sacrificing quality or cost. Written from a practical engineering perspective, it identifies best practices and areas where change is needed.
Sustainability at the forefront of urban design
Underground Spaces Unveiled: Planning and creating the cities of the future
How can urban underground spaces be created sustainably? This Gerd Albers Award-winning book, in print and as an eBook, gives an overview of underground space development, supported by examples of exemplary spaces, contextualised within a time of climate change and increasing urbanisation.
Blue-Green Cities: Integrating urban flood risk management with green infrastructure
How to build sustainably when water takes the form of flooding? This book, now available in print and as an eBook, shares techniques for integrated urban flood risk management that combine the use of green spaces with drainage systems. Drawing on experience from the Blue-Green Cities Research Project, it describes these innovative methods plus their community and environmental benefits.
Designing for Cycle Traffic: International principles and practice
Cycling is becoming increasingly prioritised as a sustainable means of transport in the UK and worldwide. Discover more about how to design for this important traffic stream. Learn from international examples and principles to gain a sense of cycle traffic’s wider context and benefits. This popular book is available in print and online.
Guarding the environment sustainability
How do you sustainably dispose of waste? Learn about different types of land-based waste disposal systems and how they can help protect the environment. Significant global case studies and histories apply geotechnical principles to show how different types of facilities can be effectively and sustainably designed. This book is available in print and as an eBook.
Environmental Impact Assessment Handbook: A practical guide for planners, developers and communities, Third edition
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key aspect of many planning applications and involves an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of development proposals. This updated handbook, in print and online, is a thorough introduction to environmental impact assessment in the UK. Learn how to conduct an assessment step by step and how to follow best practice in this area.
As professionals responsible for the built environment, your work intersects deeply with the sustainability of the environment around you. Pick up a new book today and learn more about how to engage with this increasingly important topic.
Are you an expert in sustainability? We want to hear from potential authors in this vital area. Learn why we might be the right publisher for you!
You might also be interested in our journals
All our journals now include coverage of sustainability, environmental engineering or carbon reduction. Visit ICE Virtual Library to search all our content and read about the latest research and practice in your field.