Green Buildings and Structural Engineering

摘要

Structural engineers design green buildings using the LEED? Green Building Rating System?, arnpoint-based system for certifying the level of a building's sustainability. Structural materials play arnlarge part in increasing a building's sustainability. Using concrete, for example, can help in brownfieldrnredevelopment, reduce urban heat islands, mitigate water runoff, help meet minimum energyrnrequirements, optimize energy performance, and increase the life of a building. Concrete and itsrnconstituents are usually available locally. Both concrete and steel can be recycled. Steel, fabricated in arnshop, creates little to no on-site waste and has high recycled content. Attributes of these structuralrnmaterials, and others, along with decisions made by design professionals help to lessen the impact arnstructure has on the natural environment.