Breaking Barriers: How Engineers Are Overcoming Sustainable Architecture Challenges

Sustainable architecture is a rapidly growing industry with a critical role to play in addressing urgent environmental and societal challenges. From reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and well-being outcomes for diverse populations, sustainable architecture holds the key to a more eco-friendly and healthy future.

In honor of National Engineers Week, we're celebrating the significant role of engineers in the industry by looking at some of the unique challenges they face and the impactful solutions they bring to the table. We’re also acknowledging how underrepresented engineers, like women, can be better supported. 

Some challenges engineers face include increased project costs, regulations & code updates, limited availability of sustainable materials, technical complexities, and underrepresentation & gender bias.

1.COST

Eco-friendly materials and high-tech equipment can make sustainable projects more expensive than standard materials.

In response, engineers are exploring affordable alternatives like using reclaimed wood and repurposed metals in their designs to lower costs while remaining environmentally conscious. This approach has the potential to save money in the long run, reduce environmental impact, promote a circular economy and improve the overall value of the property.

“The construction industry is rapidly growing and in combination to challenging market forces, high efficient equipment and eco-friendly materials are becoming expensive, but the cost savings and improved quality of life over time outweighs the initial investment, making it a financially viable decision.”

- Raj Shekar, Commissioning Engineer at Above Green

2. REGULATIONS & CODES

Regulations and building code requirements can vary widely from one location to another, making it difficult for many building professionals to navigate and achieve compliance.

Many engineers are highly skilled in not only adhering to existing regulations, but also in working with local government officials to advocate for more comprehensive sustainable building codes. This can ultimately lead to more sustainable buildings, increased public health, and better quality of life for residents in the surrounding area.

“ Codes are always changing and will only become stricter over time as the industry gets bigger. With each changing code iteration it is crucial that organizations have efficient and effective processes that ensure that changes do not add to further disruption. Companies need to be committed to have consistent objectives, with strict processes, and record keeping which would allow them to be agile when code changes occur."

- Danielle Koch, Commissioning Engineer at Above Green

3. LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Some sustainable materials, like low-emissivity glass, can be difficult to obtain or expensive to import. With extensive knowledge of material options, engineers often explore alternative sustainable materials that are more readily available, locally accessible, and cost-effective.

This helps to support local economies and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of materials from distant locations.

“With supply chain delays and long lead times, engineers are faced with rushed deadlines pushing past the initial forecasted completion date. Engineers must search for alternate options that streamline the construction process and make sustainable building more appealing and accessible to the construction industry as a whole.”

- Abi Haines, Commissioning Engineer at Above Green

4. TECHNICAL COMPLEXITY

Sustainable architecture often involves the use of complex and cutting-edge technologies, which are constantly advancing. Engineers are masters of up-skilling by pursuing continuing education opportunities to keep up with the latest technologies.

By staying ahead of the curve, engineers can incorporate technology to address complex problems - ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients, improved environmental impact, and a more competitive and sustainable industry overall.

"Today's engineers have a responsibility to minimize the carbon footprint in all of their operations. Society has a collective duty to reach net-zero and the building industry is critical to that mission. Gearing up to the climate challenges we face, we must invest in strategic and forward thinking innovations that will create a greener economy."

- Vishnu Babu, Commissioning Engineer at Above Green

5. UNDERREPRESENTATION AND GENDER BIAS

Women in construction and engineering face severe underrepresentation in the industry, with only an 8.9 percent share of the total U.S. construction industry alone, often due to gender bias and discrimination. Even when companies manage to attract women, they often fail to retain them over the long term, with reasons including inadequate work-life balance, unequal recognition and pay, a lack of female leadership, and insufficient training and education programs to support career advancement.

Offering flexible hours, investing in the development of skills and training as well as promoting more women to leadership positions are immediate proactive steps companies can take to support women in the workplace.

By doing so, companies can not only create a more inclusive and supportive work culture that values and rewards the contributions of all employees, but also contributes to a more equitable workforce. These initiatives have been proven to improve productivity outcomes and lead to more effective solutions for complex engineering challenges.

Engineers play a crucial role in sustainable architecture by bringing innovative solutions to the industry's challenges. By leveraging diversity and inclusion, the industry can foster creativity, effective communication, and better decision-making, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

At Above Green, we recognize the importance of diversity in sustainable architecture. We’re committed to breaking barriers by fostering an inclusive work environment that values and supports women in our industry. As part of the commitment, we’re always looking to hire and promote talented female professionals.

Learn more about our career opportunities www.abovegreen.com/careers.