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ES CE - Civil Engineering Orientation

Lecture notes – 6
Class: BSCE 1A, BSCE 1B

Objectives: By the end of the discussion, the students will be able to:
a) Understand clearly what is Environmental Engineering.
Time Frame: 4 hours

I. Introduction
The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the only accredited professional organization
for Civil Engineering by the PRC, identified six (6) areas of specialization under Civil
Engineering:
1. Structural Engineering
2. Construction Engineering and Management
3. Geotechnical Engineering
4. Water Resources Engineering
5. Transportation Engineering
6. Environmental and Energy Engineering

II. What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental Engineering is the application of science and engineering principles that
provide a better environment, to give healthy water, air and land for human habitation and
other living things, and to rehabilitate polluted areas. In addition, it focuses on finding
appropriate solutions in the field of public health, such as arthropod-related diseases, and in
enforcing laws that promote adequate sanitation in urban, rural, and recreational areas.

III. The Importance of Environmental Engineering to Society

The world today faces many environmental problems, ranging from local problems such as
groundwater depletion to global problems such as climate change. These problems can only
be solved when everyone cares about the environment. Therefore, everyone needs to be
informed about the various causes, consequences, and remedies of environmental problems. It
is therefore necessary to preface their consideration with the statements of
the broader characteristic divisions such as-
• It guides us on how our developmental and daily activities affect the environment and
how we are affected by changes in environmental conditions.
• It guides us to create a pollution free environment (which includes clean air, water,
land, and food) by adopting various methods of prevention and control of pollution.
• It guides our natural resources such as water, forests, minerals, and fossil fuels to be
utilized in an efficient way, with maximum utility and minimum waste by adopting
conservation and recycling strategies.
• Adopts the above three characteristics, namely, knowing one’s environmental impact,
prevention, and control of pollution, and efficiently utilizing resources efficiently in
daily activities to lead the general public in an environmentally friendly way.
• It allows industries to operate in an environmentally friendly mode by adopting clean
and efficient technology and installing pollution control systems.

Lecture notes/Handouts
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IV. Role of Environmental Engineering for Sustainable

Development
So far as contribution of Environmental Engineering for protection of the environment is
concerned, it can be said that role of environmental engineering is commendable. Some of the
contributions of environmental engineering are as follows:
1. To protect soil erosion for safeguard of forest.
2. Using of Environmental Engineering technology degradation of bio social system can
be prevented.
3. Air pollution can be minimized up to a maximum extent by utilizing Environmental
Engineering.
4. Development of agriculture is necessary, and the requirement can be fulfilled through
Environmental Engineering.
5. Environmental Engineering is utilized for preservation of social energy.
6. Global crises on environment can be minimized by utilizing Environmental
Engineering technology.
7. Facilitate for sustainable development of the society.
8. It helps for social and economical development.

V. Scope of Environmental Engineering

Three major areas of applicability of the Environmental Engineering are
• Management of natural resources,
• Conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity, and
• Prevention and control of pollution.
Major career options related to the subject can be described as follows:
Industries: Industries need to comply with a number of environmental regulations. Thus,
environmental experts are needed to guide industries in adopting clean technology, pollution
control, waste disposal and environmental audit management.
Consultancy: Environmental consultations are employed by governments, industries and
NGOs to conduct a variety of laboratory-based analysis or field-based studies, often required
in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other compliance processes.
Research and Development: These opportunities in this area include studying different types
of pollution and their many causes and effects. It is also includes development of clean and
efficient technologies for future purpose. Scientists, researchers, and analysts are many of the
common career profiles.
Academics: Environmental Engineering study is educated at almost every level of education,
which is from school to university level. Many teachers or academicians are required to fulfill
this need.
Green marketing: Skilled manpower is required to promote eco-friendly products in local
market. Environmental quality certifications like ISO-14000 are also being included in
marketing strategy—this creates further career opportunities.
Green media: There is an urgent need for skilled manpower in print and electronic media to
create environmental awareness. Some lot of magazines and newspapers regularly publish
articles paper on environmental themes. For example, Down to Earth is a magazine published
by the Center for Science and the Environment.

Lecture notes/Handouts
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Green advocacy: Environmental lawyers are emerging as major players in ensuring proper
enforcement of environmental regulations, laws, and programmers. Public Interest Litigation
(PIL) empowers of ordinary people to fight against any anti-environment activity.
Government jobs: Many numbers of conventional and current common jobs are available in
government bodies such as environmental ministry, pollution control boards, national parks,
and biosphere reserves.
International agencies: Eligible human resources are required to implement environmental
projects of various international organizations such as UNEP, IUCN, TSBF, and World Bank.

Lecture notes/Handouts