Next up on The Green Scene, we interview Dr. Braden Allenby, a seasoned engineer, lawyer, and environmentalist who is the director of the Center for Earth Systems Engineering and Management, President’s Professor, and Lincoln Professor of Engineering and Ethics at the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. He also serves as a Distinguished Global Futures Scientist at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
Dr. Allenby’s extensive background in engineering, law, and environmental science makes him uniquely qualified to speak on the topic of the built environment and its impact on the planet. In this episode, we dive deep into how we think about the built environment, how it’s designed, and how it impacts our world. We also discuss how we can be more responsible in its development. Dr. Allenby does a fantastic job at painting the picture of how the built environment affects the planet and how we can all do our part to build better infrastructure.
One of the key points Dr. Allenby emphasizes is the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project, from its design and construction to its eventual demolition or repurposing. He notes that many buildings and infrastructure projects are designed to emphasize short-term cost savings but often lead to negative long-term impacts on the environment and communities. He argues that by taking a more holistic approach to design and construction, we can create a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure that benefits everyone.
Another essential topic that Dr. Allenby addresses is the role of the built environment in addressing climate change. He explains how buildings and infrastructure are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions and that we can significantly reduce these emissions by designing and constructing more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings and infrastructure. He also highlights the importance of designing more resilient infrastructure to climate change’s impacts, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
The Built Environment Impacts Everyone
Whether you’re a business owner, employee, teacher, student, or just someone who wants to improve the world, there are many ways you can make the built environment more resilient and eco-friendly. Dr. Allenby suggests several strategies, including
- Incorporating more renewable energy sources into building and infrastructure design
- Using more sustainable and durable materials in construction
- Incorporating green spaces into the built environment
- Creating more walkable and bike-friendly communities
- Encouraging more sustainable transportation options
- Planning for the eventual repurposing or demolition of buildings and infrastructure
If you’re a business that is active in construction and infrastructure development, this episode might make you think twice about how you’re designing and building your infrastructure. Dr. Allenby’s insights and recommendations offer valuable guidance for creating a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure that benefits everyone.
So, whether you’re an educator looking for ways to incorporate circularity in the classroom, a business owner looking for cost-saving measures, or just someone who wants to learn more about sustainability and the built environment, tune in to The Green Scene for valuable insights and inspiration.
