Strategies For Sustainable Resource Management In Engineering

Product design is becoming a more important exercise for companies to reduce tariff impacts and costs, drive down emissions, and capture revenue upside. A key first step is evaluating the bill of materials and conducting a lifecycle assessment to pinpoint where both tariffs and emissions are highest—from materials to manufacturing, usage, and disposal—allowing for targeted, high-impact changes. Switching to low-carbon or recycled materials, simplifying designs, and sourcing locally can significantly reduce costs and environmental impact. Modular, durable products also support circular economy goals by enabling easier repair, reuse, or recycling. Improving energy efficiency—both in production and during product use—can lower emissions and operating costs, making products more attractive to customers. Technologies like digital modeling and just-in-time production also help reduce waste. To fully realize the commercial potential, companies must clearly communicate sustainability attributes through credible claims, transparent labeling, third-party certifications, and marketing that highlights both environmental and performance benefits. Our research shows that appropriate claims can drive 6 to 25%+ revenue uplift.

🏗️ What if development worked with nature instead of against it? Traditional site design often prioritizes maximizing buildable area—but at what cost? Increased runoff, flooding risks, and higher maintenance expenses are just a few of the challenges that arise. Low-Impact Development (LID) flips the script. By using nature-based solutions, LID: 🌿 Reduces runoff with permeable surfaces and green infrastructure 💧 Improves water quality by filtering pollutants before they enter waterways 🏘️ Enhances community spaces with green buffers, rain gardens, and natural drainage At Olsson, we’ve seen firsthand how LID strategies can create more resilient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing developments. Instead of treating stormwater as a problem, we turn it into an asset that enhances the site. Some of our favorite LID techniques include: ✔️ Bioswales that slow, filter, and direct stormwater naturally ✔️ Permeable pavers that allow rain to seep into the ground instead of overwhelming storm drains ✔️ Rain gardens that provide both function and beauty, reducing runoff while adding greenery The result? Smarter, more sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment. 💡 What LID strategies have you seen successfully implemented in your projects? Let’s discuss! ⬇️ #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInfrastructure #SmartGrowth #CivilEngineering #WeAreOlsson

Building sustainable infrastructure requires more than innovation—it demands a closer look at the environmental impact of every component, from design elements to the materials chosen to construct the asset.   Some of the more overlooked factors in this equation? The gradual yet relentless corrosive effects on steel and the staggering carbon footprint it leaves behind. Recently, Materials Performance Magazine published an eye-opening study quantifying corrosion's impact in this arena, revealing how steel degradation alone contributes millions of tons of CO₂ emissions annually.   AMPP’s community is committed to reimagining materials protection and sustainability as interconnected goals—recognizing that advancing one strengthens the other. Controlling corrosion is no longer just about reducing maintenance expenses; it’s about the broader imperative of environmental responsibility. This insight opens up a conversation that impacts every sector reliant on resilient, low-carbon infrastructure.   Here are three essential takeaways as we look at the future of materials sustainability:   1. Design with Durability in Mind: Investing in advanced corrosion-resistant materials, technology and research enables us to extend the lifespan of infrastructure, significantly reducing the emissions tied to frequent replacements and repair cycles 2. Proactive Maintenance is a Clean Strategy: Traditional maintenance is often reactive, addressing corrosion after it compromises material integrity. A proactive approach to corrosion control preserves resources and mitigates environmental consequences, aligning with global climate goals. 3. Collaboration for a Greener Future: From industry leaders to local governments, addressing the environmental cost of corrosion requires a united front. By working collectively and sharing insights, we can create a ripple effect that supports greener, more resilient cities and communities.   Ultimately, every step we take in corrosion control propels us toward a more sustainable tomorrow—one where our built environment is designed not simply to endure but to safeguard our planet. For those interested in diving deeper into the study’s findings, I highly recommend reading the full article linked below.   https://lnkd.in/g4tCKUB2   #Sustainability #CorrosionControl #MaterialsScience #Infrastructure #ClimateAction #AMPP