It's time for buildings to go green, too

Going green isn’t just important for engineers in the automotive industry. Buildings are more responsible than the transportation industry for emissions issues, and account for a third of the energy used worldwide.

With the environment being a cause for concern worldwide and construction always in high demand, it is important for young engineers to learn to think in terms of energy efficiency.

Dave Sommer of Trane is setting out to make this message heard in Indiana by meeting with Indiana University-Bloomington students to teach them how being energy efficient as engineers will benefit the environment, the economy, and humanity.

The environment will be safer for the public with a decrease in CO2 emissions, but Sommer contests the higher air quality in more efficient buildings would also increase productivity.

Sommer promotes more efficient HVAC systems and building technologies through Trane’s “Engineering Better Careers, Engineering Better Environments” college and university program. The program donates equipment, sponsors trips and clubs, and allows professionals to work with the schools to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Also involved in the program is the University of Mississippi and Trane’s David Wilkins, who will also be speaking to students about the economic reasons for buildings to go green. He says while more efficient construction would be more expensive, poorly designed buildings would cost more in the end. Wilkins also believes improved construction would cut energy costs 30 to 70 percent.

With greener cars on the way in part because of plans for new emissions standards, environmental issues have become integral to many fields of engineering. The next generation will be forced to be more aware of the environment and the engineers of the future are the ones with the ability to make impactful changes.