Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Special Maintenance
Considerations
SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE vs. SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
Buildings have a significant direct and indirect impact on the envi-
ronment. As illustrated by Figure 4-1, buildings not only use resources
such as energy and raw materials, they also generate waste and poten-
tially harmful atmospheric emissions.
Figure 4-1. Environmental Impact of Buidings (Source: USDOE)
A “sustainable” approach to building operation and maintenance
supports an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and
conservation, and attempts to balance of costs and environmental, soci-
etal, and human benefits, all while still meeting the mission and function
of the intended facility or infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency
As energy costs continue to rise and the availability of some energy
sources becomes ever more problematic, it makes sense for every facility
to implement measures to eliminate excessive energy consumption. To do
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