Currently, I imagine that most structural engineers are at least familiar with the concept of sustainable design and the larger green building movement. Many firms are incorporating sustainable design techniques into their practice and are able to serve clients wanting green buildings. And, according to a recent survey by Structural Engineer, a small, yet growing percentage of practicing structural engineers (2 percent) have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation from the Green Building Certification Institute.

Strategies such as design for deconstruction techniques, recycled content of building materials, building system synergies, life cycle assessment, and green project goals and contracts each provide a unique opportunity for structural engineers to participate actively in the green building movement.

This special green issue of Structural Engineer offers insights into all of these green topics. This month, two recently completed green projects are highlighted: Ithaca College’s Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise and The Palazzo Resort Hotel.

The Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise is an $18 million project that was designed to achieve a LEED-platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition to the many energy and resource efficient building systems incorporated into the project, the structural engineers at Robert Silman Associates designed a structural system that can be deconstructed and reused. The design team proactively sought to incorporate as much recycled content as possible while improving durability and strength of the system.

The spectacular recent addition to the Las Vegas strip is the Palazzo Resort Hotel. Currently, this hotel is the largest LEED-certified project in the world. Engineers at Walter P Moore helped to earn that title by incorporating recycled-content building materials and enabling construction waste recycling.

Recycled aggregates are a goldmine for sustainable foundation solutions. "Searching for green foundations" offers more on how to leverage these aggregates.

Life cycle assessment holds promise as a tool that structural engineers will soon be able to employ to enable unbiased sustainable design choices.

Green projects bring new issues for contracts. Legal Counsel Q& A addresses several topics surrounding this important topic.

Finally, the news department is filled with recent releases of green topics and new green products.This special green issue is, in fact, a recycled idea made ready for reuse. We took what was once the Sustainable Solutions supplement and turned it into an entire green issue where nearly every department and feature discusses an aspect of sustainable design. In addition to coverage throughout the year, next September we will again dedicate an issue to ’Green solutions’. I am always interested in your feedback. Please let me know what type of information serves you the best—project case studies, product information, and/or educational articles discussing sustainable design techniques—and I will work hard to bring it to you.