At a recent symposium hosted by Duke University, experts from across academic, governance and NGO sectors exchanged ideas about accelerating sustainable infrastructure development.
“I’d like to think that we’re entering a renaissance period in civil engineering with the opportunities that are before us,” said Todd Bridges, Professor of Practice in Resilient and Sustainable Systems at the University of Georgia’s Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems.
The panel, held March 21, focused on development opportunities and challenges for sustainable infrastructure. Panelists noted the importance of innovation to minimize negative social and environmental consequences, as well as the multidimensional social, environmental and economic aspects of infrastructure projects.
From Duke’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability: “Nature-based solutions — actions to protect, manage or restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges — are gaining attention as a way to meet infrastructure needs, noted Rowan Palmer, a program management officer with the United Nations Environment Programme. For example, a restored wetland can work in concert with built infrastructure to lessen flooding impacts, expand habitat for native species and provide other environmental and societal benefits.”
Photo by Scott Web via Pexels.com
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