As geological conditions and processes can significantly affect ecosystems and the distribution of life on Earth, geological data help determine natural constraints and potential risks for specific territories, particularly those of abiotic and biotic resources. Geology is crucial in the design, construction, and management of infrastructure, as it aids in understanding the natural conditions and risks that any infrastructure project may encounter.
Engineering geology involves the application of geological principles and specialisms alongside relevant engineering disciplines, in a wide range of contexts. The construction sector employs large numbers of engineering geologists, along with hydrogeologists, environmental geologists and others, to understand ground conditions and the wider geological setting, and how this will interact with elements of the built environment, including buildings, roads, railways, dams, tunnels, pipelines and cables. A fundamental part of this work is to plan for the impacts of environmental change, to remediate contamination of land especially if it has previously been used for industrial activity, and to assess and manage the effects of geological hazards of all kinds, from earthquakes to landslides and the swelling and shrinking of clay.
Studying geological aspects also helps understand and predict the impact of natural factors on biodiversity, determining optimal approaches for conservation and restoration of valuable ecosystems. Certain geological formations can provide unique habitats for life, such as caves, reefs, and mountain ranges; investigating these formations, helps identify areas in need of preservation. Exploring the geological history of territories, the evolution of biodiversity influenced by climate, geological changes, and other natural factors, allows for the anticipation of future changes and the development of conservation strategies.
A comprehensive assessment of geological aspects during the development of infrastructure projects (minerals, soils, hydrogeological conditions, geomorphology, etc.), along with a coordinated approach among geologists, ecologists, architects, and other experts, enables the mitigation of negative impacts on nature and ensures the sustainability of the environment.
Relevant legal documents and analytical materials from global agencies in the field of Sustainable habitats
#civil infrastructure #industrial infrastructure
UN-Habitat Annual Report 2022
UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in scaling up the implementation of the New Urban Agenda to accelerate the realization of the SDGs.
to sustainable habitats
Civil infrastructure
Engineering Geology for Construction
Geologyscience shows that engineering geology plays a critical role in construction projects, since it provides essential information about the geological features, physical properties of the soil and rock, and the potential hazards that may affect the construction project. Also Geologyscience presents some of the applying ways engineering geology in construction projects that have relied on engineering geology to ensure their success
to sustainable habitats
2023 power and utilities industry outlook
2023 power and utilities industry outlook authored by Suzanna Sanborn and Akash Chatterjee and published by Deloitte explores key trends and developments shaping the industry
utilities
Industrial infrastructure
What Is Industrial Zoning? Light vs Heavy Industrial Zones (2021)
https://lev.co/blog/financing/industrial-zoning/ This article published by Lev provides an overview of industrial zoning, highlighting the differences between commercial and industrial zoning. This is important analytical information to consider how it can take principles of industrial zoning to build facilities that would allow to take advantage of healthy markets for things like solar panels and electric cars
industrial infrastructure
European Expert Group on Clusters. Recommendation report (2021)
The European Commission report focuses on three key areas for economic development: leading the green transition, accelerating the digital transition, and building resilience.
industrial clusters
An International Framework For Eco-Industrial Parks (2021)
The paper published by UNIDO, World Bank Group and giz focuses on eco-industrial parks and their importance in promoting sustainable industrial development.
eco-industrial parks
International guidelines for industrial parks (2019)
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) CrossDisciplinary Team on Industrial Parks (CDTIP) has produced this publication under the general guidance of Philippe Scholtès, Managing Director of the Directorate of Programme Development and Technical Cooperation. It provides an overview of industrial parks and these parks’ enabling role in the attraction of investment, integration into global value chains, creation of competitive employment opportunities, while safeguarding the environment
eco-industrial parks
11 Major Oil Spills Of The Maritime World
11 Major Oil Spills of The Maritime World, published by Marine Insight, overviews immediate results of oil spill disasters and provides examples of 11 the largest of them. areas of abiotic resources
Mine Rehabilitation. Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry 2016
The Australian Government study highlights the importance of mine rehabilitation and provides insights into various aspects of the rehabilitation process.
areas of abiotic resources
The Habitats Directive. EU measures to conserve Europe’s wild flora and fauna
The European Commission article provides an overview of the Habitats Directive, which aims to protect and conserve habitats and species of European importance.
areas of biotic resources
Biotic habitats as refugia under ocean acidification
The article published by Conservation Physiology explores the occurrence of habitat-associated refugia in future acidified oceans and focuses on the role of macroalgae and seagrasses as stress alleviators and refuge providers.
areas of biotic resources
Threats to the Amazon
Threats to the Amazon, presented by Amazon Conversation, raises the question of the possible complete deforestation of the Amazon, its lead drivers and the importance of taking action.
areas of biotic resources
Global Waste Index 2022
With the Global Waste Index at Sensoneo, it was first exposed the biggest waste-producing nations in the world in 2019. The United States emerged as the largest waste producer per capita, and the UK was placed in the 20th slot out of 36 nations surveyed
landfill sites
A Roadmap for closing Waste Dumpsites
International Solid Waste Association published document named "The World’s most Polluted Places" (2016). The study at this document discussed various aspects of dumpsite closure and the social, economic, and technical challenges associated with it
landfill sites
Introduction to ground-related risk to transportation infrastructure
The paper with that name was published by C. Power and S. Abbott following the Conference ‘Ground-related Risk to Transportation Infrastructure’ (London). The paper covers examples drawn from that themes of the conference as current and future resilience and monitoring; ground-related hazards; and operational response to hazards and events
transport networks
Save wildlife? Researchers use geology to track elusive animals
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are perfecting an innovative geological way to track the migration of elusive wildlife to help in their conservation. UC's study could have long-term implications for endangered wildlife
wildlife habitats