Read on to learn about this exciting class, instructed by Professor Steve Muench. There are a few spots left, so sign up now if you are interested!
What we will do in the CEE 498J – Start Something Big
This class is an opportunity to get in on the beginning of something. The UW has indicated an interest in building a “Greenroad” on campus in the coming years. A
Greenroad is a road that is built to substantially higher sustainability standards than normal. This class will cover roadway sustainability and the Greenroads
Rating System – developed right here in Civil Engineering and used worldwide. We will hear from its developers (all UW graduates), and use it as the basis for our
term project: to craft proposals for making four different Greenroads on campus. These proposals will be used by UW to advocate for one of these roads and,
ultimately, to build that road.
Carry on the Effort with the APWA Student Chapter
Beyond this class, the newly formed American Public Works Association (APWA) student chapter will be the custodians of this “build a Greenroad” effort moving
forward. To get something like this done it takes student effort and influence, and the APWA student chapter will be well-equipped with the support of APWA’s
Washington Chapter members (engineers in consultants, contractors, and public agencies). Ultimately, through the APWA student chapter you have the opportunity to
contribute to infrastructure that will actually be built on campus and serve the greater good for generations to come.
About Greenroads
Greenroads (www.greenroads.org) is a sustainability rating system for roadways. It awards points for sustainability best practices and can be
used to certify sustainable roads. It has been used across the U.S. and in several international settings to rate and certify over $8 billion worth of roads. It was
developed here at the University of Washington and features the contributions of over 30 students. In 2013 the Greenroads Foundation was one of only 10 winners of
the White House “Champions of Change” award for transportation. It is only fitting that this UW-developed system be used to create the first ever Greenroads on a
University campus right here at its birthplace.