The Geotechnical Society of Edmonton is pleased to present the Canadian Geotechnical Society Cross-Canada Lecture Tour featuring Dr. Renato Macciotta.
Date: December 1, 2022
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Alfred H. Savage Centre 13909 Fox Drive, Edmonton
Cost: GSE/CGS Members $50, Students $30, Non-members $60
Local Title Sponsor: EM Utility Locating
Venue Sponsor: KBL Projects
Wine Sponsor: Mobile Augers and Research Ltd.
Register for in-person attendance on EventBrite
Abstract
Due to depletion of natural resources, increased natural disasters, waste, greenhouse gas emissions, pollutant generation, and environmental deterioration, and loss of biodiversity, geotechnical engineers are facing new challenges. While it is generally believed that the concepts of sustainable development must be followed for protecting future generations, it is much easier said than implemented. Therefore, the focus of this talk will be to focus on the application of the principles of sustainable geoengineering to projects and processes. Some tools and frameworks for evaluating and implementing sustainable practices will be presented. The use of environmental, social and economic indicators for measuring and comparing design options will be demonstrated. Best practices in carrying out Indigenous engagement and consultation will be highlighted. Finally, case studies and examples of sustainable practices in design in addition to the challenges and needs for the future will be included. The role of geotechnical engineers in sustainable development has been undervalued but is critical for future generations.
Bio
Dr. Catherine N. Mulligan obtained her B.Eng. and M.Eng. in chemical engineering and PhD in geoenvironmental engineering from McGill University. She worked for the Biotechnology Research Institute of the National Research Council of Canada and SNC Research Corp. Of SNC Lavalin before joining Concordia University in 1999. She held a Concordia Research Chair in Geoenvironmental Sustainability (Tier I) and is a full professor in the Dept. of Bldg., Civil and Environmental Engineering. She has authored more than 130 refereed papers in various journals, co-authored or edited 8 books, holds 3 patents and has supervised to completion more than 70 graduate students. She is the founder and director of the Concordia Institute of Water, Energy and Sustainable Systems. The Institute trains students in sustainable development practices and performs research in new systems, technologies and solutions for sustainability. Her research is on the treatment of contaminated soils, water, sediment, and mining residues with biosurfactants and other treatment techniques, in addition to energy production via anaerobic treatment and pressure-reduced osmosis. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) and its current Past President and currently the chair of the Sustainable Geotechnics Committee for the CGS. She is also a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), and Royal Society of Canada and was a winner of the John B. Sterling Medal of the EIC.