Sustainability in Civil Engineering: Challenges, Innovations, and the Future
Spalding DeDecker is a Rochester, Hills-Michigan-based civil engineering and surveying firm specializing in infrastructure and land development, land surveying, landscape architecture, and urban planning. With decades of experience, the company has contributed to a wide range of projects, including transportation networks, private and public developments, and municipal services, balancing engineering excellence with evolving industry demands. SBN Detroit interviewed Tricia DeMarco, Director of Urban Design and Sustainability, and Bob Ford, Lead Landscape Architecture at Spalding DeDecker, to discuss the role of sustainability within their projects, as well as the challenges and opportunities of implementing eco-conscious infrastructure and design in Southeast Michigan. Q: How does Spalding DeDecker approach sustainability, and what methodologies or processes are you focused on? DeMarco: Spalding DeDecker has been around for 70 years, and like any forward-thinking company, we continually seek opportunities to evolve. Over the past five years, we’ve expanded our services to include urban planning and landscape architecture. This multidisciplinary approach is now essential for competing in sustainable projects. By integrating these disciplines, we ensure sustainability is considered holistically at every stage of development, rather than as an afterthought. Q: What are the biggest sustainability challenges the civil engineering and landscape architecture industries face today, particularly in infrastructure development and land surveying? DeMarco: Public funding and prioritization remain some of the biggest hurdles. Market conditions and regulatory approvals also pose significant barriers to innovation and development. Some of the most promising, forward-thinking projects stall or never come to fruition due to these constraints. Ford: In urban environments, implementing sustainability measures—such as water detention systems—offers clear environmental benefits. These solutions cleanse stormwater before it enters drainage systems, mitigate flooding, and improve water quality. However, they also require land and space which can be costly. Emerging technologies are helping to submerge these systems beneath parking lots and other developed areas, but they add significant costs that not all projects can absorb. Q: What are the specific sustainability challenges in Southeast Michigan? DeMarco: Having worked in multiple states, I’ve seen that one of Southeast Michigan’s biggest challenges is stormwater retention. Many areas, particularly in Detroit, have non-infiltrating soils, which means that even when regulations require on-site stormwater retention, the land itself can’t accommodate it. Contaminated urban soils further complicate stormwater solutions. Ford: That’s exactly right. Many of the soils in this region are heavy clay, which doesn’t allow for effective water infiltration. Additionally, in urban areas, we often encounter layers of fill material left from demolished buildings, which can create further challenges. If a site wasn’t properly backfilled or if remnants of previous structures remain, it adds complexity and cost to development. Q: Conversely, are there any specific opportunities in urban planning, infrastructure, and site design in Southeast Michigan? DeMarco: One of the greatest opportunities in Detroit and Southeast Michigan is the availability of land. While vacant land presents its own challenges, it also allows us to think creatively and implement solutions that wouldn’t be possible in more densely developed cities. Another opportunity lies in rethinking roadways. Rather than automatically widening roads, we can evaluate the entire right-of-way and explore alternative uses. Community engagement is also a significant advantage here—many projects are directly shaped by input from local residents and stakeholders, which isn’t always the case in other regions. Ford: In downtown Detroit, there has been a great deal of innovation surrounding stormwater runoff management, including drainage credit incentives for sustainable stormwater solutions. These regulatory challenges have actually fueled creative approaches and encouraged developers and engineers to think differently. Q: How does Spalding DeDecker integrate sustainable practices into projects like the Detroit Zoo? Can you share specific strategies or innovations that have made a measurable impact? DeMarco: The Detroit Zoo project provided an opportunity to approach sustainability from a much broader perspective than is typical in most projects. One of the key focuses was stormwater management. Instead of viewing stormwater as a nuisance, we considered it a valuable resource. Through the Zoo’s Discovery Trail project, we designed a system that captures and can be used in the future to repurpose stormwater for practical uses such as flushing toilets and irrigation. By treating stormwater as an asset rather than a problem, we were able to create a more sustainable and efficient solution. Pursuing SITEs Certification on this project also encouraged us to think creatively about preserving existing soil composition and protection of the underlying mycelium networks which, as an industry, we are gaining an increasing understanding of the importance of leaving these site elements undisturbed. Q: When it comes to private and public development projects, how do you balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility? DeMarco: Environmental responsibility and economic feasibility go hand in hand. At its core, sustainability is about managing the tension between the two. One of the most cost-effective approaches is leveraging the existing natural systems of a site rather than working against them. Respecting and integrating these systems can lead to both economic and environmental benefits. Ford: There’s always a balance to strike. Incorporating sustainability measures often requires an upfront investment, but there are ways to offset costs. Recycling materials—such as using crushed concrete as base material—can reduce expenses while maintaining structural integrity. We also prioritize stormwater infiltration where possible, using green infrastructure to not only manage water but also enhance aesthetics. Trees and green spaces don’t just help with stormwater; they reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance the pedestrian experience. Q: What are the biggest barriers to incorporating sustainable practices into large-scale projects? DeMarco: The biggest barrier is the status quo. It’s far easier to do things the way they’ve always been done. True sustainability requires stepping back, understanding the unique context of a project, and identifying site-specific opportunities. Ford: Absolutely. Regulations often dictate project design based on traditional methodologies, limiting the ability to explore more sustainable alternatives. That’s why it’s crucial to involve clients and regulatory agencies early in the planning process to explore new approaches before a project becomes locked into a conventional path. Q: How is climate change
