Attribute 5: Sustainable Development
Attribute 5 emphasises the critical role of sustainable development in civil engineering. Recognising the extraordinary challenge posed by the Climate Emergency, this attribute aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) to guide engineers in making environmentally responsible decisions.
By integrating sustainability into every phase of the project lifecycle, civil engineers can significantly impact social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
Understanding and applying these principles is essential for creating a sustainable future and ensuring that all engineering activities contribute positively to global sustainability efforts.
Key Targets:
- Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
- Manage engineering activities that contribute to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
- Take a professional and responsible role in improvements that support sustainable development and reduce resource demand, set in the context of a whole project life cycle
“Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship, and strengthen governance.”
Ban Ki-moon
The Breakdown
Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Learn about the principles of sustainable development and apply these to engineering projects.
- Consider environmental, social, and economic impacts when making decisions on engineering projects.
- Apply life cycle thinking to engineering projects, considering the environmental impacts of the project from design to end-of-life.
Manage engineering activities that contribute to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Demonstrate knowledge of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and how they relate to engineering.
- Develop engineering solutions that contribute to the achievement of one or more UNSDGs.
- Identify and manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts of engineering projects to ensure sustainable development is achieved.
Take a professional and responsible role in improvements that support sustainable development and reduce resource demand, set in the context of a whole project life cycle
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
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Promote sustainable development within the engineering profession.
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Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of engineering projects.
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Minimise resource use and waste generation during the life cycle of engineering projects.
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Encourage and facilitate collaboration with stakeholders to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Gro Harlem Brundtland
Summary
Attribute 5 – Sustainable Development is a cornerstone of modern civil engineering, reflecting the profession’s commitment to addressing the Climate Emergency and promoting global sustainability.
By understanding and applying the principles of sustainable development, engineers can ensure their projects contribute positively to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
This attribute underscores the importance of making informed, responsible decisions throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
