Hey hey!! Thanks for stopping by 🥰
Chances are- you’ve heard of sustainability before. Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword. It can really get some people going, in good ways and bad….even cats aren’t safe….
So before we formally start this blog, let’s “debuzz” sustainability a bit by going over the basics- i.e., what actually is it? There are many definitions of sustainability, so this will also make sure we’re on the same page. Maybe it will even take the sus out of sustainability for some of you (sorry, I had to- the obligatory blog dad joke).
🌱 The Basics: Wait, what is sustainability?
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (credit to the UN for this chef’s kiss definition). This means sustainable development doesn’t just include environmental applications, such as climate change mitigation, but also societal and economic ones, for example, labour practices and ethical investing. Sustainable development aims to enhance the safety, welfare, and quality of life of all members of society.
Woah, that was a lot of definition. However, I think if you break sustainability down to the basics, everyone cares about sustainability. For example, if you ask someone whether they find it concerning that extreme flooding, like the 2023 Auckland floods, could become more common, it’ll be hard to find someone who says no. If you ask someone whether they believe everyone should have access to clean drinking water- the answer will likely be yes. If you ask someone whether they care what sort of world their grandchildren will be living in, it will be a resounding “ of course” (and also maybe a “why are you asking me this”). Now, if you answered yes to these sorts of questions- well, you care about sustainability, dude.
🌱 So, where does engineering fit into sustainability?
Yes, I did just put those two words together: “Engineering” and “sustainability”, and no, this is not because I’m trying to list antonyms…
Engineering has a massive impact on all aspects of sustainability- for better or for worse. This makes sense because we engineers are the problem solvers and decision-makers who help build the world around us. For example:
- Engineers are behind designing wind turbines to generate renewable energy
- Engineers are behind designing drilling rigs to extract fossil fuels
- Engineers are behind designing single-use plastic bottle manufacturing facilities
- Engineers are behind designing plastic pollution collection systems, e.g. sea bins
Ok, you get the picture: engineering is incredibly linked to sustainability. This is true for all engineering specialisations. However, we’ll be focussing on civil engineering in this blog (definitely not because this is a civil engineering blog 😉
🌱 Civil Engineering and Sustainability
Civil engineering is a broad field, so there is a LOT of sustainable development civil engineers can get involved in. You could be involved in sustainable developments such as:
- Resource recovery and recycling of municipal solid waste to help create a circular economy
- The use and development of building materials with a low carbon footprint. For example, using waste products, such as fly ash from the coal industry, to replace some of the Portland cement in concrete, thereby reducing its embodied carbon
- Remediation of contaminated sites to remove pollutants from soil and water, e.g. pollutants from agricultural activities or those from oil and gas industries
- Low-impact urban design to manage stormwater in ways that imitate natural processes, such as using rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements to soak up water runoff
- Developing effective public transport networks
The list goes on!
So, how can you get involved in sustainable developments like these? It could be through engineering companies that take on related projects or possibly research. You could also get involved in sustainable development through humanitarian engineering…..
🌱 What is Humanitarian Engineering, you ask:
Humanitarian engineering involves applying all the engineering knowledge and skills you have accumulated (hopefully) to improve the living conditions of people from marginalised and disadvantaged communities, often in developing countries. This requires a strong awareness of the specific stakeholders, context and resources available to develop the necessary technical solutions. With our knowledge of topics like water treatment, building materials and the stability of soils, civil engineers have much to offer in the humanitarian engineering field.
🌱 Wait, but I’m still a uni student….
No worries- you can still get involved! There are so many sustainability clubs on campus, even in the engineering sustainability category. Go to some events, volunteer, join a club- there are lots of options:)
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That’s all, folks– thanks for tuning in!!
Ankia
(one more cat pic before you go- Ellie loves the attention)
