Sustainability: The Sum of All Engineering in the New Century

By Leo F. Peters - President, The American Consulting Engineers Council 2000 Chair, National Engineers Week

National Engineers Week 2000

Engineering has played an integral part in the growth of our nation and the prosperity we enjoy. As ACEC is fond of saying, "What we do is all around you." But at what cost our prosperity?

As responsible as we've become with our care of the environment, we need to do more. Motivation for improving our world is all around us. For one, natural resources are strained as the population of the developing world grows and economies expand. Further, corporations are more than just accountable to their shareholders. Consumers exercise greater influence on the way companies do business. They want the best product at the best price from good corporate citizens. Increased information technology means the public has access to detailed information on how businesses operate. Unhappy consumers can react with their wallets.

We must protect and conserve resources while still providing a quality of life we have come to expect. This can be accomplished through sustainable development, the mindset and technologies targeted at making civilization and nature live in greater harmony. Support and enthusiasm for sustainable methods are increasing. And market, legislative and economic incentives to adopt them are emerging.

While engineers have always been involved in solving environmental problems, sustainability is going to be the sum of all engineering in the new century. Engineers have the technical wherewithal to make a greener world, and they are in the right places to advise developers, manufacturers, governmental leaders and others on how to go about making the necessary fixes. Engineers can develop materials that are devoid of hazardous emissions. They can produce systems that promote recycling and those that minimize emissions to water and air.

Sustainable development is our future. It opens new technologies, new ways of managing design, producing and using energy, manufacturing and building our highways, power plants, buildings and the rest of our infrastructure. It's good business. And it's good for our future.

Let's walk more softly on the land. If we don't, we will face the consequences in our lifetimes. Even worse, we risk mortgaging our children's future.

From February 20-26, thousands of engineers, engineering students, teachers, and business and government leaders will participate in National Engineers Week, which includes a variety of events designed to help create an interest in engineering, math, and science. Get involved. For free information: Circle 551 - National Engineers Week