Introduction to Sustainable

Development

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

How do we go from here…
…to somewhere here?
 Contents Overview

• Engineers and sustainable development

• Sustainability challenges for engineers
• Addressing the challenges
• Conclusions
What is Sustainability…?
 Definition of Sustainable Development

• "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,1987)
• It contains within it two key concepts:
– the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of
the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given;
and
– the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology
and social organization on the environment's ability to meet
present and future needs."
 Engineers and
Sustainable Development

• Engineers can help achieve sustainable development

by providing sustainable technological solutions
• However, the challenge of sustainable development
transcends traditional engineering approaches and
skills and requires a multidisciplinary approach
• Collaboration between engineers and other
disciplines is essential for providing sustainable
solutions
 …and a modern definition of engineering

• “Engineering is the profession in which a

knowledge … is applied … to utilize… the
materials and forces of nature for the benefit
of mankind”
(Engineers Council for Professional
Development, 1961/1979)
 …and a modern definition of engineering

• …providing for human needs and

contributing to a better quality of life
today without compromising the quality
of life of future generations and the
ability to meet their needs
• The main aim of engineering for
sustainable development
 …and a modern definition of
engineers

• “The ideal engineer is a composite ... He is

not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he
is not a sociologist or a writer; but he may use
the knowledge and techniques of any or all of
these disciplines in solving engineering
problems”
(N. W. Dougherty, 1955)
• Even more true today!
 Modern or ‘composite’ engineer:
Set of skills for engineering sustainability
Engineering for sustainable
development:
The three dimensions
 The challenge

• Translating the theory of sustainable

development into engineering practice
• Integrating technical, economic, environmental
and social considerations – sustainability
thinking
Systems approach: Life cycle thinking
The scope of the challenge
 Measuring sustainability:
Some sustainability issues