However, there is a perception that including sustainability considerations, particularly in infrastructure projects, costs more and increases risk. While in the short term this can be true, the benefits of incorporating sustainability principles and environmental stewardship abound in the long run.
They improve the social acceptance of projects, and that helps expedite licensing and approvals processes. Risks and uncertainties can be assessed initially and managed over the long term where operating expenses are normally lower for sustainable facilities. Improved resilience and environmental stewardship pays off for the owner.
Yet despite these benefits, explicitly embedding these principles and practices in guidance is rare among the national and international members of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). This prompted the Committee on Engineering and the Environment to develop the WFEO Model Code of Practice for Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship.
Led by Engineers Canada, the Model Code was developed over several years and adopted at the 2013 WFEO General Assembly. The Model Code is an expression of principles developed by consensus to support the practice of individual engineers, and provides guidance in their application. Engaging engineers through continuing professional development to adopt the principles and apply them in their practice is a proactive step to increasing awareness and fostering knowledge.
In 2014, Engineers Canada adopted a Canadian version of the Model Code, publishing it as a National Guideline for the use of its 12 member engineering regulators and the more than 280,000 professional engineers.
Engineers Canada encourages all WFEO members to do the same, and suggests that WFEO aim to have 75 per cent of members officially adopt the Model Code by 2020.
Such a level of uptake would send a powerful message to national governments and to the United Nations that engineers take their responsibilities to very seriously.
The Model Code of Practice can be found on the WFEO website (www.wfeo.net).
Adopted from an article that appeared in the November 2015 newsletter of the WFEO's Committee on Engineering and the Environment.
David Lapp, FEC, P.Eng., is Secretary of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations Committee on Engineering and the Environment.
