CONTRIBUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

The concept of sustainability first appeared in Brundtland report published in 1987. This
document which was also referred to as our common future was elaborated for the United
Nation in order to warn about the negative environmental consequences of economic
development and globalization. It was written with the aim of offering the solutions to the
problem arising from industrialization and population growth. Today, the sustainability tries to
secure the present without compromising the ability of the future generations, without giving
up any of the three essential pillars which are environmental protection, social
development and economic growth. Sustainability is concerned with assuming that nature
and the environment are not an inexhaustible resource and so it is necessary to protect them
and use them rationally. Sustainability promotes social development seeking cohesion
between communities and cultures to achieve satisfactory levels in quality of life, health and
education. Thirdly sustainability focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for
all without harming the environment. Nowadays, many of the challenges that humans face
such as climate change or water scarcity, inequality and hunger can only be tackled from a
global perspective and by promoting sustainable development.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Humankind faces many challenges to ensure that all people have the same development
and well-being opportunities. In the year 2000, the United Nations adopted eight objectives
to meet the main needs of the poorest. 15 years later, 193 countries adopted 2030 agendas
that set up the sustainable development goals a new horizon with the most pressing
challenges for human being in the coming years. There are 17 ambitious goals that require
the collaboration of civil society, public and private sectors whose success means a more
egalitarian and liveable world. The eradication of poverty and hunger so as to ensure a
healthy life. Achieve universal access to basic services such as water sanitation and
sustainable energy. Support the generation of development opportunities through inclusive
education and decent work. Foster innovation and resilient infrastructures by creating
communities and cities capable of producing and consuming in a sustainable way. Reduces
in equalities in the world especially gender inequalities. Caring for the environment by
combating climate change and protecting oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. Promote
collaboration between different social actors to create environment of peace and sustainable
development. If we achieve the sustainable development goals among people, governments
and companies, we will make the world a more prosperous place for all.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Sustainable construction refers to the balance of environmental, social and economic issues
to ensure a viable and valuable industry for future generations. The sustainable construction
has a lot more to do with the design of the buildings, managements of the construction and
the choice of materials. It is not only how energy efficient a building, it is also applied to all
phases of the project from design to operation and demolition.
For development to become sustainable, engineers must incorporate ‘sustainability’ into all o
ur planning and engineering of products and projects. Technology is neither good nor bad in 
itself, how we choose to apply it determines whether a good balance is achieved.

WAYS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY

There are many ways to achieve construction sustainability. For example, focus on the
efficient use of energy and water. Sustainability construction also can be achieve through
waste management during construction operation and demolition. For example recycling of
timber, concrete bricks, tiles and steel. The next way is through sustainable planning, design
and management. For example make a building design to maximize natural light and
passive ventilation, and select a long lasting and renewable material.

The engineers have made many contributions to the world now and then. One of
their contributions is contribute to building a sustainable society. Engineers have a
responsibility to enlarge the value of their activity towards building a sustainable world. It
requires an understanding of the demands of the society and what is achievable, and a
recognition that these change over time. For example, they should understand the important
potential role for engineers in the sustainable development of communities and recognise
the impacts of an engineering project towards communities.

Secondly, apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role.
Engineering is one of the important professions in our community. This is because the
engineers have a big role as a leader in providing the solutions for issues that related to
development, construction materials, environment and also transport.

Third, legislation and codes. The engineers also make contribution in legislations and
codes. As we can see, there are many engineering codes that we can refer to in order to
make design in construction. For example, British Standard, Euro Code and Malaysian
Standard. Without those codes, the construction of the building will not be able to build up.
There are also legislation in construction and engineers.

Forth, use resources efficiently and effectively. The engineers also responsible in
providing sufficient useful resources and services for the human living. For example, create
systems and products that can reduce embedded carbon, energy and water use, and waste
and pollution. They also use the strategies for re-use, recycling, decommissioning and
disposal of components and materials in order to achieve the sustainable construction.

Fifth, they manage risk to minimise adverse impact to people or the environment.
Engineers are routinely involved in planning and managing projects, where they sharpen
their skills to minimise damage to people and the environment from engineering processes
and products.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there will be an increasing focus on sustainable construction in this coming

years. It is important to understand the concept of sustainability and learn how to apply it into
construction projects in future.

REFERENCES