Carol Boyle

Considerations on educating engineers in sustainability

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Education, sustainability and cleaner production

Abstract Successful integration of cleaner production concepts and technologies into businesses and industries will require that professionals in those industries receive adequate training and knowledge. Yet at present, most university programs outside mainstream environmental programs cover little in the way of environmental issues or sustainability and few show how environmental concepts such as cleaner production should be integrated into management, design, engineering, marketing and service. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need for including sustainability in professional practices and education and, using engineering as an example, discuss how the University of Auckland is undertaking this task.

Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure that Supports the Urban Built Environment

Sustainable living will require megacity-level infrastructural support designs and paradigms.

Cleaner production in New Zealand

Abstract Although there are numerous examples of companies that have benefited by implementing cleaner technologies, design for environment and life cycle assessment, these are still not being implemented on a broad basis, particularly in small businesses. New Zealand is no exception. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the reasons for this lack of implementation and to propose some solutions. Many key personnel in businesses have little or no knowledge of environmental concerns or of the cost of pollution or waste production. Much of the focus on waste has been with regards to recycling, not on reduction. Governments need to examine ways to change their focus from recycling to reduction and must begin to target manufacturers as well as consumers with this message. A number of options that governments can employ are discussed.

Sustainability principles and practice for engineers

The Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) Presidential Task Force recognized that there was little direction for practical application of sustainability to engineering practice, and developed a context and vision for that application. A set of sustainability principles for engineers was then developed, based on the long term viability of the planet, intra- and inter-generational equity, and a holistic view for projects and engineering practice - integrating environmental, social, and economic issues. Practical tasks and requirements for engineers, including a checklist was then drawn up to provide further direction to practicing engineers.

Sustainable development: a review of progress, stagnation and potential

Many researchers have discussed the topic of sustainability or sustainable development from their chosen respective fields. This paper offers a review of the sustainable development paradigm from a number of broad perspectives, including the psychological and business facets. An account of the concept, in terms of its progression as a theoretical, and more importantly, a practical concept, is briefly given. The subject of heightened materialism and consumerism, where psychological paradigm changes with staunch political backing are required to eliminate current trends, is discussed. Some consideration of the needs and limitations aspect of sustainable development is included in terms of past and current experiences. The scale of issues pertaining to New Zealands contribution as well as progress towards sustainable development is outlined. The paper concludes by presenting a number of questions regarding the approach that has and should be taken to ensure the long-term well-being of human life, existing with all its luxuries.

Transitioning to sustainability: pathways, directions and opportunities

The transition to sustainability requires not only an understanding of the risks that society is facing but the development of pathways that will enable the shift towards sustainability. Such risks include not only resources and global warming but also established economic models and social ethics and values. This paper identifies how the risks facing global societies are being addressed, and outlines methods that are being used to identify and create dialogues with stakeholders. Cities, due to their direct role in ensuring that the needs of their communities are met, are providing leading visions and strategies in achieving sustainability in collaboration with other cities and with companies. Models for identifying stakeholders and enabling multiple perspectives to be integrated into discussions have been developed and are being put into practice. These are being enhanced through use of computer models, geographic information systems, mind mapping and matrix tools to develop visions and strategies for sustainable cities.

The development of an integrated model for assessing sustainability of complex systems

Currently, there are numerous indicators (single and composite) for measuring impacts in the three pillars, though current thinking emphasises the need for system thinking rather than the reductionist concept of pillars. Most existing indices/methods measure single aspects of sustainability and the more integrated indicators are aimed at national or global level assessments. A review of existing indicators, methods and models within the context of complex system sustainability showed that no single existing index, method or model was able to assess sustainability of complex systems. Most fail to account for complex system characteristics, such as system dynamics, interconnections and interdependencies of system components, a systems ability to learn and remember, emergence of novel behaviours, co-evolution, etc. This paper presents the methodology used to develop a new model for assessing sustainability of complex systems based on risk.