Over the past century, civil engineers have dutifully earned the legacy they paved for themselves. Clean water supplies have increased life expectancies. Transportation systems have made a positive contribution to the social and economic sustainability of the communities they serve. Contemporary bridges have brought societies closer together, blending beauty and strength, speed and transport. Engineers, in the public and private sector, have provided the foundation of design and project management, producing thousands of jobs that drive community development.
From the beautiful and functional Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Petronas Towers in Malaysia and Pont du Gard in France to the largely hidden water supply and sanitary sewer systems in Australia, civil engineers have made their mark in many aspects of the daily life of everyone around the world.
Of course, civil engineers know they cannot rest on their laurels. Ongoing discussions have risen over the years about the future of the profession, that is, the role that civil engineers will play in society down the road. Over the years, there have been many notable figures in the civil engineering industry that have sounded the alarm about the lack of investment in improving and maintaining infrastructure. Some of the shortcomings have unfortunately manifested by the death and destruction caused by failures. Consequently, inquires into engineering designs and government funding have come to light.
Civil engineers are painfully aware of the consequences for public health, safety and welfare when infrastructure does not receive the attention it requires. That is why I believe that civil engineers must be more active in the policy and decision making process, to ensure it is based on sound technical foundation. With this comes broadened responsibilities - stepping up to the plate and participating in political and public services.Civil engineers need to transform themselves from designers and builders to project life-cycle 'sustainers'.
Civil engineers should participate in public policy forums where future directions for societies are developed and in turn be perceived as trusted advisors to the public and policy-makers (regarding infrastructure). Better yet, actually being elected into the public office where they can directly influence infrastructure and sustainability policies / legislation. (Hon Bill Marmion MLA WA, Campbell Newman Qld and Greg Combet Vic are examples of engineers involved in the Australian Parliament and have all been listed in the 100 most influential engineers list of 2012.)
Furthermore, we need to revolutionise the basic civil engineering education in universities today.The education and training of future civil engineers and the continued development of today’s civil engineers should include and go beyond the required technical competencies. Education should meld technical excellence with the ability to lead, influence and integrate.
For the civil engineering profession to stay relevant in society, we must create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life not only as planners, designers, constructors and operators but also as leaders in shaping public environmental and infrastructure policies.
Sources:
The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 - ASCE
Civil Engineering - Building the Future
Engineers and Politics
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From the beautiful and functional Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Petronas Towers in Malaysia and Pont du Gard in France to the largely hidden water supply and sanitary sewer systems in Australia, civil engineers have made their mark in many aspects of the daily life of everyone around the world.
Of course, civil engineers know they cannot rest on their laurels. Ongoing discussions have risen over the years about the future of the profession, that is, the role that civil engineers will play in society down the road. Over the years, there have been many notable figures in the civil engineering industry that have sounded the alarm about the lack of investment in improving and maintaining infrastructure. Some of the shortcomings have unfortunately manifested by the death and destruction caused by failures. Consequently, inquires into engineering designs and government funding have come to light.
Civil engineers are painfully aware of the consequences for public health, safety and welfare when infrastructure does not receive the attention it requires. That is why I believe that civil engineers must be more active in the policy and decision making process, to ensure it is based on sound technical foundation. With this comes broadened responsibilities - stepping up to the plate and participating in political and public services.Civil engineers need to transform themselves from designers and builders to project life-cycle 'sustainers'.
Civil engineers should participate in public policy forums where future directions for societies are developed and in turn be perceived as trusted advisors to the public and policy-makers (regarding infrastructure). Better yet, actually being elected into the public office where they can directly influence infrastructure and sustainability policies / legislation. (Hon Bill Marmion MLA WA, Campbell Newman Qld and Greg Combet Vic are examples of engineers involved in the Australian Parliament and have all been listed in the 100 most influential engineers list of 2012.)
Furthermore, we need to revolutionise the basic civil engineering education in universities today.The education and training of future civil engineers and the continued development of today’s civil engineers should include and go beyond the required technical competencies. Education should meld technical excellence with the ability to lead, influence and integrate.
For the civil engineering profession to stay relevant in society, we must create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life not only as planners, designers, constructors and operators but also as leaders in shaping public environmental and infrastructure policies.
Sources:
The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 - ASCE
Civil Engineering - Building the Future
Engineers and Politics
