Challenges and Responsibilities in Sustainability
Reasons sustainability is not implemented are: limited temporal scope, limited spatial scope (realistic boundaries should be considered), lack of valuation of externalities (bigger picture effects of activities, tragedy of commons) and disproportional costs (energy vs. rent costs, repair over replacement. Human behaviour can have huge effects on sustainability. This is also embodied in Jevons Paradox. We can influence the use of sustainable practices by making sustainability the easier way, and educating people about how to make sustainable choices.They need to include all factors that play a role in the efficiency of the project. Software can provide excellent tools for LCA.
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As engineers we have a role in changing the technology used in the world. Rather than wasting energy, it can by reused for other purposes. Renewable resources and durable products can reduce waste. Biomimicry can reduce energy use and work with nature rather than against it.
Challenges and Responsibilities in Sustainability
Professional Engineers: The Responsibilities of a Regulated Profession
- The Professional Engineers Act (PEA) was created in 1922. Initially registration under the Act was voluntary, and the practice of engineering was not regulated or controlled. The PEA was amended in 1937, and the Code of Professional Ethics was introduced in 1948. Hence, PEA consists of standards of admission, procedures for establishing by-laws, and disciplinary procedures.
- Professional Engineers are licensed to practice engineering in the province of licensing. Therefore, license grants the holder the title P.Eng, and allows people to assume a level of capability.
- The title P.Eng. identifies to the public that the engineer is legally responsible for their work. Whereas, there are recognized as competent by their peers, is committed to continue to upgrade their knowledge, and work by a Code of Ethics.
- Lastly, the PEA regulates holders of licenses, holders of certificates of authorization, and people who practice professional engineering without a license. APA