Operationalizing Sustainability Principles in the Engineering Profession
Author(s)
Jan Adamowski*
ABSTRACT
The engineering profession has responded to the issue of sustainable development in two main ways. It has responded through public policy statements that acknowledge the magnitude of the problem in addition to pledging to steer engineering towards a more sustainable future, and it has also responded more directly through technological innovation. In this paper, these two responses will be explored with respect to the debate on how to operationalize sustainability principles in practical terms. This paper also attempts to provide the rationale for a philosophy of engineering ethics grounded in the notion of sustainable development. It is hoped that this would lead to a revised “social contract” that would enable engineers to engage more actively in political, technical, economic and social discussions and processes.
The engineering profession has responded to the issue of sustainable development in two main ways. It has responded through public policy statements that acknowledge the magnitude of the problem in addition to pledging to steer engineering towards a more sustainable future, and it has also responded more directly through technological innovation. In this paper, these two responses will be explored with respect to the debate on how to operationalize sustainability principles in practical terms. This paper also attempts to provide the rationale for a philosophy of engineering ethics grounded in the notion of sustainable development. It is hoped that this would lead to a revised “social contract” that would enable engineers to engage more actively in political, technical, economic and social discussions and processes.
KEYWORDS
Engineering Sustainability; Technological Innovation; Public Policy; Sustainable Development
Engineering Sustainability; Technological Innovation; Public Policy; Sustainable Development
Cite this paper
J. Adamowski, "Operationalizing Sustainability Principles in the Engineering Profession," Natural Resources, Vol. 3 No. 4, 2012, pp. 180-183. doi: 10.4236/nr.2012.34024.
J. Adamowski, "Operationalizing Sustainability Principles in the Engineering Profession," Natural Resources, Vol. 3 No. 4, 2012, pp. 180-183. doi: 10.4236/nr.2012.34024.
References
[1] S. Clarke, N. Morris and M. Rhodes, “Managing Engineering for a Sustainable Future,” Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 10, No. 6, 2002, pp. 275-280. [2] M. Davis, “Technical Designs: Time to Rethink the Engineers Responsibilities?” Business and Professional Ethics Journal, Vol. 11, No. 3, 1992, pp. 41-55. [3] Forum for the Future, “The Engineer of the 21st Century Inquiry: Change Challenges for Sustainability,” Forum for the Future, London, 2002. [4] W. Evan and M. Manion, “Minding the Machines: Preventing Technological Disasters,” Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, 2002. [5] H. Luegenbiehl, “Themes for an International Code of Engineering Ethics,” Proceedings of the ASEE/WFEO International Colloquium, 2003. [6] M. Manion, “Ethics, Engineering and Sustainable Development,” IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002, pp. 39-48. doi:10.1109/MTAS.2002.1035228 [7] J. Rentner, “Putting Sustainability Principles into Practice,” California Institute of Environmental Studies, Davis, 2003. [8] B. Russell, “Sustainability Issues,” Canadian DND Publication, Ottawa, 2001. [9] ICLEI, CAG Consultants, UNDESA Division for Sustainable Development, “Study on National Obstacles to Local Agenda 21,” 1998. [10] “What is Earth Systems Engineering?” University of Colorado, Colorado, 2003.
[1] S. Clarke, N. Morris and M. Rhodes, “Managing Engineering for a Sustainable Future,” Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 10, No. 6, 2002, pp. 275-280. [2] M. Davis, “Technical Designs: Time to Rethink the Engineers Responsibilities?” Business and Professional Ethics Journal, Vol. 11, No. 3, 1992, pp. 41-55. [3] Forum for the Future, “The Engineer of the 21st Century Inquiry: Change Challenges for Sustainability,” Forum for the Future, London, 2002. [4] W. Evan and M. Manion, “Minding the Machines: Preventing Technological Disasters,” Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, 2002. [5] H. Luegenbiehl, “Themes for an International Code of Engineering Ethics,” Proceedings of the ASEE/WFEO International Colloquium, 2003. [6] M. Manion, “Ethics, Engineering and Sustainable Development,” IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2002, pp. 39-48. doi:10.1109/MTAS.2002.1035228 [7] J. Rentner, “Putting Sustainability Principles into Practice,” California Institute of Environmental Studies, Davis, 2003. [8] B. Russell, “Sustainability Issues,” Canadian DND Publication, Ottawa, 2001. [9] ICLEI, CAG Consultants, UNDESA Division for Sustainable Development, “Study on National Obstacles to Local Agenda 21,” 1998. [10] “What is Earth Systems Engineering?” University of Colorado, Colorado, 2003.