Engineering a More Sustainable World

Today marks World Engineering Day, a celebration of the profound impact engineers have on innovation and sustainable development worldwide.

Established by UNESCO in 2019, this day aims to shine a spotlight on how engineering tackles some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to technological advances. This year’s theme, “Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering,” emphasises the vital role engineering plays in achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In the lead-up to World Engineering Day, we spoke with Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO, Chair of SmartCrete CRC, and a trailblazer in Australian engineering. Her journey into the field began serendipitously with a year 11 career test that suggested engineering—a path she had never considered. While initially seeking a profession with minimal human interaction, Professor Taylor discovered that real engineering success is deeply rooted in communication and community understanding.

As we discuss the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Professor Taylor points out that engineering is integral to achieving all 17 Goals. By applying scientific knowledge, technical methods and design principles, engineers address key challenges hindering sustainable development. However, she stresses that reaching these goals requires more than technical expertise; it demands genuine collaboration and mutual learning from diverse communities.

“We need to establish partnerships where expertise does not dominate the discussion,” Professor Taylor says.

“I admire organisations like Engineers Without Borders for their commitment to incorporating cultural wisdom into engineering solutions. They consult with local communities and integrate cultural norms into their engineering decision-making process, leading to more effective and culturally relevant outcomes.”

She notes that this collaborative approach ensures that solutions are not only innovative but also culturally attuned to promote long-term sustainability.

In Australia, this becomes more and more evident in the integration of indigenous knowledge and methodologies, for example, in areas such as fire management.

Yet to drive meaningful change, the prevailing narrative must shift from “us versus them” to a unified one that acknowledges that we are all part of the same community and must support one another, especially in times of crisis.

Indigenous wisdom, developed over centuries of sustainable living, offers valuable lessons in resource management that challenge the current economic model of exploitation. For true sustainable development, Professor Taylor argues, the Western world must learn to temper its consumption and prioritise balance over profit maximisation.

In her view, SmartCrete CRC is a great example of sectoral understanding, collaboration and learning. By bringing together experts from across the built environment – as part of research collaboration, consultations and community of practices – the CRC transforms industry engagement and ensures that every voice is heard in the co-creation of sustainable solutions, with a strong emphasis on accountability and long-term impact.

“At SmartCrete CRC, we focus on co-creating a new way of thinking about what the future might be,” she explains. “Everyone is given a voice in the process; everyone plays a vital role in contributing to our shared sustainability goals.”

Her story and insights remind us that engineering goes beyond technology; it’s about building connections, fostering understanding, and creating a sustainable future where we work together towards shared goals. In celebrating World Engineering Day, we’re reminded of the power of engineering not just to solve problems, but to bring communities together, proving that through collaboration, we can achieve remarkable advancements for the betterment of all.