Engineers Canada – Sustainability in practice

Overview

Learn how to apply Engineers Canada’s National guideline on sustainable development and environmental stewardship for professional engineers.

This course is a joint project between Engineers Canada (EC) and Polytechnique Montréal. It will show real case studies illustrating practical applications of the 10 guidelines contained in EC’s National guideline on sustainable development and environmental stewardship for professional engineers (2016). It will also suggest tools for engineers to apply these guidelines in their professional practice.

Syllabus

Module 1: Sustainable Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Engineering ****

Introduction to the notions of sustainable development (SD) and environmental stewardship (ES). Environmental, social and economic challenges of SD. Overview of EC’s 10 guidelines.

Module 2: Improving Competencies: Available Tools for Engineers ****

Three case studies showing the importance of SD and ES, and illustrating the practical application of the guidelines. Tools and resources: social impact assessment, Global Reporting Initiative, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, laws and regulations.

Module 3: Planning and Managing Risk in a Changing World ****

Three case studies showing the importance of SD and ES, and illustrating the practical application of the guidelines. Tools and resources: risk assessment and mitigation, biodiversity indicators, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Module 4: Building a More Sustainable Future ****

Two case studies showing how engineers integrate SD & ES principles in the building industry. Summary review of the 10 guidelines and the importance of their implementation in the previously presented case studies