What is expected of engineers in regards to environmental sustainability?

Engineers are expected to consider environmental impacts in their design and decision-making processes, which aligns with the principles of sustainable development. This responsibility encompasses the understanding that engineering solutions should not only meet the functional and economic requirements but also take into account the long-term effects on the environment. It involves assessing how materials, processes, and projects can affect ecosystems and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In practice, this means making informed choices that minimize harm to the environment, such as using renewable resources, optimizing energy efficiency, and designing for end-of-life impacts. An engineer's role extends to advocating for best practices that promote sustainability, which is increasingly recognized as essential to responsible engineering.

This expectation is grounded in the ethical obligations of engineers to society and the environment, emphasizing that their work should enhance quality of life without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.