Sustainable development: recent thinking and practice in the UK

Sustainable development is development that makes possible sustainable living. This means: delivering built development that sustains life and improves the quality of life for human beings; work that removes the environmental and/or social damage from the past and improves the sustainability of the wider environment and ecosystems; and development of individuals and of societal quality of life. The challenge of sustainable development includes the delivery of poverty reduction; environmental protection and enhancement; efficient use of natural resources; an improved built environment; economic growth and stability; and enhancing social capital and human well-being. However, the delivery of these elements will only be possible with an immense contribution from engineers and engineering; if engineers work with and listen to many others involved; if it becomes the normal way for civil engineering to be done; if civil engineers take a lead; and if practical action is taken now. For example, the individual engineer can become the sales force for sustainable development; demonstrate the concept by example in our work and personal lives; and persuade our clients, our governments and our friends to do likewise.