A Focus on Sustainable Development Education
The December 10, 1997 meeting of the Forum highlighted progress in integrating sustainable development into engineering education. Information was presented on the Paris Conference on Engineering Education and Training for Sustainable Development. The opportunities for environmental education and research at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and the University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Services, were described and discussed. An update of Georgia Tech's commitment to creating a sustainable society was also presented.
This second issue of the Forum Newsletter contains brief articles on these engineering education activities, and summarizes many other developments discussed at the Forum meeting, including the formation of a Congressional Sustainable Development Caucus. Once again, we have provided contact names and numbers for further information wherever possible. I encourage you to make copies of this Newsletter and distribute them to interested members of your organization and to other interested parties. It will help us to "spread the word" about progress in sustainable development.
The next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 1998 from 9:00 a. m. to noon at the National Academy of Engineering , Room 150, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. A major agenda item will be the upcoming meeting of the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development in April, 1998, and the engineer's role in addressing the "fresh water" issue on the Commission's agenda.
Further information about the Forum and this Newsletter, including a copy of the first issue, can be found on the ASEE website or by contacting William Kelly, ASEE, by e-mail at publicaffairs@asee.org.
Al Grant, Forum Chair
International Conference Underscores Need for Sustainable Education |
International Conference Underscores Need for Sustainable EducationA working conference on engineering education and training for sustainable development was held in Paris in late September, 1997. The conference partners were the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Industry and Environment Office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP I/ E), and the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees, Paris. All four partners have a deep interest in educational progress and the environment, and a shared concern about the need for reform, particularly in the teaching of environment and sustainability in engineering education. A survey by the WBSD has shown that a number of internationally important companies are now explicitly testing job applicant's competence in environmental matters as a criterion for selection. The conference was designed to promote the following objectives:
General recommendations covered a very wide range of actions, including sharing experience fin development of curricula, introductory courses at appropriate levels, changes to existing courses, the need for education materials and case studies, bench-marking of existing courses, country inventories of activity, information technology for distance learning, communication with other professions, general dissemination of conference information, bringing business, government and academia together, and support of a common Web site. A full account of conference general recommendations will be published with the Proceedings. Contact: David Thom , WFEO, c/o KRTA Ltd., Auckland, NZ, (phone: 011-64-9-520-6069; fax: 011-64-9-520-4695; e- mail: dthom@ihug.co.nz) |
Georgia Tech Committed to Creating a Sustainable SocietyGeorgia Tech has incorporated issues of sustainability into their work in many creative and successful ways. Institute- wide multi- disciplinary programs fall into three core areas: environmentally conscious design and manufacturing, urban and industrial ecology, and campus ecology. Examples of these initiatives include the following:
Contact: Jorge Vanegas Georgia Institute of Technology (phone: 404-894-9881; fax: 404-894-2278; e-mail: jvanegas@ce.gatech.edu) |
SUNY's ESF Program Has a Strong Focus on SustainabilityThe mission of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is to provide instruction, research and public service related to:
Provost William P. Tully briefed the Forum on the ESF programs. The Environmental and Forest Biology Program includes investigations into the biochemistry of ecosystems; utilization of DNA sequencing in the recognition of wildlife populations; community ecology of forests and streams; the impacts of acidic deposition; forest pathology and entomology; and bioengineering for disease- resistant trees. The Biotechnology Program addresses pressing issues of forest pathology and productivity, enhancement of wood and fiber properties, and environmental remediation and pollution abatement. The Chemistry Program includes biochemistry , national products chemistry, and environmental chemistry. The Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering Program conducts basic and applied research in environmental and resource engineering analysis and design for the measurement, assessment, conservation, and development of natural resource. The Forestry Program includes the biology of forest ecosystems, wilderness management, forest policy and administration, forest commodity production, and silviculture practices that enhance forest health and productivity. The Great Lakes Research Consortium, headquartered at ESF, links 12 colleges and universities in New York in a collaborative effort to understand and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem. Multi- campus teams work on an array of research and service projects related to human health and toxicology, fisheries and exotic species, aquaculture, environmental modeling, environmental processes and engineering, and Great Lakes education. Contact: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 (phone: 315-470-6510; website: http://www.esf.edu) |
Environmental Engineering Sciences Expanded at University of FloridaThe University of Florida is home to one of the largest faculty groups of environmental scientists and engineers of any major university in the country. These faculty are linked between their home departments and colleges to the innovative College of Natural Resources and the Environment and several campus- wide centers, including the Center for Sustainable Construction in the College of Architecture, the Center for Wetlands, the Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, and the Center for Natural Resources. Environmental engineering faculty have been active internationally in projects located, for example, in Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and Venezuela. Faculty of the College of Engineering are designing curricula to be responsive to sustainability concerns. In the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, (DEES) course work has emphasized traditional pollution control strategies to protect the air, water and terrestrial environments, coupled with ecological and economic considerations. DEES is transitioning to focus on "Green Engineering," with the goal of pollution prevention at the process source and expects to see initiatives emphasizing the concepts of process control, pollution prevention, and systems analysis, leading ultimately to sustainable ecosystems as pollutant loadings and environmental disturbances are reduced and subsequently eliminated. Examples of research accomplishments include: optimization strategies for efficient management of water reclamation facilities (nitrogen and oxygen demand reduction); removal of particulates from stack emissions; development of biofilters to economically reduce odorous air emissions; optimization of wet cell technology to enhance the degradation of solid waste in landfills; development of loading and withdrawal strategies to enhance the sustainability of wetland ecosystems; and performance of energy analyses for countries that have seriously begun to evaluate their overall energy use patterns. In the area of site remediation, DEES has conducted projects that have accomplished: the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems that were extensively strip- mined and then abandoned; the restoration of water bodies that received excessive nutrient inputs and of wetlands whose functions had been significantly altered by waste discharges; the remediation of contaminated surficial aquifers through the application of innovative solvent flushing technology; and the design of radon minimization strategies to reduce threats to housing residents. Contact: Joseph J. Delfino , Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL 32611-6450 (phone: 352-392-0841; fax: 352-392-3076; e-mail: jdelf@eng.ufl.edu; home page: http://www.enveng.ufl.edu) |
Congressional Caucus on Sustainable Development FormedThe Sustainable Development Caucus is a bipartisan Congressional caucus in the U. S. House of Representatives formed at the beginning of the 105th Congress. Representatives Elizabeth Furse (D- OR) and Wayne Gilchrist (R- MD) are co- chairs of the Caucus. Currently, the Caucus has more than 20 Republican and Democratic members. The purpose of the Caucus is to educate congressional members and staff on what sustainable development is and where it is happening on the local level around the country. Members will then be able to use this knowledge as a filter when looking at legislation to ensure that federal policies promote rather than impede local sustainability efforts. The Caucus will host monthly briefings by local experts on sustainability topics to help educate members and staff. Caucus members will receive information and reports on different sustainable development concepts and initiatives. Periodic "dear colleague" letters will highlight local success stories. The Caucus will coordinate with outside organizations working on sustainabilty issues. The Caucus is interested in the multitude of sustainable development issues, including:
Contact: Melane Stanley, Office of Representative Furse (phone: 202-225-0855; fax: 202-225-9497) |
White House Conference Held on Corporate Environmental MentoringOn January 14, 1998, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) , along with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and with support from EPA, hosted a conference on "Business Helping Business: Corporate Environmental Mentoring ." The conference was designed to promote the use of mentoring as an effective, low- cost non- regulatory method for sharing valuable information among businesses about successful environmental management approaches, and to examine the value of mentoring as a tool to improve the collective corporate environmental performance of American business. The idea is to match larger environmentally- conscious companies with smaller companies that can benefit from the larger companies' greater access to resources and experience in creating environmental management strategies. The conference included 30 corporate representatives from some of America's top corporations, including: AT& T, 3M, Coors Brewing Company, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Lucent Technologies, Inc., The DuPont Company, Monsanto Company, Starbucks Coffee Company, Motorola, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Veryfine Products, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb and R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company. While these companies brought different perspectives to the Corporate Environmental Mentoring Conference, all shared the belief that the business community should be concerned about, and address, the environmental issues facing us today. In addition to the 30 corporate representatives, the conference also included mentoring program directors; mentoring program participants; several government agencies including DOC, DOD, and EPA; environmental organizations; academic institutions; and non- profit organizations. Conference participants discussed a variety of topics, including: the benefits of mentoring, examples of specific types of mentoring (supplier education, regional networks, government programs, etc.), the challenge of measuring the environmental outcomes of a mentoring program, how to design your own mentoring program, what would be useful to smaller companies to achieve compliance, and, finally, how small companies can finance environmental improvements. The Foundation is exploring a number of follow- up projects to support the interest in corporate environmental mentoring, including:
Contact: Deborah Sliter, Senior Director, Environment and Business Programs at the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (phone: 202-628-8200, ext. 22) |
AAES Participates in WFEO General AssemblyThe World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) held its General Assembly in Hong Kong in late November. Its Standing Committee on Transfer, Sharing and Assessment of Technology (ComTech) drafted three resolutions for presentation to he full General Assembly. They concerned Freshwater, Global Warming, and Inclusion of Sustainable Development in Codes of Ethics for Engineer. These resolutions were adopted unanimously by General Assembly participants. The WFEO also unanimously adopted the following resolution: "The ninety-nation World Federation of Engineering Organizations represents over eight million engineers who have a vital and powerful role in the successful implementation of sustainable development. As engineers accomplish their work in the built environment and in manufacturing products, they provide an important linkage to parties addressing sustainable development. WFEO encourages all engineers to: 1.0 Become knowledgeable of sustainable development principles and be continuously trained about the current sustainable technologies applicable to their work. 2.0 Incorporate long-term environmental impacts and costs into the analysis of alternative solutions being considered. 3.0 Re-address engineering responsibilities by incorporating sustainable development principles into the codes of ethics of engineering organizations throughout the world. 4.0 Continuously participate in explaining to the public the principles of sustainable development as they relate to the worlds of engineers." Other significant business at the General Assembly was the election of James W. Poirot to a four- year term as a vice president of WFEO. He will continue as President of ComTech. Mr. Poirot's additional responsibilities will include coordinating WFEO's external activities; serving on a task force to examine WFEO's organization, membership and subscription/ dues; and serving on the Ethics Task Committee. After the first of the year, the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES), the U. S. member of WFEO, will organize a steering committee of representatives from its member societies that will be involved in international activities in 1998. One of the group's responsibilities will be to provide a voice for U. S. engineering concerns to WFEO. AAES Member societies will be asked to name a representative to this body, which is expected to meet quarterly. Contact: Jane Moran Alspach, AAES (phone: 202-296-2237, ext. 205; fax: 202-296-1151; e-mail: jalspach@aaes.org) |
Sustainability Highlighted at ASCE ConventionThe theme of the 1997 Annual Convention of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in Minneapolis, October 5- 8, 1997, was "Innovative Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development ." The subject was addressed in a Plenary Session and twenty Panel Sessions. The Plenary Session, chaired by James W. Poirot, featured a presentation on "Engineering and Sustainability: Challenge and Progress" by David Thom, Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and Chair of the WFEO Standing Committee on Engineering and Environment. Subjects addressed in the Panel Sessions included Social Issues of Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development and Engineering Education, Sustainable Transportation Concepts, Balancing Development Pressure and Environmental Stewardship, Meeting Global Research Needs, Creating Sustainable Government Engineering Organizations, Planning to Promote Sustainable Development, and Implementing Sustainable Development in North America through NAFTA. The current ASCE Strategic Plan includes the following FY1998 Strategic Objectives: 1.5 Promote more comprehensive planning toward achieving the objectives of infrastructure construction and sustainable development in a sensitive environment. 2.6 Increase international cooperation on sustainable development issues. ASCE is updatingits Policy Statement on The Role of the Engineer in Sustainable Development to incorporate the inclusion of sustainable development in its Code of Ethics and Strategic Plan. Contact: Walt Marlowe, ASCE (phone: 703-295-6191; fax: 703-295-6132; e-mail: wmarlowe@asce.org) |
CERF Moves Toward Implementing Global Research AgendaThe Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), an affiliate of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is working to continue its role as "facilitator, coordinator, and integrator," of engineering and construction projects for sustainable development in the 21st century. CERF has already taken a number of steps in support of implementing the global research agenda:
Contact: Richard Belle , CERF (phone: 202-842-0555; fax: 202-789-2943; e-mail: rbelle@cerf.a) |
FMS Holds Second Workshop on Materials and SustainabilityOver sixty representatives of the sustainable development community gathered in Washington, D. C. on December 17- 18, 1997 for a workshop on "Strategy for Enhancing the Materials Role in Environmental Technology and Sustainability: Assessment and Linkages." The workshop, sponsored by the Federation of Materials Societies (FMS) and the federal interagency working group on materials in the environment (EMAT), linked materials researchers with materials life- cycle policymakers. Its purpose was to encourage development of a long- range strategy in environmental technology and sustainability for materials research. The report from the workshop will be available in March, 1998. Contact: Betsy Houston FMS, (phone: 202-296-9282 ; fax: 202-833-3014 ; e-mail: betsyhou@ix.netcom.com) |
PCSD Hosts Community Forum in AtlantaThe President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) held its last meeting of 1997 in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting was largely devoted to climate change, with an added event. The day before the Council meeting, November 19, the PCSD, in conjunction with local groups and hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, held a " Community Forum on Quality of Life Issues and Climate Change." In this forum, experts were brought in to present information on climate change to the public, including information on the science, impacts, technology strategies and economics. Attendees divided into four groups (home/family, work/economy, outdoors/recreation, and learning/information) to identify their concerns in these areas and whether and how they might be related to climate change causes or impacts. The participants tried to identify solutions that would solve multiple quality of life issues and climate change. Representatives from each breakout group presented their results at the Council meeting on November 20. Additionally, Council members heard expert presentations on emissions sources, and possible technological responses to emission reductions in each sector, including buildings, industry, transportation, and power generation. In keeping with the technology theme, the meeting included visits to the University Center for Photovoltaic Research on the Georgia Tech campus, the Southface Energy Institute - a demonstration home with the latest in energy efficient and recycled materials, and a chance to drive GM's EV- l, its new sporty electric vehicle and an electric Chevy S- 10 truck. The Council's task forces proceeded with efforts to get their work plans furthered or approved. A proposal for a "visioning exercise" for the 'Environment Management Task Force was enthusiastically approved. The Climate Change Task Force decided to form three working groups for a more in- depth pursuit of policy recommendations: on technology, economic policy/ voluntary measures, and cross- cutting policies. The next meeting of the PCSD will be in Washington, D. C. on March 17, 1998. Contact: Catherine McKalip, PCSD (phone: 202-408-5040; fax: 202-408-6839; e-mail: cmckalip@erols.com) |
RNRF Updates Policy Principles for Renewable Natural ResourcesThe policy mission of the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation (RNRF) is to advance interdisciplinary science, understanding and stewardship of renewable natural resources. The Statement on Policy Principles, updated in November, 1997, identifies broad areas of interest and agreement relating to renewable natural resources policy shared by the Foundation and its Member Organizations. It is also intended to increase public awareness and understanding of the major issues and needs associated with the future of renewable natural resources. The Policy Principles address Sustainability, Ecosystems, Biological Diversity, Cultural Diversity, Human Populations, Resource Management, Water Management and Quality, Air Quality, Science, Education, and Information Services. Recognizing that managing and conserving renewable natural resources is a global challenge which is being addressed on an international scale, the RNRF Board of Directors has established a task force to identify current activities, strategies and research projects related to renewable natural resources in other countries, and explore opportunities for cooperation and information exchange. Contact: Chris Koster , RNRF (phone: 301-493-9101; fax: 301-493-6148; e-mail: RNRF@aol.com) |
National Town Meeting Teleconference on Climate ChangeRENEW AMERICA's 4th Annual National Town Meeting video teleconference on " Global Warming: Local Solutions," will take place on Earth Day, April 22, from 1: 00 to 2: 30 p. m. Eastern Daylight Time. The Town Meeting presents an opportunity for local government to join with community groups educators, environmental interests and businesses to discuss practical techniques for tackling climate change on a local level. The teleconference panelists will focus on innovative ways to increase business efficiency and profitability, enhance the quality of life in our communities, and protect the environment now and for future generations. Questions from teleconference participants will also be addressed live. Panelists include William McDonough, Dean of the University of Virginia School of Architecture and founder of the Institute for Sustainable Design; Amory Lovins, Director of Research for the Rocky Mountain Institute; Braden Allenby, AT& T Vice President for Health and Safety and coauthor of Design for Environment and Industrial Ecology ; Nancy Skinner, U. S. Director of the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives; and Kurt Schmoke, Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland. To participate in the National Town Meeting by organizing a downlink in your community, call Ida Rademacher at Renew America. More information is available on the Internet at http://www.crest.org. Contact: Ida Rademacher , RENEW AMERICA (phone: 1-800-922-RENEW; 202-232-2252; fax: 202-232-2617; e-mail: renewamerica@igc.org) |
TRB Publishes Report on Sustainable TransportationThe Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Research Council has published a report entitled "Toward a Sustainable Future: Addressing the Long- Term Effects of Motor Vehicle Transportation on Climate and Ecology." According to this study, Special Report 251, major changes in U. S. transportation policies, technologies and practices may become necessary to reduce motor vehicle emissions and the subsequent risk of global warming during the next century. Because transportation plays an integral role in the nation's society and economy, a balance must be struck between the mobility and access needs of people on the one hand, and environmental and natural resources needs on the other. Contact: Transportation Research Board, Box 289, Washington, D.C. 20005. (phone: 202-334-3214; 202-334-2519) |
WEPSD Reports Initial Findings on "Recycling Waste for Agriculture"This project, "Recycling Waste for Agriculture: The Rural- Urban Connection" , was developed by the World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development (WEPSD) in partnership with the World Bank, United Nations Development Program, World Health Organization, and the private sector. Initial findings from the project include the following:
Contact: Michael Sanio, WEPSD, (phone: 703-684-2893; fax: 703-836-4875; e- mail: msanio@igc.org) |
NGOs Continue Dialog with Clinton AdministrationOn November 24, 1997, members of engineering and other non- governmental organizations (NGOs) participated in a dialog with Administration officials about U. S. efforts to promote sustainable development. The meeting, held in the Environmental Protection Agency's new offices in Washington, D. C. was one in a series of dialogues bringing together a wide range of NGOs with representatives of the Clinton Administration's interagency working group on the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), the President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the White House Office on Environmental Policy. Much discussion focused on NGO concerns that the U. S. effort to promote sustainable development suffers from poor coordination and a low level of political commitment. Keith Laughlin, Assistant Director of the White House Office on Environmental Policy, said that the Clinton Administration is making great progress on encouraging sustainable development throughout the Federal Government. However, he said that, barring much greater public pressure, they are unlikely to establish any new capacity within the White House to coordinate sustainable development work across domestic and international lines, nor does the Administration intend to promote Agenda 21 (the global action plan adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit) per se. A follow up meeting on the issue of coordination is being organized for March, 1998. To receive a meeting notice, send a fax to Kathy Sessions of the United Nations Association of the U. S. A. (UNA-USA) at 202-628-5945 or e-mail to brigler@unusa.org . Also discussed at the November dialog were specific issues on the agenda of the annual meeting of the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), including freshwater quality, the role of industry in sustainable development, and education and awareness raising. The upcoming meeting of the Engineers Forum for Sustainable Development will focus on freshwater issues; other NGO- government dialogues on water are being organized by John Waugh, IUCN, tel: 202-797-5454. An NGO-government meeting on industry and sustainable development is being organized by Jeffrey Barber, NGO Taskforce on Business and Industry, tel: 202-872-5339.) Non-governmental input on these issues is strongly encouraged, both to the U. S. delegation to the CSD (through the meetings discussed above) and to the CSD process itself. For more information on the CSD and the issues on its '98 agenda, check the secretariat's website at: http://www.un.org/esa. Contact: Kathy Sessions , UNA-USA (phone: 301-229-9774; fax: 301-229-9775; e-mail: unaofusa@igc.org) |
World Bank Conference Focuses on Sustainable DevelopmentThe fifth annual World Bank Conference on Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development was held October 6- 7, 1997 in Washington, D. C. The theme of the Conference was the scientific, legal, and economic requirements of global ecosystem management. The conference objectives were: "(1) to engage external experts with Bank managers and country staff; (2) to provide a unique opportunity for major professional groups to interact on the requirements to link scientific, economic, and legal solutions for global ecosystem management at the country level; and (3) to promote understanding as to how best practice and innovations can be used for shared ecosystem management in sustainable development planning." The October 6 session of the Conference included presentations by World Bank President James Wolfenson; Robert T. Watson, Director of the Bank's Environment Department; and Caio Koch- Weser, World Bank Managing Director. The session also included panel discussions on " The Sovereignty and Systems of Nature and Nations," chaired by Maurice Strong, U. N. Undersecretary General and Senior Advisor to the World Bank President, and on "The Global Treaties: Making Connections for Efficiencies, Effectiveness, and Equity," chaired by Mostafa K. Kolba, President of the International Center for Environment and Development at Cairo University. The October 7 morning session featured concurrent roundtables on climate change; biodiversity, desertification and forests; and international water regimes. The afternoon session featured a presentation on "Aggregating Knowledge for Policy: Global Information Systems," by Kass Green of the Pacific Meridian Resources and a panel session on "Private/ Public Partnerships: Applications and Best Practice," chaired by Sven Sandstrom, Managing Director of the World Bank. Contact: Sarwat Hussain, The World Bank (phone: 202-473-5690; fax: 202-473-3112; e-mail: shussain@worldbank.org) |
A Focus on Sustainable Development Education
The December 10, 1997 meeting of the Forum highlighted progress in integrating sustainable development into engineering education. Information was presented on the Paris Conference on Engineering Education and Training for Sustainable Development. The opportunities for environmental education and research at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and the University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Services, were described and discussed. An update of Georgia Tech's commitment to creating a sustainable society was also presented.
This second issue of the Forum Newsletter contains brief articles on these engineering education activities, and summarizes many other developments discussed at the Forum meeting, including the formation of a Congressional Sustainable Development Caucus. Once again, we have provided contact names and numbers for further information wherever possible. I encourage you to make copies of this Newsletter and distribute them to interested members of your organization and to other interested parties. It will help us to "spread the word" about progress in sustainable development.
The next Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 1998 from 9:00 a. m. to noon at the National Academy of Engineering , Room 150, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. A major agenda item will be the upcoming meeting of the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development in April, 1998, and the engineer's role in addressing the "fresh water" issue on the Commission's agenda.
Further information about the Forum and this Newsletter, including a copy of the first issue, can be found on the ASEE website or by contacting William Kelly, ASEE, by e-mail at publicaffairs@asee.org.
Al Grant, Forum Chair
International Conference Underscores Need for Sustainable Education |
International Conference Underscores Need for Sustainable EducationA working conference on engineering education and training for sustainable development was held in Paris in late September, 1997. The conference partners were the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Industry and Environment Office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP I/ E), and the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees, Paris. All four partners have a deep interest in educational progress and the environment, and a shared concern about the need for reform, particularly in the teaching of environment and sustainability in engineering education. A survey by the WBSD has shown that a number of internationally important companies are now explicitly testing job applicant's competence in environmental matters as a criterion for selection. The conference was designed to promote the following objectives:
General recommendations covered a very wide range of actions, including sharing experience fin development of curricula, introductory courses at appropriate levels, changes to existing courses, the need for education materials and case studies, bench-marking of existing courses, country inventories of activity, information technology for distance learning, communication with other professions, general dissemination of conference information, bringing business, government and academia together, and support of a common Web site. A full account of conference general recommendations will be published with the Proceedings. Contact: David Thom , WFEO, c/o KRTA Ltd., Auckland, NZ, (phone: 011-64-9-520-6069; fax: 011-64-9-520-4695; e- mail: dthom@ihug.co.nz) |
Georgia Tech Committed to Creating a Sustainable SocietyGeorgia Tech has incorporated issues of sustainability into their work in many creative and successful ways. Institute- wide multi- disciplinary programs fall into three core areas: environmentally conscious design and manufacturing, urban and industrial ecology, and campus ecology. Examples of these initiatives include the following:
Contact: Jorge Vanegas Georgia Institute of Technology (phone: 404-894-9881; fax: 404-894-2278; e-mail: jvanegas@ce.gatech.edu) |
SUNY's ESF Program Has a Strong Focus on SustainabilityThe mission of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is to provide instruction, research and public service related to:
Provost William P. Tully briefed the Forum on the ESF programs. The Environmental and Forest Biology Program includes investigations into the biochemistry of ecosystems; utilization of DNA sequencing in the recognition of wildlife populations; community ecology of forests and streams; the impacts of acidic deposition; forest pathology and entomology; and bioengineering for disease- resistant trees. The Biotechnology Program addresses pressing issues of forest pathology and productivity, enhancement of wood and fiber properties, and environmental remediation and pollution abatement. The Chemistry Program includes biochemistry , national products chemistry, and environmental chemistry. The Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering Program conducts basic and applied research in environmental and resource engineering analysis and design for the measurement, assessment, conservation, and development of natural resource. The Forestry Program includes the biology of forest ecosystems, wilderness management, forest policy and administration, forest commodity production, and silviculture practices that enhance forest health and productivity. The Great Lakes Research Consortium, headquartered at ESF, links 12 colleges and universities in New York in a collaborative effort to understand and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem. Multi- campus teams work on an array of research and service projects related to human health and toxicology, fisheries and exotic species, aquaculture, environmental modeling, environmental processes and engineering, and Great Lakes education. Contact: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 (phone: 315-470-6510; website: http://www.esf.edu) |
Environmental Engineering Sciences Expanded at University of FloridaThe University of Florida is home to one of the largest faculty groups of environmental scientists and engineers of any major university in the country. These faculty are linked between their home departments and colleges to the innovative College of Natural Resources and the Environment and several campus- wide centers, including the Center for Sustainable Construction in the College of Architecture, the Center for Wetlands, the Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, and the Center for Natural Resources. Environmental engineering faculty have been active internationally in projects located, for example, in Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and Venezuela. Faculty of the College of Engineering are designing curricula to be responsive to sustainability concerns. In the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, (DEES) course work has emphasized traditional pollution control strategies to protect the air, water and terrestrial environments, coupled with ecological and economic considerations. DEES is transitioning to focus on "Green Engineering," with the goal of pollution prevention at the process source and expects to see initiatives emphasizing the concepts of process control, pollution prevention, and systems analysis, leading ultimately to sustainable ecosystems as pollutant loadings and environmental disturbances are reduced and subsequently eliminated. Examples of research accomplishments include: optimization strategies for efficient management of water reclamation facilities (nitrogen and oxygen demand reduction); removal of particulates from stack emissions; development of biofilters to economically reduce odorous air emissions; optimization of wet cell technology to enhance the degradation of solid waste in landfills; development of loading and withdrawal strategies to enhance the sustainability of wetland ecosystems; and performance of energy analyses for countries that have seriously begun to evaluate their overall energy use patterns. In the area of site remediation, DEES has conducted projects that have accomplished: the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems that were extensively strip- mined and then abandoned; the restoration of water bodies that received excessive nutrient inputs and of wetlands whose functions had been significantly altered by waste discharges; the remediation of contaminated surficial aquifers through the application of innovative solvent flushing technology; and the design of radon minimization strategies to reduce threats to housing residents. Contact: Joseph J. Delfino , Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL 32611-6450 (phone: 352-392-0841; fax: 352-392-3076; e-mail: jdelf@eng.ufl.edu; home page: http://www.enveng.ufl.edu) |
Congressional Caucus on Sustainable Development FormedThe Sustainable Development Caucus is a bipartisan Congressional caucus in the U. S. House of Representatives formed at the beginning of the 105th Congress. Representatives Elizabeth Furse (D- OR) and Wayne Gilchrist (R- MD) are co- chairs of the Caucus. Currently, the Caucus has more than 20 Republican and Democratic members. The purpose of the Caucus is to educate congressional members and staff on what sustainable development is and where it is happening on the local level around the country. Members will then be able to use this knowledge as a filter when looking at legislation to ensure that federal policies promote rather than impede local sustainability efforts. The Caucus will host monthly briefings by local experts on sustainability topics to help educate members and staff. Caucus members will receive information and reports on different sustainable development concepts and initiatives. Periodic "dear colleague" letters will highlight local success stories. The Caucus will coordinate with outside organizations working on sustainabilty issues. The Caucus is interested in the multitude of sustainable development issues, including:
Contact: Melane Stanley, Office of Representative Furse (phone: 202-225-0855; fax: 202-225-9497) |
White House Conference Held on Corporate Environmental MentoringOn January 14, 1998, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) , along with the President's Council on Environmental Quality and with support from EPA, hosted a conference on "Business Helping Business: Corporate Environmental Mentoring ." The conference was designed to promote the use of mentoring as an effective, low- cost non- regulatory method for sharing valuable information among businesses about successful environmental management approaches, and to examine the value of mentoring as a tool to improve the collective corporate environmental performance of American business. The idea is to match larger environmentally- conscious companies with smaller companies that can benefit from the larger companies' greater access to resources and experience in creating environmental management strategies. The conference included 30 corporate representatives from some of America's top corporations, including: AT& T, 3M, Coors Brewing Company, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Lucent Technologies, Inc., The DuPont Company, Monsanto Company, Starbucks Coffee Company, Motorola, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Veryfine Products, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb and R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company. While these companies brought different perspectives to the Corporate Environmental Mentoring Conference, all shared the belief that the business community should be concerned about, and address, the environmental issues facing us today. In addition to the 30 corporate representatives, the conference also included mentoring program directors; mentoring program participants; several government agencies including DOC, DOD, and EPA; environmental organizations; academic institutions; and non- profit organizations. Conference participants discussed a variety of topics, including: the benefits of mentoring, examples of specific types of mentoring (supplier education, regional networks, government programs, etc.), the challenge of measuring the environmental outcomes of a mentoring program, how to design your own mentoring program, what would be useful to smaller companies to achieve compliance, and, finally, how small companies can finance environmental improvements. The Foundation is exploring a number of follow- up projects to support the interest in corporate environmental mentoring, including:
Contact: Deborah Sliter, Senior Director, Environment and Business Programs at the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (phone: 202-628-8200, ext. 22) |
AAES Participates in WFEO General AssemblyThe World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) held its General Assembly in Hong Kong in late November. Its Standing Committee on Transfer, Sharing and Assessment of Technology (ComTech) drafted three resolutions for presentation to he full General Assembly. They concerned Freshwater, Global Warming, and Inclusion of Sustainable Development in Codes of Ethics for Engineer. These resolutions were adopted unanimously by General Assembly participants. The WFEO also unanimously adopted the following resolution: "The ninety-nation World Federation of Engineering Organizations represents over eight million engineers who have a vital and powerful role in the successful implementation of sustainable development. As engineers accomplish their work in the built environment and in manufacturing products, they provide an important linkage to parties addressing sustainable development. WFEO encourages all engineers to: 1.0 Become knowledgeable of sustainable development principles and be continuously trained about the current sustainable technologies applicable to their work. 2.0 Incorporate long-term environmental impacts and costs into the analysis of alternative solutions being considered. 3.0 Re-address engineering responsibilities by incorporating sustainable development principles into the codes of ethics of engineering organizations throughout the world. 4.0 Continuously participate in explaining to the public the principles of sustainable development as they relate to the worlds of engineers." Other significant business at the General Assembly was the election of James W. Poirot to a four- year term as a vice president of WFEO. He will continue as President of ComTech. Mr. Poirot's additional responsibilities will include coordinating WFEO's external activities; serving on a task force to examine WFEO's organization, membership and subscription/ dues; and serving on the Ethics Task Committee. After the first of the year, the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES), the U. S. member of WFEO, will organize a steering committee of representatives from its member societies that will be involved in international activities in 1998. One of the group's responsibilities will be to provide a voice for U. S. engineering concerns to WFEO. AAES Member societies will be asked to name a representative to this body, which is expected to meet quarterly. Contact: Jane Moran Alspach, AAES (phone: 202-296-2237, ext. 205; fax: 202-296-1151; e-mail: jalspach@aaes.org) |
Sustainability Highlighted at ASCE ConventionThe theme of the 1997 Annual Convention of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in Minneapolis, October 5- 8, 1997, was "Innovative Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development ." The subject was addressed in a Plenary Session and twenty Panel Sessions. The Plenary Session, chaired by James W. Poirot, featured a presentation on "Engineering and Sustainability: Challenge and Progress" by David Thom, Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and Chair of the WFEO Standing Committee on Engineering and Environment. Subjects addressed in the Panel Sessions included Social Issues of Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development and Engineering Education, Sustainable Transportation Concepts, Balancing Development Pressure and Environmental Stewardship, Meeting Global Research Needs, Creating Sustainable Government Engineering Organizations, Planning to Promote Sustainable Development, and Implementing Sustainable Development in North America through NAFTA. The current ASCE Strategic Plan includes the following FY1998 Strategic Objectives: 1.5 Promote more comprehensive planning toward achieving the objectives of infrastructure construction and sustainable development in a sensitive environment. 2.6 Increase international cooperation on sustainable development issues. ASCE is updatingits Policy Statement on The Role of the Engineer in Sustainable Development to incorporate the inclusion of sustainable development in its Code of Ethics and Strategic Plan. Contact: Walt Marlowe, ASCE (phone: 703-295-6191; fax: 703-295-6132; e-mail: wmarlowe@asce.org) |
CERF Moves Toward Implementing Global Research AgendaThe Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), an affiliate of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is working to continue its role as "facilitator, coordinator, and integrator," of engineering and construction projects for sustainable development in the 21st century. CERF has already taken a number of steps in support of implementing the global research agenda:
Contact: Richard Belle , CERF (phone: 202-842-0555; fax: 202-789-2943; e-mail: rbelle@cerf.a) |
FMS Holds Second Workshop on Materials and SustainabilityOver sixty representatives of the sustainable development community gathered in Washington, D. C. on December 17- 18, 1997 for a workshop on "Strategy for Enhancing the Materials Role in Environmental Technology and Sustainability: Assessment and Linkages." The workshop, sponsored by the Federation of Materials Societies (FMS) and the federal interagency working group on materials in the environment (EMAT), linked materials researchers with materials life- cycle policymakers. Its purpose was to encourage development of a long- range strategy in environmental technology and sustainability for materials research. The report from the workshop will be available in March, 1998. Contact: Betsy Houston FMS, (phone: 202-296-9282 ; fax: 202-833-3014 ; e-mail: betsyhou@ix.netcom.com) |
PCSD Hosts Community Forum in AtlantaThe President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) held its last meeting of 1997 in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting was largely devoted to climate change, with an added event. The day before the Council meeting, November 19, the PCSD, in conjunction with local groups and hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, held a " Community Forum on Quality of Life Issues and Climate Change." In this forum, experts were brought in to present information on climate change to the public, including information on the science, impacts, technology strategies and economics. Attendees divided into four groups (home/family, work/economy, outdoors/recreation, and learning/information) to identify their concerns in these areas and whether and how they might be related to climate change causes or impacts. The participants tried to identify solutions that would solve multiple quality of life issues and climate change. Representatives from each breakout group presented their results at the Council meeting on November 20. Additionally, Council members heard expert presentations on emissions sources, and possible technological responses to emission reductions in each sector, including buildings, industry, transportation, and power generation. In keeping with the technology theme, the meeting included visits to the University Center for Photovoltaic Research on the Georgia Tech campus, the Southface Energy Institute - a demonstration home with the latest in energy efficient and recycled materials, and a chance to drive GM's EV- l, its new sporty electric vehicle and an electric Chevy S- 10 truck. The Council's task forces proceeded with efforts to get their work plans furthered or approved. A proposal for a "visioning exercise" for the 'Environment Management Task Force was enthusiastically approved. The Climate Change Task Force decided to form three working groups for a more in- depth pursuit of policy recommendations: on technology, economic policy/ voluntary measures, and cross- cutting policies. The next meeting of the PCSD will be in Washington, D. C. on March 17, 1998. Contact: Catherine McKalip, PCSD (phone: 202-408-5040; fax: 202-408-6839; e-mail: cmckalip@erols.com) |
RNRF Updates Policy Principles for Renewable Natural ResourcesThe policy mission of the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation (RNRF) is to advance interdisciplinary science, understanding and stewardship of renewable natural resources. The Statement on Policy Principles, updated in November, 1997, identifies broad areas of interest and agreement relating to renewable natural resources policy shared by the Foundation and its Member Organizations. It is also intended to increase public awareness and understanding of the major issues and needs associated with the future of renewable natural resources. The Policy Principles address Sustainability, Ecosystems, Biological Diversity, Cultural Diversity, Human Populations, Resource Management, Water Management and Quality, Air Quality, Science, Education, and Information Services. Recognizing that managing and conserving renewable natural resources is a global challenge which is being addressed on an international scale, the RNRF Board of Directors has established a task force to identify current activities, strategies and research projects related to renewable natural resources in other countries, and explore opportunities for cooperation and information exchange. Contact: Chris Koster , RNRF (phone: 301-493-9101; fax: 301-493-6148; e-mail: RNRF@aol.com) |
National Town Meeting Teleconference on Climate ChangeRENEW AMERICA's 4th Annual National Town Meeting video teleconference on " Global Warming: Local Solutions," will take place on Earth Day, April 22, from 1: 00 to 2: 30 p. m. Eastern Daylight Time. The Town Meeting presents an opportunity for local government to join with community groups educators, environmental interests and businesses to discuss practical techniques for tackling climate change on a local level. The teleconference panelists will focus on innovative ways to increase business efficiency and profitability, enhance the quality of life in our communities, and protect the environment now and for future generations. Questions from teleconference participants will also be addressed live. Panelists include William McDonough, Dean of the University of Virginia School of Architecture and founder of the Institute for Sustainable Design; Amory Lovins, Director of Research for the Rocky Mountain Institute; Braden Allenby, AT& T Vice President for Health and Safety and coauthor of Design for Environment and Industrial Ecology ; Nancy Skinner, U. S. Director of the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives; and Kurt Schmoke, Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland. To participate in the National Town Meeting by organizing a downlink in your community, call Ida Rademacher at Renew America. More information is available on the Internet at http://www.crest.org. Contact: Ida Rademacher , RENEW AMERICA (phone: 1-800-922-RENEW; 202-232-2252; fax: 202-232-2617; e-mail: renewamerica@igc.org) |
TRB Publishes Report on Sustainable TransportationThe Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Research Council has published a report entitled "Toward a Sustainable Future: Addressing the Long- Term Effects of Motor Vehicle Transportation on Climate and Ecology." According to this study, Special Report 251, major changes in U. S. transportation policies, technologies and practices may become necessary to reduce motor vehicle emissions and the subsequent risk of global warming during the next century. Because transportation plays an integral role in the nation's society and economy, a balance must be struck between the mobility and access needs of people on the one hand, and environmental and natural resources needs on the other. Contact: Transportation Research Board, Box 289, Washington, D.C. 20005. (phone: 202-334-3214; 202-334-2519) |
WEPSD Reports Initial Findings on "Recycling Waste for Agriculture"This project, "Recycling Waste for Agriculture: The Rural- Urban Connection" , was developed by the World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development (WEPSD) in partnership with the World Bank, United Nations Development Program, World Health Organization, and the private sector. Initial findings from the project include the following:
Contact: Michael Sanio, WEPSD, (phone: 703-684-2893; fax: 703-836-4875; e- mail: msanio@igc.org) |
NGOs Continue Dialog with Clinton AdministrationOn November 24, 1997, members of engineering and other non- governmental organizations (NGOs) participated in a dialog with Administration officials about U. S. efforts to promote sustainable development. The meeting, held in the Environmental Protection Agency's new offices in Washington, D. C. was one in a series of dialogues bringing together a wide range of NGOs with representatives of the Clinton Administration's interagency working group on the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), the President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the White House Office on Environmental Policy. Much discussion focused on NGO concerns that the U. S. effort to promote sustainable development suffers from poor coordination and a low level of political commitment. Keith Laughlin, Assistant Director of the White House Office on Environmental Policy, said that the Clinton Administration is making great progress on encouraging sustainable development throughout the Federal Government. However, he said that, barring much greater public pressure, they are unlikely to establish any new capacity within the White House to coordinate sustainable development work across domestic and international lines, nor does the Administration intend to promote Agenda 21 (the global action plan adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit) per se. A follow up meeting on the issue of coordination is being organized for March, 1998. To receive a meeting notice, send a fax to Kathy Sessions of the United Nations Association of the U. S. A. (UNA-USA) at 202-628-5945 or e-mail to brigler@unusa.org . Also discussed at the November dialog were specific issues on the agenda of the annual meeting of the U. N. Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), including freshwater quality, the role of industry in sustainable development, and education and awareness raising. The upcoming meeting of the Engineers Forum for Sustainable Development will focus on freshwater issues; other NGO- government dialogues on water are being organized by John Waugh, IUCN, tel: 202-797-5454. An NGO-government meeting on industry and sustainable development is being organized by Jeffrey Barber, NGO Taskforce on Business and Industry, tel: 202-872-5339.) Non-governmental input on these issues is strongly encouraged, both to the U. S. delegation to the CSD (through the meetings discussed above) and to the CSD process itself. For more information on the CSD and the issues on its '98 agenda, check the secretariat's website at: http://www.un.org/esa. Contact: Kathy Sessions , UNA-USA (phone: 301-229-9774; fax: 301-229-9775; e-mail: unaofusa@igc.org) |
World Bank Conference Focuses on Sustainable DevelopmentThe fifth annual World Bank Conference on Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development was held October 6- 7, 1997 in Washington, D. C. The theme of the Conference was the scientific, legal, and economic requirements of global ecosystem management. The conference objectives were: "(1) to engage external experts with Bank managers and country staff; (2) to provide a unique opportunity for major professional groups to interact on the requirements to link scientific, economic, and legal solutions for global ecosystem management at the country level; and (3) to promote understanding as to how best practice and innovations can be used for shared ecosystem management in sustainable development planning." The October 6 session of the Conference included presentations by World Bank President James Wolfenson; Robert T. Watson, Director of the Bank's Environment Department; and Caio Koch- Weser, World Bank Managing Director. The session also included panel discussions on " The Sovereignty and Systems of Nature and Nations," chaired by Maurice Strong, U. N. Undersecretary General and Senior Advisor to the World Bank President, and on "The Global Treaties: Making Connections for Efficiencies, Effectiveness, and Equity," chaired by Mostafa K. Kolba, President of the International Center for Environment and Development at Cairo University. The October 7 morning session featured concurrent roundtables on climate change; biodiversity, desertification and forests; and international water regimes. The afternoon session featured a presentation on "Aggregating Knowledge for Policy: Global Information Systems," by Kass Green of the Pacific Meridian Resources and a panel session on "Private/ Public Partnerships: Applications and Best Practice," chaired by Sven Sandstrom, Managing Director of the World Bank. Contact: Sarwat Hussain, The World Bank (phone: 202-473-5690; fax: 202-473-3112; e-mail: shussain@worldbank.org) |