Today is not... engineering day for sustainable development

Engineering has the power to address the greatest challenges of every era, equipping humanity with the tools to enhance quality of life. However, technology can't do everything. It’s our collective commitment as a species that must guide these advancements towards a real achievement of the sustainability of the planet.

When it comes to talking about engineering, we get the feeling that it's something relatively current. Although its classification into branches like chemistry, mechanical, industrial or civil engineering is relatively recent, engineering has actually existed for as long as humanity itself. 

Since the beginning of time, individuals have needed engineering tools to survive. Tools such as axes, spears, or pulleys have been crucial elements for hunting, making coats out of fur, or defending ourselves.  

The origins of engineering trace back to a collection of applied knowledge and tools that emerged approximately 8,000 years ago. This marks the period in human history when people began farming, domesticating animals and building homes. 

In Ancient Greece, the greatest contributions to knowledge were mainly in the fields of architecture, science, and humanities. During the era of ancient Rome, engineering underwent a significant leap in its development. The construction of civilizations  begins here, marked by their large and innovative infrastructures such as aqueducts, sanitation systems, roadways and bridges, among other things.   

The rise of cities brought about a new social structure, which in turn, propelled the birth of other professions such as administrators, clergy, scribes or artisans. These artisans, who performed a variety of tasks using hand tools, are regarded as the first engineers. Today, those humble useful work tools have been replaced by powerful machines that save time and effort. 

Engineering has brought about a revolution in knowledge and quality of life, but it’s not just about working more efficiently; it’s about living better and fostering sustainable interactions with our environment. Engineering, with its different specializations, is once again at the forefront of another revolution: addressing the environmental, social and economic challenges of the 21st century. 

Technological innovation at the service of the planet: the SDGs

The United Nations set up a global framework in 2015 to address the major global challenges. This is the 2030 Agenda, specifically the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Engineering plays a central role in many of these objectives. Let's look at some examples.

 SDG 6 refers to the need for access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all. In this context, wastewater recycling (regenerated water) has stood out for years as one of the best alternatives for areas where it's a scarce resource. 

Namibia, the driest country on the African continent, is a prime example. Its capital, Windhoek, is right in the center of the country at an altitude of 1,700 meters, making it a challenging location for transporting water from surrounding areas. With its 464,526 inhabitants (2023), it's one of the first cities to adopt this circular supply method, during which the water that was to be discarded can be reused through large treatment plants. This project has been successfully running since 1968.  

Sustainability in civil engineering has become an absolute priority. SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization as well as foster innovation.  When it comes to this, this branch uses new materials like algae-based bioplastics and CO2-absorbing concrete as well as new solutions for the collection and reuse of rainwater. 

These are just a few examples that demonstrate the role of engineering in the development and well-being of humanity since its beginning. UNESCO declared March 4th as the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, highlighting its pivotal role in driving progress and fostering a world that balances society's needs with the planet's well-being.