Meeting the needs of today without compromising those of tomorrow
The Institution of Civil Engineers believes that Sustainable Development is central to civil engineering and that ICE and the profession it serves must organise themselves accordingly.
In making this statement the Institution recognises the vital role played by its members in identifying the needs of society and devising and delivering solutions that are affordable and meet society’s aspirations. In fulfilling this role civil engineers contribute to economic growth, to environmental protection and to improved quality of life.
The Institution equally recognises the need to protect and enhance the environment and to use resources in a way that does not disadvantage future generations.
To achieve these objectives requires solutions which strike an informed balance in terms of cost, benefits, sustainability and acceptability within the broader legislative framework, and involves an evaluation of Whole Life Costs.
All grades of membership must aim to develop and maintain a high standard of sustainability awareness and to continuously improve sustainability performance within their professional activities.
The Institution expects that:
- every member should understand, foster and promote the concepts of sustainable development and the need to deliver projects with an appropriate balance between environmental, social and economic factors;
- its members should understand the contribution that other professions make to sustainable development.
- its learned society activities should promote continuing improvement in the sustainability of design, construction and maintenance of the built and natural environment.
- its members at all grades should receive education and training in the concepts of sustainability and inter related social, economic and environmental issues.
- its members should formulate, promote and disseminate views on sustainability issues associated with the built and natural environment. In carrying out this activity ICE should engage with Government, public authorities, other institutions and societies, the general public and other bodies and organisations in the UK and internationally;
- case histories of good practice should be collated and disseminated by the ICE.
- as a corporate body its own sustainability performance should be monitored and action taken to enhance this performance. A corporate sustainability policy and action plan should be drawn up and approved by Council.
To further the aims of this Charter the Institution will:
- actively support and assist its members in delivering this policy.
- develop strategic alliances with other organisations with an interest in the built and natural environment and sustainable development.
Download a pdf of the charter here.