What can we do to end waste?
From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the buildings we live in, we all rely on natural resources
Read more
The exhibition
A free exhibition exploring the future of infrastructure and the role of civil engineers in helping society respond to the challenges of climate change and meet net zero targets by 2050.
Featuring original hand-drawn illustrations and animations, six children talk to TV presenter and engineer Rob Bell about a wide range of global problems.
This educational exhibition is perfect for families, young people and anyone who wants to learn more about engineering.
Explore the exhibition online
To see the detail of what's in our exhibition, or if you're unable to make it to any of the venues, take the virtual tour below.
Six questions about the future of infrastructure
What can we do to end waste?
To help remove waste from our existing systems and create a circular economy, civil engineers build modern, efficient recycling plants to reduce landfill. They also design and build facilities to generate energy from waste that can't be reused or recycled. Engineers find new ways to cut construction waste, such as more precise calculating and monitoring, and by using innovative materials and offsite construction methods.
Where will our energy come from?
Energy touches almost every aspect of our lives. From the moment we wake, we are using power and heat in our homes, at school or work
Read more
Where will our energy come from?
Civil engineers design, build and maintain the infrastructure we need to generate clean, low carbon energy for our homes, schools, shops and hospitals. They also find greener ways to power our transport and reduce how much energy we consume by creating safe cycling and walking routes. As we get more energy from nuclear power and renewable sources, like offshore wind and solar, we'll need more civil engineers to make it happen.
Can we keep travelling?
How we get around really matters to the planet. Transport is a huge source of CO2 emissions in the UK
Read more
Can we keep travelling?
Civil engineers build infrastructure to improve walking, cycling and public transport to enable us to be less reliant on cars. They design, build and maintain roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, stations, ports and airports for passengers and freight. As they lead the transition to low carbon travel, civil engineers consider the entire carbon footprint of transport systems and ensure infrastructure is resilient to the changing climate.
Why don't we value water?
We all depend on water. It's a precious and finite resource. But most of us use too much of it
Read more
Why don't we value water?
By tackling leakage from ageing pipes, civil engineers help us waste less water. They reduce the carbon used to process water by designing and building smart, efficient water treatment works that operate on clean energy, and they turn biomethane gas from sewage into power for our homes. Civil engineers also develop strategies to stop sewage overflowing into rivers, which helps to clean up the water environment.
Do we need smarter cities?
What is a smart city and how does it enables you to connect with others
Read more
Do we need smarter cities?
Smart cities use technologies, as well as big data and open data, to solve complex sustainability challenges. From smart energy grids to autonomous vehicles to pollution sensors, civil engineers are finding innovative ways to create low carbon infrastructure. They work closely with communities to involve citizens in making cities more inclusive, greener, healthier and safer places to live.
How do we live with flooding?
Rain falls, water flows over and through our land, and the sea is constantly changing our coastline. Flooding and coastal erosion are part of a natural process
Read more
How do we live with flooding?
Civil engineers work with communities to help them understand and adapt to coastal erosion and increased flooding risks, caused by climate change and overuse of hard surfaces. They pioneer innovative technologies to help protect people from flooding, reducing the carbon in building and maintaining flood defences. Civil engineers also work with nature to slow down flood water, such as planting trees and restoring salt marshes (which improves biodiversity in the process).
Visit the exhibition
This national UK touring exhibition launches on 15 June and runs until the end of 2023.
First venue
15 June - 15 September 2022
Bristol Airport
Departure Lounge
BS48 3DY
United Kingdom
Forthcoming locations
- Northern Concourse, Leeds Station, 4-8 October 2022
- The Common Room, Wood Hall, Newcastle 17-28 October 2022
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Closed at weekends and on public holidays
Free admission
Six questions about the future of infrastructure
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque tortor est, finibus et ex id, ullamcorper blandit justo. Donec iaculis velit et eros porttitor, eget consequat mi sodales.
How can I become a civil engineer?
If you want to be a civil engineer, have the right academic subjects and attitude you can start making your career choices right here.
Meet civil engineers
Hear first-hand stories about what it's like to work as a civil engineer.
Sponsors
Environment Agency
We work to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.
National Highways
Plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains England's motorways and major A roads.
Network Rail
Providing safe, reliable experience for the millions using Europe's fastest-growing railway each and every day.
Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport is the UK's fifth largest airport outside of London and has taken a leadership position towards long-term sustainable growth.
Graham
Connecting communities, building a better future and transforming and maintaining the places where we live, work and relax.