The engineering sector stands at a pivotal crossroads as we advance towards 2025. With the dual challenges of climate change and sustainability pressing upon us, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into engineering practices is no longer optional but essential.
As organizations in Asia and beyond navigate this complex landscape, the focus must shift towards creating resilient infrastructures that meet present demands and safeguard future generations.
The call for measurable impact
Rodrigo Fernandes, director of ES(D)G at Bentley Systems, emphasises the significance of robust metrics in sustainability. “More and more metrics are important in sustainability,” he notes, highlighting carbon footprint as a critical measure.
Adopting clear metrics is vital in Asia, where rapid urbanisation and industrial growth pose significant environmental challenges. Companies must ensure their targets are ambitious and transparent to stakeholders, fostering trust and accountability.
Bentley’s engagement with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) exemplifies this commitment. By aligning their targets with the latest climate science, organisations can set a benchmark for corporate emission reductions. The SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard serves as a roadmap for firms aspiring to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, making it imperative for Asian engineering firms to adopt similar frameworks. This approach helps quantify impacts and positions companies as leaders in sustainability, attracting investors and clients who prioritise environmental responsibility.
Embracing opportunities beyond risks
Angela Curry, VP and chief compliance officer at Bentley Systems, articulates a vital perspective: “We need to see sustainability as an opportunity.” This mindset encourages engineering firms to mitigate risks associated with climate change and seize the opportunities that arise from innovative practices. For instance, the rise of digital twins in infrastructure projects allows for enhanced simulations and efficiency, optimising resource use and reducing waste.
Digital twins are virtual representations of physical assets, enabling engineers to model, simulate, and analyse projects throughout their lifecycle. This technology aids in identifying potential issues before they arise, reducing the likelihood of costly delays and resource wastage.
As Asian cities grapple with issues like traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure, digital twins can provide crucial insights into improving urban planning and resource allocation.
Moreover, by embracing a proactive approach to innovation, firms can transform sustainability from a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage. For example, companies that invest in renewable energy technologies reduce their carbon footprint and position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in their field.
By aligning their business strategies with sustainability goals, engineering firms can tap into new markets and drive growth.
Collaboration: The key to success
The importance of partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges cannot be overstated. As Fernandes points out, “No one alone will be able to take on some of the challenges we have today.”
The engineering sector must foster collaboration across the supply chain to effectively manage scope 3 emissions and implement sustainable practices. Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions in a company’s value chain—are often the largest source of a firm’s carbon footprint, making their management crucial for comprehensive sustainability efforts.
Bentley’s commitment to open-source platforms facilitates this collaboration, enabling data sharing and innovation. By working with suppliers, clients, and regulatory bodies, engineering firms can create a more cohesive approach to sustainability. Collaborative efforts can lead to developing shared resources, tools, and best practices that can be leveraged across the industry.
Collaboration is essential for creating tailored solutions in Asia, where many regions experience diverse environmental challenges. By forming partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and community organisations, engineering firms can better understand the unique needs of the regions they serve. This localised approach enhances project outcomes, strengthens community ties, and fosters goodwill among stakeholders.
Circularity is a fundamental principle.
Circularity must be at the forefront of engineering design. Companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact by prioritising durable materials and long-term efficiency from the outset. Fernandes believes that circularity is a fundamental concept of sustainability right now.
The circular economy model minimises waste and maximises resources by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials.
In infrastructure projects, this means designing with the end of a product’s life in mind. For instance, when constructing buildings, engineers can use materials that are easily recyclable or can be repurposed for future projects.
The example of wastewater treatment projects in the Philippines illustrates how innovative approaches can lead to resource reuse and enhanced resilience in water supply systems. By treating and reusing wastewater, these projects conserve precious water resources and reduce pollution and environmental degradation.
The transition towards circularity also requires a cultural shift within organisations. Engineering firms must foster a mindset prioritising sustainability in every aspect of their operations—from design to procurement to project execution.
This can be achieved through training and development programs that emphasise the importance of circularity and its benefits for both the environment and the business.
Future-proofing through regulations
As sustainability regulations evolve globally, engineering firms in Asia must stay ahead. “We cannot expect anything else than more regulations coming up on sustainability,” warns Fernandes.
Companies must view these regulations as a catalyst for innovation rather than mere compliance. Bentley’s proactive stance on carbon analysis exemplifies how firms can go beyond regulatory requirements to lead in sustainable practices.
With governments and consumers scrutinising organisations more closely, they must establish robust compliance frameworks that meet existing regulations and anticipate future requirements. This forward-thinking approach will mitigate the risk of non-compliance and enhance a company’s reputation as a leader in sustainability.
Furthermore, as regulations become more stringent, the emphasis on transparency and accountability will grow. Engineering firms must be ready to disclose their sustainability practices and outcomes, aligning with stakeholder expectations. By fostering a culture of transparency, organisations can build trust with consumers and investors, ultimately driving long-term success.
Technology in sustainable infrastructure
Technological advancements play a crucial role in driving sustainability in the engineering sector. By leveraging digital twins, firms can conduct real-time simulations that inform decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
“Digital twins can support multiple lifecycle stages,” Fernandes explains, enabling better project delivery and management. These technologies enhance operational efficiencies and contribute to overall sustainability goals.
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices further enhances the capabilities of digital twins. IoT sensors can provide real-time data on asset performance, allowing engineers to identify inefficiencies and address issues proactively. For example, in water management systems, IoT devices can monitor flow rates and detect leaks, significantly reducing water loss and improving service delivery.
Additionally, applying artificial intelligence (AI) in project planning and execution can lead to smarter, more sustainable decisions. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and optimise processes, from resource allocation to energy consumption.
This data-driven approach ensures that engineering firms can make informed choices that align with their sustainability objectives.
A collective journey towards sustainability
The path to a sustainable future is a collective journey that requires commitment, innovation, and collaboration. As we move towards 2025, the engineering sector must embrace ESG principles to not only thrive but also ensure a habitable planet for future generations.
As Curry asserts, “Our net-zero journey will make our operations more sustainable, benefiting our users in reducing their value chain emissions.”
In this evolving landscape, the time to act is now. Engineering firms prioritising sustainability will enhance their operational efficiencies and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and embracing circularity, the engineering sector can lead the charge towards a sustainable world, ensuring that generations to come inherit an environment that is liveable and thriving.
