This text is part of the special Quebec engineering booklet
In a few weeks, the Quebec government should table its new Sustainable Development Strategy. Expected in April, this strategy aims to “integrate the search for sustainable development in all spheres of government intervention”. The main goal: to ensure the transition to a more “prosperous, green and responsible” Quebec. And in this vast project ahead, the engineers intend to play a major role.
“Engineers are part of the solution,” says the president of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), Sophie Larivière-Mantha. “They have the ability to adapt infrastructure to make it more resilient,” she adds. They can develop green and more energy-efficient technologies. They are curious by nature and like to solve problems. In short, the government would do well to enlist the services of these professionals to think about ways to implement the Government Sustainable Development Strategy 2023-2028.
The Order transmitted this message to the government in a brief tabled during the parliamentary consultations on the strategy that took place in January 2023. At the heart of the recommendations: the protection of the public.
Think green, everywhere
“In all aspects of his work, the engineer must […] take into account the consequences of the execution of its work on the environment and on life”, we read since 1981 in the code of ethics of engineers. This professional requirement is reflected today in the concerns of members of the Order: a survey carried out in 2021 showed that sustainable development and climate change are at the top of the list of subjects they consider priorities.
Unfortunately, this concern is currently not always reflected on the customer side. “The State, which is one of the biggest donors, must set an example,” considers Sophie Larivière-Mantha. In particular, she cites the Société québécoise des infrastructures, which requires that all construction projects with a budget of more than $10 million earn LEED certification. Could this requirement be extended? The Order also proposes the holding of a workcamp “aimed at coordinating the best practices in green construction”.
Develop skills
“All the actors who take part in projects must develop skills in sustainable development,” says Sophie Larivière-Mantha. It includes in this list the various professional orders, but also the clients. The OIQ brief also proposes the establishment of a “green workforce and skills project”.
The issues surrounding the circular economy, new renewable energies and adaptation to climate change could thus be discussed. What skills should the different actors develop to “fill in the gaps observed” in these areas?
While waiting for this project, the Order has developed training for engineers, architects and urban planners, in collaboration with the consortium on adaptation to climate change Ouranos, to train professionals in sustainable development.
Prevent problems
Engineers are called upon to play a central role in the development of technologies that will make it possible to adapt to the effects of climate change or reduce the impact of humans on the planet. As such, they are also responsible for thinking about the dangers posed by these new technologies. “Without denying the crucial importance of innovation, the Order recalls, however, that any transition involves risks that must be taken into consideration,” reads the brief. Ensure a sustainable future for the Quebec community. The contribution of the engineering profession.
“Let’s take cybersecurity, cites Sophie Larivière-Mantha as an example. We are developing more and more technologies, but when we implement them, they must be safe. To avoid problems, consider possible risks from the earliest stages of design. Another example is the electrification of transport, which requires “access to a reliable and abundant energy supply”. While the Quebec government hopes to be able to bank on the development of clean technologies, the president of the OIQ considers that it is essential to “put risk analysis in place earlier and earlier” in order to prevent vulnerabilities.
For Sophie Larivière-Mantha, one thing is certain: the strategy tabled by the government must be concrete. “We hope that it will contain indicators, specific orders to the various ministries. She also hopes to see engineers play a central role. “We want to be a staple. »
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.