To mark World Engineering Day, we spoke to engineers across our business about their role in building a sustainable future.
The 2025 theme, “Unleashing the Power of Engineers to Advance the SDGs,” aligns with our commitment as a ground engineering contractor to promote sustainability and create lasting value.
Established by UNESCO, World Engineering Day highlights engineers’ impact on global challenges, innovation, and sustainable development.
Here are some insights from colleagues across different engineering roles and stages of their careers:
Engineering for a Lasting Impact
Jono Wright, Senior Engineering Manager, Strata Geotechnics emphasises the importance of sustainability in civil engineering, particularly in the context of site investigations.
“I chose civil engineering to make a positive, lasting impact through innovative solutions. Sustainability is a key focus at every stage of a project, from tender to reporting. The climate emergency demands more from us all. Good site investigations reduce waste, improve material efficiencies, and help designers make informed, sustainable decisions. At Strata, we work on a wide range of projects, helping clients meet their climate goals by providing reliable ground information. A key area for improvement is energy solutions for site vehicles and rigs, and with advances in battery technology and hydrogen engines, the future looks promising.”
The Next Generation of Engineers
Ryan Phillips, Assistant Civil Engineer and final-year Civil Engineering student is working on sustainable solutions, focusing on carbon emissions in the piling sector for his dissertation. He said:
“Engineering is key to a sustainable future, tackling environmental challenges with innovative solutions. Engineers are leading in renewable energy, energy storage, and sustainable infrastructure like energy-efficient buildings and greener transportation.”
Ryan’s hands-on experience at Van Elle deepens his understanding of sustainability challenges and reinforces engineering’s potential for meaningful change.
A Call to Action for the Industry
Dom Torr, Senior Technical and Quality Manager, calls for engineers to address climate change.
“Engineers and construction professionals play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As a significant contributor to climate change, the industry must take responsibility for its impact. Each of us has a duty to assess our work and develop more efficient, sustainable solutions. By making continuous, small changes, we can drive meaningful progress towards a greener, more sustainable world.”
Driving Sustainable Engineering Through Innovation and Collaboration
Claire Garrett, Ground Improvement Director, highlights the importance of environmentally responsible engineering solutions, focusing on innovative ground improvement techniques, reduced carbon footprints, and collaboration within the engineering community.
“As an engineer, I find great satisfaction in designing sustainable foundation solutions that not only stand the test of time but also contribute to a sustainable future. By exploring innovative ground improvement techniques, we are able to reduce carbon footprint and embrace recycled materials, offering lower carbon alternatives to traditional methods. I am proud to be part of a dynamic engineering community where collaboration with colleagues and clients fosters continuous learning, allowing us to adapt and excel in an ever-changing world.”
As we look ahead, engineering will continue to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change, ensuring a greener and more resilient world for future generations.