• As an engineering community, we can make a fundamental contribution to achieve the SDGs, and we have a great responsibility for action. The work of the Committee on Engineering and the Environment (CEE) is aimed at enabling WFEO and the global engineering profession to support the achievement of these goals, addressing in particular SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).–Wen Ling, CHAIR OF CEE (CHINA)Contact the committee at: enviro nment@wfeo.org (without the space)

Vision

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) serves as the host of the WFEO Committee on Engineering and the Environment (WFEO-CEE).

In collaboration with WFEO members and partners, WFEO-CEE aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by:

  • Harness the leading role of “environmental engineering technology, application, and demonstration” in promoting sustainable development, with a particular focus on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and support SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Demonstrate WFEO-CEE’s responsibility and contribution to global sustainable development in the field of engineering and the environment.
  • Establish a professional platform to facilitate effective communication among WFEO members and to promote technical research findings and engineering practices that contribute to environmental sustainability on a global scale.
  • Provide extensive opportunities for global engineers, technical professionals, governments, and civil societies to engage in idea exchanges, collaboration, research, and capacity building. Foster the advancement of theories, technological innovation, and engineering practices in the field of engineering and the environment.

Mission

  • Fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to WFEO-CEE by the WFEO, such as supporting significant initiatives (e.g., the World Engineering Day (WED) and the World Engineers’ Convention (WEC)) and providing assistance to other WFEO committees and activities focused on engineering and the environment.
  • Represent WFEO in important global conferences in the fields of engineering and the environment, such as, the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Maintain close communication with important international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Actively engage in collaborative efforts and facilitate the advancement of initiatives related to engineering and environmental on the international stage.
  • Organize regular or ad hoc exchange events for engineers from member countries to facilitate the sharing of technological innovations and engineering practices. Promote the dissemination and application of environmentally-friendly and cutting-edge engineering technologies in the realms of environment and sustainable development. Specifically, we plan to host a Biennial Summit (in China in 2025, and subsequently every two years) and Roundtable Meetings (intermittently).
  • In cooperation with the WFEO Committee on Young Engineers/Future Leaders (YEFL) and other STCs, launch an “Education Initiative” targeting young university students and children worldwide. Attract promising individuals to engage in the field of environment and sustainable development, exemplified by a CEE Summer Training Camp and a Global Youth “Sustainable Development” Creative Challenge (winning projects will be recommended to participate in the WED Hackathon).
  • Summarize practical experience gained from environmental engineering projects in urban, community, and industrial settings. Compile a comprehensive collection of best practices showcasing how environmental engineering technologies can foster sustainable cities and communities, as well as sustainable consumption and production.

Focus on

1. SDG11-Integrate initiatives to build sustainable cities and communities into national and regional strategies and plans

  • In the field of architecture, comprehensively promote the engineering application of advanced green building technologies and the construction of demonstration communities and parks such as prefabricated building, green energy-saving building, photovoltaic building integration, low carbon and zero carbon building technology, intelligent building management.
  • Actively promote advanced concepts and engineering technologies of smart transportation; promote green, intelligent and shared future transportation; realize green and low-carbon urban transportation throughout its full life cycle.

2. SDG12-Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Popularize the technologies and practical cases of waste pollution and reduction in the industrial field, improve the recycling rates of different resources, enhance the environmental and social governance (ESG) ability of all enterprises, and promote sustainable industrial production.
  • Encourage waste reduction and separation at source, initiate demonstration projects for regional waste recycling and reuse network, improve resource utilization efficiency, and promote sustainable household consumption.
  • Reduce the total plastic waste generated in the whole society, improve the recycling rate and regeneration processes of plastic waste, popularize the plastic degradable technologies, and build a sustainable mode of plastic production and consumption.

Support of

1. SDG13-Climate Action

  • Promote the application of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects to develop reproducible, scalable, and sustainable CCUS technology routes;
  • Improve the technology system for monitoring carbon sinks in terrestrial and marine ecosystems; advance the application and diffusion of carbon sequestration and sink technologies for terrestrial and marine ecosystems;
  • Promote the R&D and engineering demonstration of non-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation technologies, including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

2. SDG14-Life Below Water

  • Reduce various forms of marine pollution and encourage the application of advanced marine technologies. Promote comprehensive solutions for mitigating ocean acidification.
  • Foster engineering practices that contribute to the protection of marine biodiversity, ensuring the sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and tourism industries.
  • Facilitate the development of the blue economy, harnessing the full potential of marine resources while safeguarding and maintaining the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. Modernize marine governance and promote the sustainable utilization of marine resources.
  • Protect coastal and marine areas, develop and support blue carbon sinks, enhance the contribution and capacity of oceans in combating and adapting to climate change, and safeguard the health of marine ecosystems.

3. SDG15-Life on Land

  • Facilitate global efforts in preventing and controlling desertification and land degradation by enhancing the efficacy of ecosystem restoration and reconstruction. This can be achieved through initiatives like land degradation restoration, the promotion of grassland ecology, the construction of efficient animal husbandry systems, and the demonstration of technologies for optimizing the utilization of water resources in arid regions.
  • Facilitate the implementation of engineering practices, including strategies such as reducing pollution from lake sources, implementing process resistance control, and implementing effective end-of-pipe treatment measures. These initiatives aim to minimize non-point source pollution from agricultural activities, effectively manage eutrophication, and establish comprehensive pollution control systems for freshwater lakes.