Insight
Our Philosophy: Building on a Foundation of Sustainable Engineering
June 2024
Sustainable engineering, though a relatively modern term, is rooted in principles that have guided human development for centuries. Ancient civilizations often built in harmony with their environment—from the wind-catching towers of Persia to the aqueducts of Rome—illustrating early efforts to design infrastructure that respected natural resources. More recently, Melbourne’s Pixel Building and Manchester’s Angel Square have adapted these principles with modern approaches.
Phil Fung
Managing Principal
Toronto, Canada
The formalization of sustainable engineering began in the late 20th century, driven by growing awareness of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Landmark events such as the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and the publication of “Our Common Future” in 1987 highlighted the urgent need for a balance between development and environmental stewardship. These milestones laid the groundwork for frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide today’s engineering practices.
Now, sustainable engineering is more relevant than ever. Climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity demand innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing societal benefit.
What do we do to help?
At SRS, we have been at the vanguard of designing energy-efficient buildings, facilitating a transition to renewable energy technologies, and leveraging nature-inspired solutions to create regenerative buildings. Our projects, such as the successful LEED-Platinum certification of Toronto’s Harmony Village, as well as the planning and development of the Greenlife Centre, Canada’s first net-zero residential building, are some examples of how we apply these principles to make our communities more sustainable.
As we face an uncertain future, the principles of sustainable engineering remind us of our responsibility—and our opportunity—to design a world that thrives within its ecological boundaries. By building on the past and innovating for the future, the engineering community can drive meaningful change, ensuring a legacy of resilience and prosperity for generations to come.