Apply principles of sustainability to create viable systems
During my time at VSL Australia, I observed how sustainability is becoming central to civil and construction projects. Clients and asset owners are now placing greater emphasis on measurable outcomes, particularly tonnes of CO₂ produced. Carbon emissions are no longer viewed as secondary considerations but are emerging as potential performance metrics that influence project evaluation and contract awards. Two experiences shaped my understanding of how sustainability can be applied in practice.
As an Undergraduate Business Development Engineer, I was tasked with creating a carbon emissions calculator to support tender submissions. The tool linked project materials to their associated CO₂ factors and displayed results in the tender top sheet. I led its design and implementation in Excel, ensuring the formulas and data sources were robust and transparent. Through this process, I recognised transparency as a core principle of sustainability. Accurate reporting builds long-term trust with clients and helps companies remain accountable for their impact. This experience showed me that sustainability tools must be practical, measurable, and aligned with client expectations if they are to influence industry change.
I also participated in a Climate Fresk workshop with colleagues from VSL and sister companies. Using visual cards, we mapped out the connections between global sustainability issues, identified challenges for the construction industry, and proposed potential solutions. The workshop emphasised that sustainability is not an individual task but a collective responsibility. By openly sharing knowledge and challenging assumptions, we created a collaborative environment where different perspectives challenged our initial thoughts on sustainability. This reinforced my belief that free discussion and communication are essential for driving sustainable practices across industries.
Together, these experiences highlighted sustainability as both a technical challenge and a shared responsibility. Engineers play a key role in minimising environmental impact while also contributing to long-term societal benefits. In future roles, I intend to advocate for measurable tools such as emissions calculators, support early adoption of low-carbon solutions, and continue engaging in collaborative forums. Sustainability is core to what we do as engineers and is becoming a defining measure of engineering performance.
Vearinama Kila 