I’m a member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology – back when I was appointed a member it was the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE). These engineering institutes have been around for a long time and they’re very prestigious – you can’t just turn up and pay your fees, you have to demonstrate a wide range of competencies gained through structured training, fulfil professional criteria and undergo a tough interview.

I joined as a student/graduate member during my sandwich course and later became an associate member. When I was deciding whether to apply for full membership, I had just completed 3 years in the environment/sustainability field and I was wondering if it was really for me. Just at that time, the IEE created the “Engineering for a Sustainable Future” network, so I thought “Yes! This is my spiritual home”. But what a furore erupted in the letters page of the monthly news! The term “political correctness” featured heavily – “it is not the role of the engineer to get involved in a political agenda, harumph, grumble etc”. One letter even blamed climate change on wind turbines slowing the prevailing winds, I kid you not.

What a difference eight years makes! The IET’s journal now features a clutch of sustainability news stories and articles every issue and every third or fourth issue seems to be a special on some aspect of the field – the last but one being on “fuels for the future”. And of course they should. Look at the issues – renewable energy systems, energy storage, grid connections, energy efficiency, industrial control systems, replacing goods with data, future fuels, intelligent grids, monitoring systems (including smart meters), building design, vehicle design, lightweight materials – the list is endless. Engineers are at the core of sustainability and they now see it as an exciting, fast moving and cutting edge ride to get on.

So well done to the IEE/IET for facing down the old duffers – onwards and upwards!