We have great news! Sustainable Solutions - the special report that was included in the October 2004 issue of Structural Engineer - won an award for editorial excellence from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (see the news article on page 10).We are thrilled with the honor and pleased to be recognized for our extra effort to bring you useful information.

When we learned of this award, I shared my excitement with some colleagues. “What does sustainable mean to you?” I was asked. I provided the well-known definition from the World Commission on Environment and Development that states, “Sustainable development is that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” I thought that the implications were obvious, but I was peppered with questions.We launched into a conversation about green buildings, including discussions on available tools such as the LEED rating system. However, as the debate drifted to farming, biodiesel fuel, and domestic recycling, I realized that sustainability can be applicable to just about every industry, profession, firm, and individual.

Additional definitions of sustainability revealed many ideas, such as the concept of using resources efficiently, and developing polices and programs that contribute to the future success of a company. As I considered these characterizations, it occurred to me that although the theories and concepts of sustainability are clear and the intentions are noble, how to achieve those goals is not so lucid.

However, one tool that assists structural engineering firms in achieving both of these goals is the exciting concept of building information modeling (BIM).With new products, such as Autodesk's Revit Structure and Bentley System's Bentley Structural, it is possible to create intelligent, information models that are much more than 3-D renderings. Although these models do contain the physical properties and characteristics of the structural components and systems, they contain so much more. For example, the elements within the model can be programmed with “smart” relationships to other building components. This functionality is extremely valuable as projects advance and changes occur. In addition, these software tools can track changes digitally and provide unmatched opportunities for communication among the multi-disciplined design and construction teams.

Nigel Davies, principal of Evolve Consultancy, completed a study about the use of BIM on a variety of building projects and discovered that staff efficiency and company profits could be improved dramatically from the combination of minimizing re-work and increasing design accuracy. “Now this does not mean that you can sack one-third of your staff,” said Davies. On the contrary, the freed-up portion of your team can contribute to improving design quality. This is one example of how new tools directly contribute to the firm sustainability.

As we embrace new paradigms, such as green building design and BIM, we know that the theories are good, but that implementing them into practice is going to take time. I suggest that in addition to embracing sustainable design practices for the projects we work on, that we also endeavor to create sustainable practices within our profession, each firm, and every individual. Explore your definition of sustainability and apply it.

Jennifer Goupil, P.E.
editor@gostructural.com