Civil engineers call for greener technology tools

Civil engineering professionals say although sustainability is a priority, it needs better collaboration between different disciplines and the right technology to enable the testing of designs to minimise their impact on the environment.

This was the key finding of a survey conducted at this week's Civils 2007 civil engineering exhibition taking place in London.

The survey, commissioned by Autodesk, found that 91% of those questioned said sustainability was of great importance to their organisation, but a lack of effective tools, technology, joined up thinking and appropriate materials were inhibiting progress.

Cost, poor skills and lack of training were also cited as inhibiting factors.

Although 37% said legislation was as a significant driving force, 27% said owners and clients were now demanding more environmentally sound civil engineering practices.