The Managing Partner, Over Arup Nigeria, Engr Kunle Adebajo has charged the young engineers in construction sector to join in advancing sustainability in the sector through innovation drives, writes, isqil Najim
He said this at a webinar hosted by Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria NSE Lagos Chapter in conjunction with Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers Students Affiliate (NICESA), University of Lagos. Adebajo was speaking on the theme, “Advancing Sustainability in the Construction Industry through Innovation”
Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria (YEFoN), Lagos branch coordinator, Engr. Oguara Rankins, (MNSE) opened the session along with ULES President, Nwachukwu Miles and the NICE-SA vice president, Agunbiade Morayo, through the recitation of the second stanza of the national anthem. The Chairman Laos Branch of NSE, Engr. Kunle Bello thereafter delivered welcome address.
Engr. Kunle Adebajo presented the topic “Advancing sustainability in the construction
industry through innovation”. He defined sustainability in construction as the practice of
creating and the integration of environmentally responsible and resource efficient practices throughout the entire life cycle from planning and design to construction, operation, maintenance and demolition. It emphasizes reducing the negative environmental impact while maximizing the positive societal contributions.
He said the key pillars of sustainability are environment, economy and social development. According to him, Sustainability is very important in today’s construction practices because it addresses climate change issues, reduction of carbon emissions, efficient energy usage, waste management and environmental issues.
He listed the challenges that inhibit the implementation of sustainable practices in construction to comprise: the initial cost of investment in sustainable technologies, expensive solutions and materials, Limited awareness and lack of understanding of various stakeholders of the long term benefits of sustainable construction. Others are, resistance to change from the traditional construction practices, methods and materials to new eco-friendly methods.
Adebajo advocated regular capacity buildings among stakeholders as part of the solutions. He suggested introduction of incentives, such as tax breaks, green financing options to offset initial costs.
He urged practitioners to explore collaboration with other construction firms, research institutes and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and professional associations to share knowledge, resources and best sustainable practices available. He added that regular interactive session through various media will go a long way in entrenching sustainable practices and creating awareness while sharing knowledge.
Addressing the young engineers, Adebajo pointed out that Young engineers are often early adopters of new technologies and their enthusiasm for innovation can drive the implementation of sustainable practices within construction projects. He said their ability to bring fresh perspectives and collaborative problem-solving skills put them in vantage position to brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
Adebajo implored professionals in the construction industry to adopt sustainable solutions in their construction methods. He proposes Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and innovations such as Building Information, Modeling (BIM), 3D printing, etc. at our disposal to drive sustainable changes. He added that educating young engineers and students about sustainability practices and solutions will prepare them for the task ahead. In addition, he advocated increased awareness for the adoption of sustainable practices within, work places, social media and professional platforms..
“As young engineers, you are architects of change. Dive into research, advocate for sustainable practices, initiate projects, and collaborate. Your actions create ripples of transformation. Together, Let’s Build Tomorrow and preserve tomorrow!” He said.