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(2014/02/09) Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
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nautic engineering into unprecedented height and spawned astronautic engineering. Utilization of atomic and

nuclear power brought nuclear engineering. Advanced materials with performance hitherto undreamed of

poured out from the laboratories of materials science and engineering. Above all, microelectronics, telecom-

munications, computer and software engineering joined force to precipitate the information revolution in

which intellectual chores are increasingly alleviated by machines.

The proliferation of products and systems such as copiers, automobile parts and assembly lines that contain

mechanical and electrical and electronic components and are controlled by software has given rise to a hy-
brid field of mechatronics.

1.1.5. Engineering today

To lead the progress of these sophisticated technologies, engineers have remade themselves by reforming

educational programs and expanding research efforts. Intensive engineering research produced not only new

technologies but also bodies of powerful systematic knowledge: the engineering sciences and systems theo-

ries in information, computer, control, and communications. Engineering developed extensive theories of its

own and firmly established itself as a science of creating, explaining, and utilizing manmade systems.

So far the physical sciences – physics and chemistry – have contributed most to the development of techno-

logy. They will continue to contribute, for instance in the emerging nanotechnology that will take over the
torch of the microelectronics revolution. Increasingly, they are joined by biology, which has been transfor-

med by the spectacular success of molecular and genetic biology. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field,

drawing knowledge from biology, biochemistry, physics, information processing and various engineering ex-

pertise. The cooperation and convergence of traditional intellectual disciplines in the development of new te-

chnology is the trend of the future.

This section clearly demonstrates the large range of engineering applications which differ in specialist
knowledge but with overlap in fundamental knowledge and competencies such as problem solving.

2. Associações de Engenharia Civil

2.1. ICE - Institution of Civil Engineers

ICE believes that Sustainable Development is central to civil engineering and that ICE and the profession it

serves must organise themselves as outlined in the Sustainability Charter.

2.1.1. ICE Charter for Sustainable Development

The Institution of Civil Engineers believes that Sustainable Development is central to civil engineering and

that ICE and the profession it serves must organise themselves accordingly.

In making this statement the Institution recognises the vital role played by its members in identifying the ne-

eds of society and devising and delivering solutions that are affordable and meet society’s aspirations. In ful-
filling this role civil engineers contribute to economic growth, to environmental protection and to improved

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