INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Historically, engineers have focused on providing the most cost-effect ive, effective, efficient use of resources to fulfill the goals and ob jectives of organizations they represent. Priorities have been local r ather than global; a partnership of public and private interests has b een the exception, not the rule. Today, the accelerating pace of techn ological advancement and a concern for the protection of limited natur al resources mandate a partnership of interests to fuel innovative ide as for moving humankind into the age of sustainability. Meeting presen t needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs will require sustainable management practices, and en gineers will take the lead as the managers of sustainability. First, h owever, fundamental changes must occur in engineering, regulatory, and bureaucratic philosophies. Engineers must become innovative thinkers, ensuring that technological applications incorporate sustainable deve lopment concepts. Regulatory policies must include positive economic i ncentives to encourage investment in research and development that lea ds to innovation. Finally, people at all levels of bureaucracy must be come informed risk takers capable of making responsible, timely decisi ons.