Engineering in a climate emergency
Event Information
About this event
Engineering in a climate emergency
We are joined by Mike Cook and Will Arnold of the Institution of Structural Engineers Climate Emergency Task Group. The speakers will address the topic of the climate emergency, particularly in relation to the built environment and structural engineering. It is clear from the work of climate scientists that without a complete re-imagining of the way we design and construct our world, life on earth by the end of this century will be extremely uncomfortable, affecting the lives of our children and grandchildren. As structural engineers, what responsibility and opportunity do we have to respond to the needs of this world? And how can we take the first steps towards changing an industry that is notoriously slow to change?
Speakers:
Will Arnold
Head of Climate Action at The Institution of Structural Engineers
Will is a senior engineer and climate change specialist at the Institution of Structural Engineers. Prior to the current role Will was practicing as structural engineer at Arup for over ten years and , and was responsible for key aspects of ambitious architectural projects across the world from the UK to Rwanda. A Chartered Member of the IStructE since 2014, Will sits on the institution's Climate Emergency Task Group, the Engineering Advisory Group for the Structural Engineer journal, and part of the judging panel for The Structural Awards. Will was named as the IStructE's 2017 Young Structural Engineer of the Year and last year (2021) was presented with the President’s Award, in recognition of his work instigating change in the field of structural sustainability.
Dr Mike Cook
Visiting Prof. Imperial College and Chairman Seratech Ltd
Dr Mike Cook is Institution’s 2020 Gold Medalist. He has been awarded with this medal in recognition of his infectious enthusiasm and curiosity for structural engineering, and for his passion and leadership in response to the challenges of climate change. Mike spent most of his career in working to create a thriving design group then becoming Senior Partner/Chairman of BuroHappold Engineering.
Currently he is teaching at Imperial College and working with Seratech Ltd, a start-up focusing on zero carbon concrete solutions.
