Synopsis
The winning entry to the Institution's Kenneth Severn Award 2026 – an annual essay competition for young engineers – responds to a question set by President Brian Uy: 'How can structural engineers take a leading role in the construction industry to promote structural efficiency and thereby lower-embodied-carbon solutions? How can structural engineering research support this role, and should we have minimum expectations of structural engineers in maintaining technical competence in innovation as well as maintaining public safety?'
Rena Vogelzang proposes expanding the traditional 3Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle to encompass reassess, research and regenerate as well. These new Rs could create a framework to challenge conventional practice, enabling structural engineers to reduce carbon, improve resource efficiency and deliver net-positive environmental outcomes. Mandating a structured approach to CPD in these new areas would also formalise this responsibility for members of the IStructE.