On 4 March 2025, the global engineering community comes together to mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, a UNESCO initiative that highlights the crucial role of engineers in addressing global challenges. This year’s theme, “Unleashing the power of engineers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” reflects the need for engineering expertise in building a sustainable, resilient future for all.
The built environment is at the heart of many of the SDGs, from climate action and clean energy to sustainable cities and responsible consumption. At CIBSE, we recognise the responsibility of engineers in shaping the world around us and ensuring that buildings and infrastructure contribute positively to the environment and society.
We play a leading role in driving sustainability and best practices in building services engineering globally through guidance, training and knowledge-sharing. Our contributions include:
- Technical excellence & industry guidance: CIBSE provides industry-leading guidance and best practices to support engineers in designing energy-efficient, safe, and resilient buildings. From decarbonisation strategies to embodied carbon assessment methodologies, our publications help professionals integrate sustainability into every stage of building design and operation.
- Building safety & performance: Safety and sustainability go hand in hand. CIBSE has been instrumental in shaping building safety regulations and competency frameworks, ensuring that engineers have the skills and knowledge to deliver high-performing and resilient buildings.
- Knowledge sharing & professional development: Through training courses, CPD programmes, and events, CIBSE equips engineers worldwide with the latest insights on net-zero design, climate resilience, and energy efficiency. Our global reach ensures that knowledge is shared across borders to address common sustainability challenges.
- Collaboration for global impact: CIBSE actively works with international bodies, universities, and industry partners to promote sustainable engineering solutions. From participating in policy discussions to supporting initiatives like the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, we are dedicated to advancing sustainability on a global scale.
As we celebrate World Engineering Day 2025, we recognise the dedication of engineers worldwide in transforming the built environment for a greener, safer, and more resilient future. By continuing to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, we can unlock the full potential of engineering to drive meaningful change.