The ephemeralisation of engineering

In early 2020, GHD Digital brought together a diverse group of professionals to explore the future of engineering. We published their insights in a thought book, ‘Tomorrow’s thinking, today’s people.’ Two years and a global pandemic later, we revisited the themes covered in the thought book, to see what impact COVID-19 had on their ideas. In most instances, we found that the events of the last two years made them even more relevant.  

In his article, former CEO of the Office of Innovation and Science Australia, Dr. Charles Day discussed how the traditional perception of engineers as back-office experts or workers in PPE gear is well behind us. He contended that today’s engineers work in a myriad of settings, frequently using some of the most powerful digital tools available.

But two years into the pandemic, is this still an accurate summation, and what other changes can we expect to see in the industry moving forward? A recent discussion led by Jacyl Shaw, Global Practice Director of GHD Digital’s D-Lab addressed this question.

GHD leaders Monique Roser, Technical Services Leader, Victoria (Australia) of GHD and Matt Winkelman, Northern Hemisphere Operations Director of GHD Digital, reflected on how Dr. Day’s concepts have remained relevant to engineers throughout the pandemic and what we can expect to see in the industry moving forward.

What is ephermeralisation?

Charles explains ephermeralisation as, “The notion that we can satisfy human desires for consumption, while using fewer resources from the physical world.” Ephermeralisation can be applied in engineering to help solve complex global issues like climate change and unsustainable resource depletion, as it allows us to use less while simultaneously building more.

It goes beyond counting the physical resources needed for building a project. Today’s engineers are asking the more complex questions, like ‘what is the most beneficial use of our water?’ or ‘how can we more effectively monitor our progress in reducing risks and improve on operating costs?’ And the factors fueling ephermeralisation are not just about monetary value; they have a community value.

Regardless of how tangible some resources are, ephermeralisation is all about making more out of less, so we can optimise efficiencies, operate more sustainably, and share saved resources with those who need them the most.

The evolving engineer

To keep up with the changing world, we need to rethink what engineering means. The notion of an isolated person solving problems in their office is changing.

The hybrid work environment – remote and face-to-face – brought on by the global pandemic has motivated engineers to collaborate with stakeholders more freely, such as urban planners, policymakers, IT (Information Technology) specialists and more. 

The engineers’ place in the world is changing. In the past, engineers have been relegated to dealing with how to do something. Now, through an increased focus on growing a large network of relationships, engineers have been brought to the fore, making decisions around what should be done and why it ought to happen.

By approaching a project with a diverse range of perspectives and the inclusion of a wider range of professions, the new generation of engineers will come from a community where ingenuity and imagination thrive.

The role of data in ephermerisation

We have been collecting data for as long as we can remember. But with the need to achieve more benefit with less effort and for less cost, we must think of our infrastructure as assets with purpose.

The availability of accurate, real-time data has accelerated over the years. At the same time, the rapid increase in potential applications of data for projects has manifested in more efficient ways of working, unlocking an ability to impact a much larger scale. Our attitudes to using data have also changed; we can react quicker with more information at our fingertips.

Monique Roser believes that despite so much information and data being available, the right data must be used for the right purpose. “In line with ephermeralisation principles, we need to make sure engineers don’t fall for the danger of being hypnotised by having too much data. We must ensure the data is relevant, so we are set up to ask the right questions. By following this process, we will give ourselves the best possible opportunity to generate unparalleled outcomes that benefit a broader collection of people.”

Ephermerisation meets social expectations

In today’s world, engineers are expected to consider assets that have the potential for greater social impact. Engineers now need to consider how they can serve a grander purpose. “There is a synergy between ephermerisation and the rapidly expanding desires of people across the globe. Engineers have constantly been challenged to do more for the community with less – whether that be reducing the use of physical resources, production time, or funding. As a result, today’s assets are being designed to be more robust, adaptable, and purposeful,” Matt Winkelman explains.

Matt adds, “There must always be a greater purpose for whatever we do for the community, for the customer, or for the environment. There must be tangible benefit. Leveraging data specific to our community and business needs is a great way to increase positive impact while reducing effort and cost.”

A road provides connectivity between businesses and communities. A water pipeline conveys recycled water to drought-impacted farmers. These assets are critical for building and sustaining livable communities, however, they are also expensive to construct and maintain. By using real-time monitoring and condition assessment data for these assets, we can understand how to maintain these assets at a lower cost while reducing risk to our community – from disruption in the flow of water, to the movement of people, or potential impacts to the environment. When considering the relatively low cost of enhanced, digital asset management and the associated cost savings for these assets, the engineer is presented with a compelling solution to create greater community benefit.

By emphasising collaboration, a community-centered approach and adopting the key tenants of ephermeralisation, engineers can make a much bigger social impact.

Our outlook on the future

By accepting the idea that the role of engineering is evolving into a more inquisitive, diverse, and collaborative occupation, we begin to see engineers reach their full potential and improve the world around them. 

One of the critical avenues for achieving this will be through fostering digital transformation to meet the purpose-driven demands of contemporary society. Today, there is much more recognition that engineering is not just the thing that is built – it’s about the service it can provide to our communities and societies.

Engineers will pave the way for solving the next significant challenges we face. By celebrating different viewpoints, championing digital capabilities, and advocating for social impact, we can start to build a better tomorrow today.