Dear members,

During the World Energy Congress, to be held in Montreal from September 12 to 16, the Réseau des ingénieurs du Québec will take part in the Energy for a Sustainable Future Round Table on September 16, at Complexe Desjardins. The RéseauIQ will underscore the role and place held by engineers regarding Québec’s sustainable development challenges in energy development.

In 2009, after publishing its study entitled Québec Energy Development Study, the RéseauIQ toured various regions to raise awareness and get feedback from its members. It was also part of a special team created by the Ministère des ressources naturelles et de la faune (MRNF) on new renewable energy sources. The studies and technical papers presented at the Congress will also be available at the RéseauIQ booth at the Complexe Desjardins, for the duration of the event.

Engineers are at the heart of projects everywhere, and are responsible for integrating sustainable development in their practices. Their role is to come up with solutions, apply them, and ultimately guide decision-makers and communities in determining the right solutions to energy challenges. Innovation in emerging energy sources will allow Québec to meet its future energy requirements.

Engineers must cooperate actively to face energy challenges by integrating in their practices the principles of sustainable development and by applying solutions that arise from them. They can contribute to optimizing the transportation of people and goods, as well as maintaining current energy infrastructures. Their expertise also allows them to be involved in the discussion on saving energy initiatives.

Québec must remain committed to this issue if it wishes to continue being a global leader in energy and technology matters. It must channel its efforts on items such as climate change, reducing greenhouse gases, transportation and green buildings, as well as transportation infrastructure: all sectors where engineering can let its expertise shine.

François P. Granger, Eng., Ph. D.
President
Réseau des ingénieurs du Québec