Think global

In such a global environment it is appropriate that building services engineering should be seen as an international discipline; after all, some of the greatest challenges faced by humanity are problems whose impact will not be restricted by national boundaries.

If engineers are to make a difference then they must continue to innovate and to fuse applications and ideas from science and nature. They must also work with engineers in other countries to produce adaptable, robust, engineered solutions. Which is why this month BSj has something of an international flavour.

Our coverage kicks off in southern Africa, where clever design, orientation and landscaping will allow the University of Luanda’s new campus to function without mechanical air-conditioning (page 14). Closer to home, an Anglo-Danish team has set exacting standards for acoustic and environmental engineering with its design for Copenhagen’s waterfront opera house (page 26). While in Portugal, the integration of architecture and services design proves that, even in the Mediterranean, there is an environmentally friendly way to ensure homes remain comfortable throughout the year (page 42).

All three of our featured schemes demonstrate that, when part of an integrated international team, engineers can more than fulfil their duties in improving the quality of life for people while taking responsibility for the consumption of natural resources.

To reflect the globalisation of engineering, CIBSE has made clear its ambition to grow internationally. With over a quarter of its members based overseas, the institution already has considerable global presence. But to its credit, CIBSE has signalled its intent to raise its presence on the global stage by growing its membership in China and Europe. Clearly there is much to do, but if a sign of the institution’s commitment to global engineering were needed, CIBSE has just made vice president David Hughes its international champion.

Andy Pearson, editor