EWB Annual Conference ’18 – Report
Huge thanks to all involved in last night’s annual conference in Engineers Ireland.
Special thanks to our Keynote Speaker Sachin Bhoite who joined us from Arup London office to speak about his work on the global City Resilience Index as part of ARUP’s International Development team – stressing the importance of fostering participation by the local community to allow true ownership of any projects or new systems, therefore ensuring any changes to build resilience are designed, welcomed and implemented by the people who need them most.
The evening kicked off with an update from Declan Alcock, one of EWB Ireland’s Directors – filling us in on all the activities and progress over the last year. Achieving charitable status, hiring our first paid member of staff, appointing Elaine Doyle to the board of Directors, forming a new 3 year partnership with ARUP, and joining as one of 14 partners of the EU DEAR Build Solid Ground campaign, focusing on SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
We also heard from Marta Imaz and Rachael Gannon of ARUP Dublin who shared their story of their volunteer experience in Kabwe, Zambia with Habitat for Humanity Ireland this summer – working alongside local builders and creating friendships with Margaret and her family, who would soon move into the home they were building. Their passion and enthusiasm was inspiring to see – for more info on upcoming trips with Habitat Ireland here.
Great to hear from Eoin Bracken and Dan Morgan of Farm Social, talking about the development of their Biokiln since their design concept won the EWB competition Where There Is No Engineer (WTINE). They have continued work on their prototype since their trip to Nepal in 2017, and gave us an update on their new gardening skills in their very own poly tunnel – showing the huge potential for biochar as a nutrient rich fertiliser, particularly in regions of poor quality soil. Get in touch at farmsocial@outlook.com.
All of the speakers placed a huge importance on the human aspect of their work – putting people at the centre of projects, and the positive impact that engineering and innovation can have on improving quality of life communities all over the world. All showed a sense of participation, integration and a shared-knowledge approach to bring the best solution to the relevant community they are working with.
Facilitating the solution, rather than dictating it.
Build Solid Ground #BuildSG #HumanitarianEngineering