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That requires a mindset shift and marks a change in practice. To deliver regenerative project outcomes, engineers also need to think about equity, ecology, community benefit and more. And they need to do it collaboratively and to a level of ambition not previously identified, often without an increase in time allocation or budget.
At SMEC, we are embedding regenerative design into practice through an internal framework, training programs and a network of ambassadors who will work alongside project teams. These tools will help identify opportunities early, whether they are reducing inequity, restoring ecosystems, or delivering lasting social outcomes.
We recognise change can be challenging. Entrenched project scopes, tight budgets, short-term funding models and client priorities can make it difficult to stretch ambition. However, as regenerative design matures, demand from clients and governments is expected to grow, just as sustainability moved from being “off-brief” to a non-negotiable.
For engineers, regenerative design resonates with the very purpose that drives the profession: serving communities and shaping a sustainable built environment. As Miller notes,
Regenerative design represents the next evolution. Rather than aiming for outcomes that are “less bad”, it asks: how can a project give back more than it takes? From ecological restoration to community wellbeing, regenerative design delivers outcomes that actively restore and enrich environmental and social systems.
The shift won’t happen overnight, but the momentum is building. Regenerative design challenges engineers, clients and communities alike to reimagine what’s possible—and to deliver projects that don’t just sustain but restore and regenerate.
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Advancing circular economy goals in a growing Australia
As Australia’s population accelerates toward an estimated 39 million by 2050, the challenges of waste generation and resource management grow more complex. To address this, the Australian Government has launched a Circular Economy Framework, a roadmap to double the nation’s circularity by 2035.
Breaking Down Silos to Transform Transport Mega-Projects for a Sustainable Future
Transport mega-projects are reshaping the future of urban mobility, driving innovations that enhance connectivity, support communities, and enable economic growth and sustainability. Through cutting-edge technology and large-scale infrastructure, these projects are transforming cities by reducing congestion, improving environmental outcomes and facilitating seamless travel.
Smart Roads and Vehicles: How Connected Vehicle-based ITS Infrastructure could revolutionise urban Transport Planning and enhance Smart Mobility.
Over 50% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, with the World Bank forecasting that city populations will reach 6 billion by 2045 (World Bank, 2023). As cities grapple with the pressures of rapid urbanisation, innovative solutions are essential to addressing congestion and infrastructure demands.
Advancing sustainable road infrastructure in the Federated States of Micronesia
Zahid Iqbal presented a case study on the Sustainable Road Infrastructure Investment Project (SRIIP) at the recent Blue Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane, Australia. This event was organised by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC). The case study sheds light on sustainable road infrastructure development in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It highlights the critical role SMEC is playing in advancing this significant endeavor.
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