b'Partner News Winter 2021 7IET updatesIf youd like to partner with the IET on a special project or activity, please contact Louise Hall on +44 (0)1438 767351 or advert@theiet.orgDesign engineers have been designingwarrior Simon Lockrey PhD. Simon Lockrey with sustainability in mind for generations.bridges the gap between technical, However, with sustainability increasinglycommercial, creative, and sustainabilityWe engaged with the Protolabs becoming a matter for industry to contendfields. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at with, fast evolving global environmentalRMIT, Australia, in sustainability and designteam on the topics of digital crises must be met with a more coordinatedand sits on the board of Internationaldata for sustainability and response. So, its vital now more than everSustainable Development Research Society.carbon footprint reduction, that we consider what the practical stepsHe commented:must be for design engineers.underlining the need for We face grand challenges this century,data sobriety. Design for Ambitious carbon targets have been setsuch as climate change, resource limits,disassembly was another topic by governments for the years ahead, andfood security issues and water shortage. more and more businesses are signing up toIncreasingly, designers and engineers needthat we explored in the genre climate change agreements, but how can theto be cognizant of the impact the productsof sustainable product re-targets and agreements be translated intoand services they create have on the world inmanufacturing. Our involvement action? What framework is there for designlight of such problems. Life cycle assessment engineers and their employers to plot theiris one way to understand these issues, andin the InspirON series added journeys to a more sustainable future? the InspirON series helps illuminate thisa different perspective on the worlds best practice method so that it cantopics discussed, grounded on There are in fact answers to these questionsbe applied on projects of the future.and the required expertise is out there!research outcomes and multi-When Protolabs approached the IET withThe video presentations delivered by thesector practical knowledge. The the idea of a curated and comprehensiveexperts are grouped into four themes toinitiative generated interest and resource of global knowledge for designhelp viewers navigate through the variety engineers to become more sustainable inof content: Inspire to Change; Technicalwe hope the shared knowledge their work, we thought this was an importantTools; Go Faster; and Thinking Big. Thereenhanced understanding and step along the road to sustainability.are also round table and Q&A sessionsfacilitated fresh insights.With Protolabs initiative, along with theirthat form discussion-based presentations background in supporting innovation in keyaround the key topics of sustainability in industries that could turn the tide on globaldesign engineering and manufacturing.John Patsavellas Senior Lecturer carbon emissions, combined with our ownManufacturing Management, expertise in engineering, technology andThe IETs own James Robottom (SustainabilityCranfield Universitymanufacturing, we knew this partnershipand Climate Change Lead), Jeremy Hadall could potentially make a real difference. (robotics and automation consultant and Chair of the IETs Design and Production Sector The InspirON Sustainability Series consistsExecutive Committee) and John PatsavellasRepresenting the IET, it was of video presentations and round table(Senior Lecturer at Cranfield University and discussions with the involvement of expertsmember of the IETs Design and Productionclear to me that the professional and thought leaders in the various fields ofSector Executive Committee) were directlyengineering institutions have sustainability, including circular economy,involved in several of the presentationsa significant part to play in life-cycle analysis, materials technology,and discussions that make up the series. renewable energy, government legislationAllan Rennie, Professor in Manufacturingsupporting these types of and consumer culture. Delivered live in AprilEngineering at Lancaster University andinitiatives, engaging with industry, and May 2021, and with recorded contentmember of the IETs Design and Productioneducators and learners alike with continuously available on-demand on Wistia,Sector Executive Committee was involved in the series is in response to the growingthe first discussion on this partnership, and hisan agenda to ensure that the very urgency around climate change mitigationcontribution was invaluable. best sources of knowledge can be and how design engineers are key to thispulled together for the benefit of endeavour.The InspirON Sustainability Series has so far supported around 1,000 design engineersall those participating.The experts and thought leaders whofrom across Europe and will continue to currently live and breathe sustainability aresupport the community for years to come. in a unique position to share their knowledgeWith this suitable framework in place, designAllan Rennie, Professor in Manufacturingand insight to prepare others for thisengineers are now better placed to meet theEngineering at Lancaster University and member challenge. Their presentations are vital toregulatory and consumer demands of theof the IETs Design and Production Sector the quality of the content and they includefuturefor themselves, for their employers,Executive Committeeplastics expert Vannessa Goodship fromfor society and for the natural environment University of Warwick, author and publicwe all inhabit.speaker Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino, Chris Grantham from IDEO, Sophie ThomasFind out more: from Thomas Matthews and innovationinspiron.hubilo.com'