For two days, renowned experts spoke about the sustainable production of manufactured goods and resource consumption, and shared the roadmaps that can provide a stronger flow of sustainable energy and materials in cities and industrial systems. The topic was discussed within a global context and within Canada's political, economic, environmental and social framework. The consumption of materials to construct buildings, create infrastructures and manufacture equipment and products is expected to double in the next 40 years. It is crucial that there be a proper understanding of the impacts of material and energy flow on the environment, and that there be changes in the ways materials and energy are consumed that focus our efforts on sustainable development.

Several invitation-only workshops featured Polytechnique professors. Avi Friedman, professor in McGill University's School of Architecture, and Manuele Margni, professor in Polytechnique's Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, took part in a roundtable discussion on the question: “What are important research questions in the area of building sustainable cities and industries and what our two universities are doing in this area?” Catherine Morency, professor in Polytechnique's Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering and holder of the Chaire Mobilité, and Christian Mascle, professor in Polytechnique's Department of Mechanical Engineering, were also among the panellists.

Students were well represented at the poster showcase outside the main symposium hall. Visitors learned about recent research by undergraduate and graduate students at McGill University and Polytechnique Montréal in the fields of sustainable engineering, architecture and urban planning, all related to the topic of this year's symposium.

The public was invited to attend the evening conferences,

March 17
SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Speakers:
John Crittenden
Chris Turner

March 18, 2014
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES
Speakers:
Timothy Gutowski
Julian Allwood
Greg Keoleian

The mission of Polytechnique Montréal's Trottier Energy Institute is to train a new generation of engineers, scientists and innovators with a systemic understanding of the issues surrounding the future of energy and of the technologies available to carry off the challenges society will face in the coming decades. The Institute, directed by Miguel F. Anjos, professor in Polytechnique Montréal's Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Discrete Nonlinear Optimization in Engineering, promotes the search for solutions to help secure the future of energy in Québec, Canada and the world, as well as raising awareness and informing the public about these issues.

Launched in late 2012, TISED is a powerful vehicle for McGill engineering professors and students to influence public policy in the realm of engineering and sustainable design. TISED broadens students' knowledge and plays the role of an influential independent institution operating on a factual basis to better inform and educate public decision-makers on sustainable development issues.

The second edition of the symposium will take place May 4-5, 2015.

See also:
Symposium website

Website of the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design
Website of the Institut de l'énergie Trottier

The public events on March 17-18 were broadcast on live feed at: http://bcooltv.mcgill.ca/Viewer/?EventID=201311227277 (English)
http://bcooltv.mcgill.ca/Viewer/?EventID=201401108890 (French)

Video recordings are available at: http://bcooltv.mcgill.ca/ListRecordings.aspx?CourseID=8957