In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, preserving our built heritage offers a valuable opportunity to learn from the past and minimise environmental impact. By extending the lifespan of existing structures, heritage engineering reduces the need for demolition and new construction, both of which can have a significant ecological footprint.
This focus on sustainability was central to the recent successful completion of the professional development course, “Implementation of Heritage Engineering Solutions.” The course, co-designed by Engineering Heritage Australia and the University of Canberra, equipped engineers and other professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard our built heritage while promoting environmental responsibility.
Partridge Senior Associate, Tadd Walford (right) mingles with the facilitation team.
The program offered a comprehensive approach, blending self-paced online learning with a hands-on workshop led by experienced practitioners. Partridge Director Eamonn Madden and Senior Associate Tadd Walford, were among the facilitators and lecturers who shared their expertise with the participants.
The program kicked off on April 20, 2024, providing participants with the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of heritage materials and construction methods at their own pace. This was followed by an interactive online Q&A session on June 1st, allowing participants to address any questions and deepen their understanding.
The culmination of the course was a two-day workshop held on July 9th and 10th, 2024, at the historic Cockatoo Island in Sydney. Participants had the unique opportunity to examine heritage materials first-hand, explore the different ways they deteriorate, and learn about the vital processes involved in their conservation.
This successful course not only empowers engineers of all disciplines to contribute to heritage preservation and environmental responsibility but also paves the way for their professional development. By completing this course alongside the “Introduction to Engineering Heritage” course, qualified engineers can pursue accreditation as Heritage and Conservation Engineers, adding their expertise to the EA National Engineering Register.
