This is the first in a series of papers exploring the changing face of the engineering industry, as we shift away from purely technical solutions and toward ones in which community concerns shape project design. In short, we aim to track the evolution of engineering and document the most important lessons learned as they relate to improving social conditions. The idea for the series stemmed from a desire within our company to assess how far we — SNC-Lavalin and the industry as a whole — have come thus far on our journey toward building solutions that better society. Taking stock of where we have been and where we are today allows us to better determine where we want to go in the future and how we can get there. The intention is to be descriptive, not prescriptive. Our goal with this series is to showcase the early examples of a process that is already underway and use this as a springboard for discussion, ideation and ultimately social innovation. This, in turn, will help us achieve one of our greater goals as a company, which is to develop projects that benefit all stakeholders and truly improve quality of life wherever we operate.

1. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
3
SUSTAINABILITY AND BEYOND:
THE SOCIAL PURPOSE OF
ENGINEERING
White paper
March 2016

2. Foreword
This is the first in a series of papers exploring the changing face of the
engineering industry, as we shift away from purely technical solutions and
toward ones in which community concerns shape project design. In short,
we aim to track the evolution of engineering and document the most
important lessons learned as they relate to improving social conditions.
The idea for the series stemmed from a desire within our company to
assess how far we—SNC-Lavalin and the industry as a whole—have come
thus far on our journey toward building solutions that better society. Taking
stock of where we have been and where we are today allows us to better
determine where we want to go in the future and how we can get there.
The intention is to be descriptive, not prescriptive. Our goal with this series
is to showcase the early examples of a process that is already underway
and use this as a springboard for discussion, ideation and ultimately social
innovation. This, in turn, will help us achieve one of our greater goals as a
company, which is to develop projects that benefit all stakeholders and truly
improve quality of life wherever we operate.

3. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
“When social systems and
technology have been able
to complement each other,
engineering has been
immensely effective in
improving human life.”
— George Bugliarello, former president of the
Polytechnic Institute at New York University, in the
1991 publication Engineering as a Social Enterprise
When innovative feats of
engineering improve our
overall way of life, we all
stand back in awe —
because of the ingenuity
involved and the rarity of
the occasion.
But what if improving social well-being
was the greater purpose of every single
engineering project?

4. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
Throughout history, engineers have transformed societies with their innovative contributions, both big and small.
Things we now take for granted, such as the pulley or the aqueduct, were once new and novel. It’s hard to imagine
life without these once-revolutionary developments.
Today, engineering defines our landscape as never before. Large-scale civic infrastructure projects pave the way for
fast-paced lifestyles in developed countries, while advances in telecommunications enable farmers in rural
Bangladesh to optimize their prices using smartphones. Driverless vehicles, both aerial and terrestrial, are no longer
the stuff of science fiction.
But it would be wrong to think that the best or most impactful ideas in the engineering industry are only those that
involve technological innovation. In fact, our collective potential for greater social good stems from not only
groundbreaking solutions but also from progressive project design and delivery.
By finding new ways to make projects more inclusive and mutually beneficial for all stakeholders, engineers can—
and should—change our collective view of the profession, shifting it from a purely technical role to a more socially
conscious one.
Inspired by Sustainable Development
Social purpose has its roots in sustainable development, an intention that was once on the fringe of the industry but
has since become an integral part of any serious engineering project. As a result, social purpose should be
considered an extension of sustainability. It has become a next-level challenge for engineers, who enjoy both the
privilege and the duty to use their skills to foster maximum benefits for society.
Sal Alajek, the Portfolio Manager at Engineers without Borders Canada, argues that a recent transformation in
corporate culture empowers engineers to uphold an ethical compass. These professionals value their ability to
improve a community’s well-being through their work
1
.
So how does social purpose differ from the social considerations included in sustainable development? The key
differentiator is the intention. Typically, the social facet of sustainable development has mainly looked to reduce a
project’s impact on communities after the design has already been developed and accepted. In contrast, social
purpose incorporates community input right from the outset, before the design is fully formed. In other words, social
needs are determined before project plans are drafted, not after. This format addresses the most important issues
expressed by the community so that the projects can be designed around these concerns.
As George Bugliarello stated, “Engineering can best carry out its social purpose when it is involved in the
formulation of the response to a social need, rather than just being called to provide a quick technological fix.”
2
But Is this Realistic?
The engineering industry’s experience with sustainable development points to a resounding “yes.” Not long ago,
many people considered sustainability as nothing more than a lofty aspiration. Today, however, it’s an essential factor
in all major projects. It is often required by clients and can be what distinguishes one viable bid from another. The
reason behind the shift in attitudes about sustainability is simple: everyone gains from the effort. When communities
benefit, social licence to operate is much more easily achieved, which saves project owners significant time and
costs.
1
Sal Alajek, telephone interview conducted by Impakt, Oct. 15, 2013
2
George Bugliarello, Engineering as a Social Enterprise, 1991, www.nap.edu/read/1829/chapter/10#81, accessed on
February 29, 2016

5. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
Some may argue that the industry has gone as far it can go—or wishes to go—with sustainability. But several trends,
from academic research to progressive projects, indicate that the movement is already well on its way toward
engineering for greater social good.
A compelling example is the annual Global Grand Challenges Summit, a joint project of the U.S. National Academy of
Engineering, the U.K. Royal Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The Summit brings
together leading engineers, scientists, economists and policymakers from around the world to address international
issues
3
. This global event is focused on areas of sustainability, health and education. It also looks at topics such as
technology and growth, resilience, and ways to enrich life
4
. These subjects may seem like a stretch to those who still
limit their view of the field to its practical function; however, this Summit indicates that engineering has turned a
corner.
Adding to a deeper examination of the topic, Heather Cruickshank and Richard Fenner, professors at the Cambridge
University Engineering Department Centre for Sustainable Development, created a list of sustainability criteria that
can be used to assess engineering projects.
For these professors, a sustainable engineering project is one that not only meets a need but is also
maintainable, culturally appropriate and suitably affordable. These initiatives do not consume unnecessary
resources and are not excessively damaging. At the same time, they promote equity and allow for future
development.
These observations have not fallen on deaf ears, since some forward-thinking industry leaders have already shown
commitment to achieving these objectives.
3
Sujata K. Bhatia, “Global Grand Challenges for Engineering and International Development,” Harvard
International Review 35.1 (Summer 2013): 4-5
4
Sujata K. Bhatia, “Global Grand Challenges for Engineering and International Development,” Harvard
International Review 35.1 (Summer 2013): 4

6. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
Case Studies: Statoil and Pacific Future Energy Corporation
The efforts being made by oil and gas firm Statoil
offer a good example of sustainable practices. The
company defines its sustainability mission as “helping
to meet the world’s growing energy needs in
economically, environmentally and socially
responsible ways.” As part of its social approach,
Statoil has developed stakeholder engagement
policies that guide its consultations with all project
stakeholders, including local communities,
government, civil society and industry associations.
These policies also steer the company’s discussions
with employees and unions, investors, business
partners, suppliers and customers.
In keeping with these policies, Statoil consults with
key community representatives in the early scoping
phase of a project to identify and incorporate their
needs and concerns.
All consultations take place in that community’s
own language and aim to be culturally
appropriate. When Statoil consults with
indigenous communities, it uses the “free, prior
and informed” consultation process to help foster
an open dialogue with these groups.
This thorough and inclusive approach pays real
dividends for proponents who make the effort to do
things right. We only need to think of stalled
projects—with countless examples spanning various
industries worldwide—to see the impact of ignoring
community concerns. When companies fail to address
these issues, they pay a much higher price than the
cost of designing a project around social purpose,
since they might not obtain social license to operate
at all.
With an eye on the horizon, Pacific Future Energy
Corporation (PFEC) has taken note of this concept
through its proposal to build a new petroleum refinery
in northern British Columbia. This project would allow
Western Canadian petroleum products to be delivered
to foreign markets without the risk of shipping diluted
bitumen to tidewater and by tanker.
Unlike previous project proponents, whose proposals
have been sidelined due to community opposition,
PFEC focused its early efforts on creating a project
that can effectively incorporate community concerns
at the design stage right through to construction and
operation. One of PFEC’s foundational principles is
that First Nations are a first order of government.
PFEC knows that it must gain the “free, prior and
informed consent” from local First Nations who are
the the title holders and affected by this project. As a
result, PPEC is maximizing its chances of success —
both now and in the future.

7. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
Case Study: SNC-Lavalin
Another leader in social inclusion and development,
SNC-Lavalin, is well known for its proprietary Local
Resource Development Initiative
TM
(LRDI). This
customizable solution draws on the company’s best
practices from the past 20 years. At the same time, it
demonstrates SNC-Lavalin’s sensitivity to local needs
and priorities, which act as prerequisites to a more
socially conscious approach to engineering.
How does the LRDI program work? The process
begins with concept studies, followed by the
development of a stakeholder engagement plan. This
noteworthy plan outlines how the company can work
with local communities to:
› Empower their workers, companies and
communities through training, mentorship and
capacity building.
› Address government requirements and community
expectations related to the positive economic
impacts of large-scale projects.
› Optimize socio-economic connections with the local
labour force and the community’s private sector
These consultations continue throughout different
phases of the project starting with the assessment
stage all the way through to the design stage. The
discussions ensure the program continues to address
local needs and issues as the project advances.
Most importantly, the LRDI program enhances
community benefits to its workforce, businesses
and supply chain through practical know-how and
experience.
The end result is that the community becomes a
stronger contender for future initiatives.
The success of the innovative LRDI program is
evident in a long list of projects around the world.
Through extensive training and mentoring, thousands
of labourers have gained practical work skills and
secured full-time jobs on these international initiatives.
To ensure local ownership, community institutions act
as partners to provide training opportunities.
Hundreds of small businesses have increased their
capacity and quality through the LRDI program,
allowing them to become qualified goods and service
providers for major engineering developments.
Some significant contracts have been awarded under
the LRDI, with values ranging from $50,000 to $10
million. Beyond the clear benefits to the local
workforce, the LRDI also generates savings for
project owners through reduced construction and
operation costs.
In Angola, the LRDI program formed a core
component of the Matala Dam Rehabilitation Project
in an area where quality technical education and job
opportunities were scarce.
SNC-Lavalin worked with local stakeholders to create
39 training courses in health and safety as well as in
basic building works (welding, masonry, rigging,
painting, scaffolding, formwork, rebar, and so on).
Workers also received education in hospitality
(housekeeping and laundry) and computer skills.
An impressive 90% of all 1,200 trainees graduated
and were placed in jobs, with nearly 400 finding
permanent positions at the Matala facility.
This initiative is considered a major success and has
earned SNC-Lavalin two awards from the Angolan
government as well as one from the client.
When SNC-Lavalin went to Afghanistan to assist with
water and rural development projects, many of the
same employment issues surfaced. The LRDI
program was used to ensure that local workers and
businesses would be given the opportunity to
contribute to the projects.
In all, about 460 permanent jobs were created, along
with 1,842 seasonal jobs. Local businesses benefitted
from more than 100 contracts, allowing significant
development of small and medium businesses within
the country.

8. SNC-Lavalin Sustainability and Beyond: The Social Purpose of Engineering
March 2016
About SNC-Lavalin
Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the
ownership of infrastructure. From offices in over 50 countries, SNC-Lavalin’s employees provide EPC and EPCM services to
clients in a variety of industry sectors, including mining and metallurgy, oil and gas, environment and water, infrastructure and
clean power. SNC-Lavalin can also combine these services with its financing and operations and maintenance capabilities to
provide complete end-to-end project solutions. snclavalin.com
©2016 SNC-Lavalin Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
SCCS No. 0001
Conclusion
Engineering projects can achieve a broader social impact through local workforce, enterprise and supply chain
development, as just a few examples. The potential benefits are as varied as the social issues that affect
communities worldwide. As the movement toward social purpose in engineering evolves, we will continue to discover
more possibilities that we can create together.
It is now incumbent on all members of the engineering community to use their knowledge and privileged social
position to find the best possible solutions for the communities they serve.
If every engineering project is viewed as an opportunity to respond to both a technical need and a social one, the
overall impact on human societies will be massive. It will be so significant, in fact, that we may quickly forget that
engineering was once just a branch of science concerned with the design and construction of objects and structures.
Engineering will become synonymous with social progress and improved quality of life, generating a renewed sense
of pride in our diverse industry.
Contributors
Author: Mark Osterman, Vice-president - Environment & Sustainability, SNC-Lavalin
Co-writer: Monique James, Communication Specialist, SNC-Lavalin
Contributor: Paul Klein, CEO, Impakt