ECCE Newsletter
Nº3 June 2013
EUROPE’S POLICIES FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING
During the 57th ECCE Gen- Inside this issue: eral Assembly in Lisbon, an International Conference was organized with the title: “Changes in Civil Engineer- 57th ECCE General 2 ing”. The theme is very real Meeting in Europe as after several years of investments in large infrastructures networks, Standing Commit- 3 suddenly, with the economic tee on Environment crisis, the construction indus- try almost stopped. So it is & Sustainability time to think about what to do Workshop Regulat- 5 about Civil Engineering in Europe and to give some ing access to pro- guidelines to the politicians. fessions: national Conference “Changes in Civil Engineering” perspectives Civil Engineering is always associated to public invest- are presently with incomes infrastructures needed), each ments, as its goal is to above 95 % from the world European will travel more achieve the well-being of the growing economies, and than 11000 km per year EU Sustainable 5 human society from the sim- many small SMEs, which (trans-European networks Energy Week 2013 ple comfort of having water in stayed in Europe, went into needed) with a big increase the tab, till the construction of bankruptcy. Today young in air transportation a 2km span bridge allowing civil engineers go working (intermodal systems need- What is the Euro- 6 an easy crossing of a large abroad as soon as they finish ed), the temperature will pean Professional river. Besides public works, their graduation. Europe that increase around 3ºC what Card? Civil Engineering is also as- globally has a lack of engi- leads to drying zones and an sociated to private invest- neers, who are the basic increase of the ocean level ments mostly corresponding force for a new growth of the with bigger waves and fre- News from ECCE 7 to the building of our homes. economy, is sending its civil quent hurricanes (water infra- Members All this represents in average engineers abroad! This clear- structures and coastal pro- more than 10% of the Euro- ly means a policy to increase tection needed), people living pean countries economy and the difficulties of any econo- in cities will increase from Upcoming ECCE 11 employment. my recuperation. 40% to 70% (transport net- Meetings & Confer- works for cities needed). This When governments stop But does this have to be like ences shows that Europe needs public investments, the econ- that? Has Europe built all its urgently to address the strat- omy of the society is affect- infrastructures and does not egies to be implemented in ed, leading to a reduction in need any more? No, it is infrastructures, like: private investments and au- clearly a short sighted vision tomatically civil engineering of the politicians, because Trans-European Energy activity decreases and unem- the well-being of our society Infrastructure; News from: ployment increases signifi- still needs, and will always cantly, reaching the actual need, a lot of public invest- Trans-European road and Estonia crisis in Europe. ments in civil engineering. railway links; Germany In this situation, many of the JF Kennedy during his reign Transports in sustainable construction companies, invoked this principle to good European cities; Latvia without work in Europe, had effect. The economy oper- only one way to survive: to ates more efficiently with a Intermodal transportation Lithuania internationalize, meaning to smooth infrastructure system systems; move to the countries where but cannot be put in place Portugal Coastal protection and public investments exist, without investment. Just look Slovenia namely in South America, at a few examples of what water infrastructures for Africa and Far-East. With Europe should implement: climatic changes. them went the engineers, the Infrastructures Mainte- architects, and in general all New Infrastructures – At the end of this century, the nance – Besides building the members of the construc- new infrastructures new tion cluster. Several Europe- energy consumption will in- crease around 100% (energy maintenance strategies to an construction companies protect the existing struc- Nº3 Page 2 tures, increasing their service achieved without the help of to death of people. A special terity and investment poli- life, or to prevent their rup- public funding complement- program should be devel- cies to reach a new growth ture in accident situations, ing private housing invest- oped for European southern with Civil Engineering be- should be financed as they ments. Also here there is a countries to consider both ing part of it. bring economy to Europe, lot of civil engineering to be the seismic and energy as- June 2013 associated to: implemented, associated to: pects in building renovation, towards a safe and functional Fernando Branco reduced costs of mainte- Renewal of our homes with house. nance new Insulation Systems ECCE President In conclusion there is still a (façades, roofs, glass, etc.) reduced need for substitu- and installing Monitoring lot of work to be done in in- tion of infrastructures (or Control Systems frastructures and house ren- building substitute ones).. ovation to prepare Europe for Implementation of New the near future, and for that, Building Renovation – And Renewable energies sys- public investments are need- what about private invest- tems (solar, wind, ocean, ed! … And believe it, with ments, mainly associated to river, etc.,) those investments the Eu- housing construction. Europe rope economy will increase which has low energy re- Buildings Seismic Protec- again, as J F Kennedy once sources is leading the way tion - In European Southern said! with a target for reduced countries seismic safety is as energy consumption till 2050. important as energy saving, Europe must urgently find But this is impossible to be or even more as it may lead equilibrium between aus-
57th ECCE GENERAL MEETING
The 57th ECCE General Meeting was held on 30th May – 1st June 2013, in Lisbon, Portugal, hosted by the Ordem dos Engenheiros (OE). Together with the 57th ECCE General Meeting, the OE/ECCE Conference with the title “Changes in Civil Engineering” was also organized with great success.
From left to right: Gorazd Humar - ECCE Immediate Past Pres., Carlos Matias 57th ECCE General Meeting and ECCE/OE Conference “Changes in Civil Ramos - OE President, Fernando Branco - ECCE President, Luis Oliveira Engineering” audience Santos - College of Civil Engineers Board Member
During the 57th ECCE General Meeting a special meeting was Another important cooperation between the European Coun- organized between the ECCE Executive Board, the President of cil of Civil Engineers and the Korean Society of Civil Engi- the Ordem dos Engenheiros and the Japan Society of Civil Engi- neers was also confirmed during the 57th ECCE General neers that participated for the first time in one of the ECCE Meet- Meeting by the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation ing. During this meeting many important issues were discussed between the two Associations. regarding the enhancement of the cooperation between the or- ganizations for the benefit of the civil engineering profession. More details and material from the 57th ECCE General Meet- Also, an Agreement of Cooperation between the Japan Soci- ing and the Conference “Changes in Civil Engineering” can be ety of Civil Engineers and the European Council of Civil found on the ECCE website. Engineers was mutually signed. Nº3 Page 3
From left to right: ECCE President Fernando Branco, JSCE President Takehiko From left to right: ECCE President Elect Wlodzimierz Szymczak and ECCE Ono and ECCE President Elect Wlodzimierz Szymczak signing the Agreement President Fernando Branco signing the Agreement of Cooperation between of Cooperation between ECCE and the Japan Society of Civil Engineers ECCE and the Korean Society of Civil Engineers
STANDING COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEE Environment & Sustainability
The Standing Committee Platform to becoming an In addition topics could also Environment and Sustainabil- information center about be on- and offshore wind ity (SC E&S) is a renewed E&S-education within Eu- power and civil engineering, old ECCE Standing Commit- rope concentrated solar power tee. After a period of rest and and civil engineering, waste reorganization it has been Water management and management etc. installed at the 56th ECCE scarcity problems within th E&S center of education General Assembly, 26 Oct. ECCE national member This goal is also on the way, 2012, in Dubrovnik, Croatia. states and a lot of data collecting By this ECCE contributed to work has to be done. Partly the many demands of their Involvement in EU- On the European scale actu- this work may be supported national members to keep a programmes concerning al topics are found and dis- by the Standing Committee keen eye on sustainable energy saving in the built cussed as the result of Education and Training and demands in the built environ- environment “opening” the European wa- by this gives a good oppor- ment. ter market to the public (e.g. E&S platform for civil tunity of cooperating between “European Parliament resolu- The SC E&S had its second engineers different ECCE SCs. tion of 3 July 2012 on the meeting at the 57th ECCE Common understanding of implementation of EU water General Assembly, 31 May sustainability within the group Water management legislation, ahead of a neces- 2013, in Lisbon, Portugal. of players in the built environ- The year 2013 is the interna- ment in Europe is not really tional year of Water Cooper- sary overall approach to Eu- In Dubrovnik Carsten Ahrens existent. Therefore the goal ation and a UN World Water ropean water challenges (Germany) has been elected of the SC is to build up such Day has been celebrated on (2011/2297(INI))). as chairman. nd a common platform of under- 22 March 2013. A number of different nation- In Lisbon George Demetriou standing. The first step to do The resolution A/RES/65/154 al water “managers” within (Cyprus) has been elected as so is the collection of the as part of the Millennium Europe tackle this directive vice-chairman. names of the E&S responsi- Development Goals has and are very critical on it. ble officers within our ECCE Some of these have been The main topics of the dis- been dedicated to “water member associations. This is discussed and addressed cussions within these two cooperation, with the aim of on the – stony – way. also to the general assembly. meetings which have been raising awareness on the Even a public European initi- and still are of actual as well Due to the lack of time in need to increase internation- ative is active (e.g. under as strategic interest are as Lisbon a proposed kick-off al cooperation in the field of www.right2water.eu). follows: speech of the chairman on water and on the challenges “Sustainability and the in- currently faced by water To give an impression of Platform to becoming an volvement of every per- management, especially in such actions some of these E&S-voice of European son/civil engineer” had to be respect of water access, critics are shown as follows: civil engineers postponed, but is still on the allocations and services”.
agenda. Nº3 Page 4
Thessaloniki Citizens’ Initiative 136 together with other groups bid for wa- ter company Monday, May 13, 2013
German water workers concerned about future of water services Friday, May 17, 2013
Reggio Emilia city towards re-municipalisation of water Monday, December 17th, the City Council of Reggio Emilia has approved a statement that brings the Emilian town near the re-municipalisation of the water service and represents another example for the rest of Italy.
Leaving this general pan-European critical path the vice-chairman G. Demetriou gave an interesting paper on water management, which is not only relevant for Cyprus, but for a number of countries especially around the Mediterranean Sea:
The paper also gave an out- will participate as an observ- look to possibly start a bid for er without any financial obli- a European project (see gations. www.waterloss-project.de). The project is involving differ- Cooperation within CiT- ent stakeholders of the chain iNZEB Project of value of the residential Just in time for learning how building sector, from local to make a bid for a European governments to institutions Call for proposals 2013 INTELLIGENT ENERGY EUROPE project, ECCE and, by this, as experts in the energy ar- Title: CITIES TOWARDS NEAR ZERO ENERGY BUILD- the SC E&S has been asked ea. The coordinator is the INGS by pan-European consortium City of Coruña, Spain. Promotion of energy refurbishment of existing residen- to participate in the CiT- iNZEB project (the respective tial buildings of European intermediate cities towards NZEB logos or descriptions are Carsten Ahrens seen below). The proposal Chairman of SC E&S has been signed by the EC- CE-president F. Branco. If the bid is successful ECCE
Prof. Carsten Ahrens Chairman of SC E&S Nº3 Page 5
NEWS FROM EU &OTHER ASSOCIATIONS
ECF Breakfast Briefing week on the same URL as The recording of the work- awareness, engage in dis- The European Construction the previous one shop can be found here. cussions, present and pro- Forum (ECF) is organizing a www.ecf.be. mote the latest and most
Breakfast Briefing regarding innovative sustainable ener- the follow up of the “Strategy CEPMC changed to CON- gy technologies. Workshop Regulating for the sustainable competi- STRUCTION PRODUCTS access to professions: The event: tiveness of the construction EUROPE national perspectives sector and its Enterprises” – During the General Assembly At the core of the week is a COM (2012) 433 at the Euro- The Workshop Regulating of the Council of European high-level policy conference th access to professions: na- pean Parliament on 27 June Producers of Materials for from 25 to 27 June, with tional perspectives was held 2013. MEP Reinhard Butiko- th Construction (CEPMC) that more than 40 different ses- fer will participate in the on 17 June 2013, in Brus- was held in Brussels on sions taking place in the Eu- event as EC rapporteur. The sels. ECCE President, Prof. Tuesday 4th of June the new ropean Commission’s Char- possible topics of debate will Fernando Branco, participat- name and logo of CEPMC lemagne building and in the ed in this workshop on behalf be the following: which has changed to Con- Committee of the Regions. of ECCE. • Construction is not part of struction Products Europe On 24 June, EU Energy the problem, but part of the The purpose of this work- was approved. The changes Commissioner Oettinger will solution for practically all shop was to invite stakehold- that have occurred to this open the Week at the pres- global challenges: energy ers to have an exchange on association can be found in tigious Sustainable Energy efficiency/ production/ distri- the different approaches to their new website. Europe and ManagEnergy bution, resource efficiency/ the regulation of professions Awards Ceremony, which will recycling, infrastructure, cli- across the EU and the on- take place at the Viage Thea- mate change mitigation/ ad- going reforms in this area. tre in Galerie Anspach. The aptation Pierre DELSAUX, Deputy Commissioner and Member of European Parliament Ma- • Construction is also a job Director General, Directorate ria Da Graça Carvalho will machine, mainly for local General Internal Market and award six prizes: five to the jobs in both SMEs and larger Services, European Commis- winners of the Sustainable firms sion made the opening Monday 24 June to Friday speech of the workshop. Two 28 June: EU Sustainable Energy Europe Awards • coordinate efforts at all panel discussions were held Energy Week 2013 (categories: Communicating, levels of EU and national on “The regulation of profes- The news: Consuming, Learning, Living governments in order to im- sions in Member States” and and Travelling) and one to plement coherent and bal- on “Recent reforms in Mem- Sustainable energy is at the the winner of the ManagEn- anced policies and legislation ber States”. Following this, 3 heart of the Europe 2020 ergy Award, recognising the based on a level playing field parallel sessions on the regu- Strategy for smart, sustaina- best practice in local and between public and private lation of selected professions ble and inclusive growth. To regional energy action. actors as well as between underline the importance of took place (Engineers, Craft In parallel and during the the EU and third countries moving towards more energy Professions, and Social whole week, hundreds of Workers). The closing ad- efficiency and renewables, • despite the need to reduce the European Commission events and activities related public debt, to ensure that dress was made by Claire to sustainable energy will BURY, Director, Directorate (DG Energy and EACI, Exec- the necessary investments utive Agency for Competitive- take place in around forty are made, in accordance with General Internal Market and countries in Europe and be- Services, European Commis- ness and Innovation) organ- political decisions izes the eighth edition of the yond, not only in capitals but sion. also in towns and villages. • ensure coherence between EU Sustainable Energy These will include interesting policy decisions and conse- ECCE President reported Week in Brussels. exhibitions and workshops quent investment decisions, that there was no discussion The background: and will show how small even if this requires punctual about the Directive on Pro- businesses and households exemptions from stability fessional Recognition and This year's main theme is can contribute to the collec- pact principles only England and France 'Financing and Sustainable showed some concern about Energy'. At the center of the tive energy efficiency effort. • ensure that enterprises and international recognition of discussions is the role the citizens have access to credit professionals. Countries just private sector can play as an for such investments, despite presented their own situation important source of financing Thematic Group (TG) 1: the stricter prudential rules of related to regulated or non- and how public funds availa- Stimulating investment in "Basel 3" and "Solvency 2" regulated professions, some- ble at national and European buildings' renovation and • unacceptable that cheap thing that ECCE already level can be used in the most innovation ECB money does not really knows well for Civil Engi- efficient way. The agenda will The first meeting of the The- reach the real economy. neers, corresponding to a include presentations of best matic Group (TG) 1 on large variety of systems financing practices and a “Stimulating investment in ECCE which is an ECF across European countries. debate on how to improve building’s renovation and Member will be represented innovation” was held on 11th The final agenda and all regulatory frameworks. Once by Mr. Karlheinz Zachmann. March 2013, in Brussels. presentations are now availa- more, the EU Sustainable Also, note that the new ECF ble here. Energy Week will be an ex- The European Commission website was launched last cellent opportunity to raise considers building renovation Nº3 Page 6 and innovation as the key What is the European tive burden and costs off the ments will be reduced due to topics to be addressed by the Professional Card? professional's shoulders and the involvement of the home Action Plan. However, some The European professional expedite the process be- competent authorities in the members of the High Level card is a project aimed to cause the home Member process, which would check Forum highlighted the im- facilitate the free movement State would assist the pro- the authenticity of the docu- portance to them of adding of professionals in the EU fessional (for instance, by ments. also infrastructure, especially confirming that his diploma is under a possible future mod- • Recognition procedures within the context of the Co- valid). ernization of the Professional should be less expensive for hesion policy 2014-2020. Qualifications Directive. The With a European profession- professionals: competent Therefore, it was decided implementation of the project al card: authorities should only be that the TG 1 will embrace all has been subject to discus- able to charge fees which are three aspects – Renovation, • professionals wishing to sions within a special group directly linked and propor- Innovation and Infrastructure become established in anoth- established for the purpose – tionate to the direct adminis- and will cope with this diver- er Member State would be "Steering Group on the pro- trative costs of the recogni- sity by breaking up the group able to obtain recognition of fessional card". tion procedure. into 3 sub-groups. their qualifications within six The card should simplify the weeks instead of 12 (in case In addition, the systematic The work that has already administrative procedure for of automatic recognition) and use of the IMI, funded by the been carried forward in the recognition, make it more ten weeks instead of 12 (in European Union, would allow past was acknowledges yet transparent for citizens and case of non-automatic recog- recognition procedures to be an overall strategy is still increase trust among the nition). This shortening of rationalized and could gener- missing. Therefore, Thematic competent authorities of EU deadlines will also lead to a ate cost savings for compe- Group 1 could contribute by Member States. reduction in costs for the tent authorities. In addition, having a look at bridging the professional; an online application tool for gaps and connecting the What is the European Pro- such a card will be made existing recommendations. fessional Card and how • professionals interested in available to professionals will it work? providing services in other ECCE President prepared and competent authorities for Member States on a tempo- and sent to Brussels com- The European professional further streamlining the pro- rary basis would be able to ments on the report of the card is an innovative tool to cess. use their professional card first meeting of TG 1. make it easier for profession- als to work in another Mem- for two years, without other How can interested profes- ber State. administrative requirements; sions obtain the right to use the professional card? The European Cement The European professional • competent authorities of the Industry - A Strategic card will in essence be an home and host Member Professions interested in Contributor to Europe's electronic certificate to be States would work more using the European profes- Future exchanged between compe- closely in order to check the sional card should express The Boston Consulting tent authorities via the Inter- qualifications of the profes- their interest at European Group (BCG) published a nal Market Information Sys- sionals thereby exploiting the level, for example through a study on 6th March 2013, tem (IMI). It should accord- potential of IMI which is able European professional or- commissioned by CEMBU- ingly not take the form of a to deal with a great number ganization. The Commission REAU, the European cement smart card or any other type of applications for a card. has the right of initiative on implementing acts and will association, which outlines of physical card as this would What are the costs associ- consult professions, prefera- the competitiveness of the run the risks of falsification or ated with the European bly at European level, and cement industry in Europe becoming outdated. professional card? and its role in helping Europe Member States to sound out The European Professional The European professional the interest for a European to achieve its goals of devel- Card could be available as oping a sustainable, resource card will significantly reduce professional card. Nurses an option to interested pro- the costs incurred by the and mountain guides have efficient and innovative soci- fessions, and professionals ety. professionals seeking recog- already expressed an inter- could use it regardless of nition of their qualifications: est in using such a card. The report highlights that the whether they intended to European cement and con- become established on a • Under the current regime, Source: European Commis- crete industry contributes to permanent basis in another professionals often lose time sion, DG Internal Market and money in identifying the the economy with a total country or to offer their ser- More details can be found host Member State's compe- production value of €74 bil- vices on a temporary basis here. lion, a value added of €22 anywhere in the EU. tent authorities. Under the billion as well as ~366 thou- process foreseen for the The introduction of the Euro- European professional card, sand jobs1. It also underlines pean Professional Card re- the fact that the industry the professionals will contact sponds to the need to the authority in the Member plays a vital role in generat- streamline recognition proce- ing growth, particularly given State in which they are es- dures. It is based on stronger tablished. This authority will that investment in infrastruc- involvement of the competent ture has one of the highest then get in contact, through authority in the home Mem- the IMI system, with the rele- multiplier effects on the econ- ber State. This authority will omy as it can duplicate the vant competent authority in communicate any requisite the host Member State. initial spending over several information about the profes- quarters, and triplicate it over sional to the competent au- • Professionals will be able to a period of 20 years. thority in the host Member submit most of the docu- The full report can be down- State by using the IMI. A ments in the original lan- loaded here. professional card could also guage. The need for transla- take much of the administra- tion and certification of docu- Nº3 Page 7
NEWS FROM ECCE MEMBERS
Estonia
New Occupational Standards for Civil Engineers in Esto- Revised occupational standards of civil engineers nia To cover the entire construction sector, systemic separate The system of occupations in general standards were made in the following classifications: The European system of occupations is based on the European 1) General Civil Engineering specialty: construction of buildings, Parliament and Council Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition port construction and geotechnics; of occupational qualifications and the recommendation of the same institutions on establishment of the European Qualifications 2) Road construction specialty: bridge construction, road build- Framework for lifelong learning (2008/C111/01). These papers ing and railway construction; were followed by the Estonia Professions Act, which was passed 3) Environmental engineering and building utility systems: in June 2008. The purpose of the Act was to create a comprehen- sive system of granting occupations, which would ensure the - Heating, ventilation and cooling systems; competitiveness of Estonian employees both domestically and in - Water supply and drainage of a building; Europe, accelerate the development of professional competence and create a basis for evaluating and comparing their competen- - External water supply and sanitation; cies. - Hydrotechnics According to the division of labor of the specialists of the con- Electrical installation constitutes a significant portion of the build- struction industry, in addition to architectural studies, in Estonia ing. Its design and construction is regulated by the Electrical civil engineering studies have been regulated under the govern- Safety Act, under which the person responsible for performing ment regulation "The framework requirement of medical training, the work must have an appropriate certificate of competency. veterinary training, pharmacist training, dentistry training, midwife- Thus, electrical work is not done according to the Building Act, ry training, nursing training, architectural studies and civil engi- but rather according to the Electrical Safety Act, which is why neering studies" which was drawn up in 2004. Chapter 9 of this the treatment of the subject has been left out of the occupational document sets out general requirements for the training, compe- standards. For similar reasons engineering activities related to tence and lecturers of engineering studies and the procedure for gas works, pressure and lifting equipment are not covered in the graduation from the school. occupational standards of civil engineers. Therein are the basics of the design and development of the sys- The Occupational standards of Civil Engineers were approved in tem of occupations of civil engineers and for granting the occupa- the Professional Council of Engineers in December 2012 and tions, which has been used as guidance and will be used as guid- this concluded the six-year process of updating the standards. ance in the future. Occupational standards and the procedures for granting an The beginning of the occupational system of engineers, which occupation extends to the era before the above mentioned documents, re- ceived an impetus for creation from the definition of the FEANI The new occupational standards provide the boundaries of com- European Engineer. As the level of a European Engineer is rela- petence according to the levels, which serve a number of pur- tively low (Bachelor's degree will suffice), no special interest for it poses. First, they give the applicant of the occupation and to the arose. To give the name of an engineer a content that would be recipient of the occupation a clear sign of the authorized limits. taken more seriously and appreciated higher, the Estonian Asso- On the other hand the boundaries of competence are relevant ciation of Engineers, under the initiative of the Association of Civil for both the customer and the organizer of the procurement for Engineers, developed the occupational standard of a chartered determining the requirements for the levels of the specialists engineer and with it the lower levels, the occupational standard of responsible for the engagement. Excessively strict requirements an engineer and the diploma engineer. The division was based on unreasonably restrict the circle of potential laborers and the the then prevailing five level occupational system and in this sys- opposite allows for people with a heightened self-esteem to tem, engineers were placed according to their level of education have access to solving the challenges above his or her exper- either on the fourth or fifth level. The main attention in these tise. Both of them would be bad prospects. standards was devoted to the more detailed definition of char- As a novelty, in the standards an opportunity has been provided tered engineers. Setting the occupation of lower-level engineers to apply for an occupation to the good specialists operating in was relatively simple, this occupation had an unspecified term those specialties who are self-taught. For that, higher require- and the occupation was not defined. ments have been set for the duration of his professional experi- Due to establishment of the European Qualifications Framework ence and the capacity of continuing education. Also the age of (EQF), on its basis was adopted the Estonian Qualifications the census of at least 35 years has been set. Framework (EQF), which has also eight levels. If the original idea As another novelty, the standards establish the minimum experi- of the framework was education based, then it was decided to tie ence requirements by occupations, as definition of occupations it with occupations. So it is easier to explain in other countries, is now required for any occupational level. The minimum re- what the occupation issued by Estonia is based on. Also, this quirements for knowledge and skills are in particular the basis occupation is easier to associate (to find correlation) with the oc- for drawing up the curricula for institutions of higher learning. cupations issued on other grounds. In order to distinguish the solely education based occupation from the occupation of a spe- Conclusion cialist in charge, the Profession Act has introduced the definition The updated Construction Act and the system of occupations of a primary occupation. The primary occupation is granted upon help to organize the work of both the professionals and the graduation from school together with the graduation diploma or agencies in the construction industry and allow the raising of the certificate. qualifications of civil engineers. Occupational standards can be Nº3 Page 8
NEWS FROM ECCE MEMBERS found on the website of the Estonian Qualifications Authority tion of Civil Engineers here. Vice-Chairman of the Professional Council of Engineers By Heiki Meos
Civil Engineer Chairman of the Professional Committee of Estonian Associa- Germany bauma 2013: the largest fair worldwide of the building nesia, bauma’s partner country this year, was also strongly rep- environment is the highlight once in three years not on- resented, with a high-ranking political delegation and around ly for Germany… 800 visitors. bauma calls and they all come: An impressive 530,000 visi- Order activity high tors from over 200 countries converged on the Messe München exhibition center between April 15 and 21. Not only did this edi- In total, 3,420 exhibitors – 1,346 from Germany and 2,074 from tion of bauma break all previous records for exhibitor numbers abroad – from 57 countries presented their latest products and and exhibition space, it also attracted the highest number of innovations in construction and mining machinery at bauma visitors ever. "This is very 2013 on a record exhibition space of 570,000 square meters. good for our industry in And they did so with amazing success, as Stefan Heissler, these turbulent times and it Member of the Liebherr-International AG Board of Directors, will certainly give it a boost," confirmed: “This has been an absolutely positive trade show for said Johann Sailer, Chair- us. We welcomed customers from all around the world at our man of the Construction booths and we signed up lots of new orders. In some product Equipment and Building sections we exceeded our expectations by a long way.” Material Machinery Associa- bauma is the uncontested Number One trade show for construc- tion of VDMA and President tion machinery, building material machines, mining machines, of the Committee for the construction vehicles and construction equipment. European Construction Equipment Industry (CECE). The next bauma takes place from April 11 to 17, 2016 in Munich. Proportion of international (extract from a press release, Copyright Messe München visitors higher than ever GmbH) Klaus Dittrich, Chairman & Further information can be found here. CEO of Messe München, is more than satisfied: "Our exhibitors were delighted German Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers with the quality of the visitors The upper house of the German Parliament adopted an amend- here and with the interna- ment to the Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers (HOAI). tional spread represented (Copyright Alex Schelbert / Messe München GmbH) It is estimated to come into law in summer 2013 and will further- among them. Good busi- more count only inside Germany. ness has been done here. With over 200,000 visitors from out- side Germany, the number of international attendees was higher Up to now the fees were raised up ordinary on 17%, based on than ever before. The response this year has simply been out- extended scope of services. standing." Basically, the German law legislator has to mind now and in The 'Top Ten' countries of origin among the visitors were: Ger- future that all amendments are conformable with EU regulation. many, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Russian Federation, France, Netherlands, Great Britain, Sweden and Poland. Indo-
Latvia Consulting industry in Baltic and Nordic countries. ence in September, in Barcelona. Challenges and solutions, FIDIC experience. Enrico Vinks stressed the necessity to maintain high quality Riga, May 24, 2013. standards in the industry, to promote best practice and to build The Conference, organized by the Latvian Association of Con- recognition and prestige of consulting engineers. sulting Engineers (LIKA), with support of Ministry of Environ- mental protection and development of the Latvian Republic, Jan Van der Putten explained how EFCA represents consulting gathered more than 80 consulting engineers, architects, clients industry in the European Union (EU) institutions in Brussels and and officials from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Denmark influences corresponding legislative acts, taking into account and Sweden. interests of EU Member states. Managing director of FIDIC Enrico Vink and Secretary general A member of FIDIC Executive Committee Kaj Moller encour- of EFCA Jan Van der Putten also were among speakers. aged participants to use different standard forms of FIDIC Con- tract agreements in projects. The Conference was dedicated to the FIDIC 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated during this year‘s annual FIDIC Confer- Challenges of the industry and consulting engineers associa- Nº3 Page 9
NEWS FROM ECCE MEMBERS tions of Baltic and Nordic countries were analyzed by the ing groups training the engineers. Chairman of Latvian association Raimonds Eizensmits, Execu- tive directors of Estonian and Lithuanian associations Mauno According to the President of the LACE, Martins Straume: ‘’There is a lot of positive happening at the LACE, but there are Inkinen and Rimvidas Pranaitis, President of the Finland‘s asso- ciation Kimmo Fisher and the Managing director of the Danish also a lot of problems. With the development of construction association Henrik Garver. industry, A fascinating insight into the Riga building history and images There are not enough financing for development of new compa- nies, there is no clear direction with respect to the State and of its future were given by the well known Latvian architect Janis realization plan for new construction ideas in the National devel- Dripe. opment plan for the 2013-2020. The suggestions by the LACE After the conference, guests had a possibility to visit the building members are not always heard by the government and thus site of the new Latvian National Library, which will be opened slow down progression of the construction industry”. next year. Overview For the first time in Latvian construction history, the LACE and the ‘’Construction Engineer’’ magazine organized competition ‘’Yearly prize of the construction industry’’ and the winners re- ceived Prizes from the President of Latvia Andris Berzins and the Minister of the Economics Daniels Pavluts. The LACE website www.buvinzenierusavieniba.lv offers daily news and events.
Work Session Visiting Latvian National library
Latvian Association of Civil Engineers (LACE) XXV Con- gress On March 15th, the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers (LACE) held their XXV congress. History of the Association: in February 4, 1924 LACE was es- tablished, but in May 27, 1989 after 50 years of silence, the Association started its work again. This year ,we are celebrating 25 years since the Association restarted its work and we are pleased to announce that it has become one of the lead professional organizations in the coun- try. The LACE is very successful in organizing the lifelong education for the certified engineers and overseeing the quality of their work in entire country. The Association is also very busy work- ing on developing Latvian Construction Law and polishing Public Procurement acts. However the major discussion topic was – what could the mem- bers of the LACE do for the construction business and what are they doing already. The major activities in 2012 included- Construction Law, the National development plan for the 2013-2020, study programs at Riga Technical University and Latvian State University, Working with Construction Coordination Center, participation in ECCE activities, participating in the Economics Ministry’s work- Lithuania Meeting of Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish Two years ago a Memorandum for cooperation between civil leaders of Civil Engineering Associations engineering associations of the 3 Baltic States was signed. In On 16th -17th of May a meeting of the leaders of four Civil Engi- the memorandum among other items it was stressed “to harmo- neering associations was held in Vilnius Gediminas Technical nize the provisions and criteria for the evaluation of the compe- University. tence of the construction technical specialists as well as the provisions for mutual recognition of documents confirming the In the past such annual meetings were regular among associa- competence between the states, to determine by law the status tions of the 3 Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Meet- of civil engineers in the state construction sector”. However, in ings were held every year in different countries. the countries professional recognition systems differ very signifi- The main purpose of the last meeting was to present proce- cantly. Also it was important that for the first time the Polish dures of professional recognition of civil engineers in each coun- Chamber of Civil Engineers joined the meeting with the intention try. to participate in such meetings in the future. The Polish delega- Nº3 Page 10
NEWS FROM ECCE MEMBERS
tion consisted of Prof. Czeslaw Medzialowski and ECCE Presi- Over the following day guests from Poland had the possibility to dent Elect Wlodzimierz Szymczak. They presented the structure participate in the 11th International Conference "Modern Building of the Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers and the procedures of Materials, Structures and Techniques”. the recognition of professional qualifications and granting con- During the opening ceremony of the Conference ECCE Presi- struction license. The participants of meeting also visited the dent Elect Wlodzimierz Szymczak made a Congratulation company “Traidenis”, which is well- known in Lithuania and speech to all delegates of Conference. abroad as a manufacturing company of wastewater treatment equipment and tanks: www.traidenis.com. In the technical- By Vincentas Stragys cultural program it was also included a visit to construction sites Lithuanian Delegate of attractive tourist and international resort place Druskininkai : www.druskininkai.lt. ECCE Vice President/ Honorary Treasurer
"Meeting of leaders of Civil engineering Associations of ECCE Pres. Elect Wlodzimierz Szymczak at 11th Int. Conf. "Modern Building 4 countries" Materials Structures and Techniques". Vice-dean of Civil Eng. Faculty of VGTU Dr.Linas Juknevičius and Rector of VGTU Prof. Alfonsas Daniūnas.
Portugal Council of the Professional Associations of Civil Engi- tion among these countries and the exchange of information neers from the Portuguese and Spanish Speaking Coun- related to Civil Engineering activities. tries The meeting of the council was followed in the next day, at Por- On March 14th, in Braga, Portugal, organized by Ordem dos to, by the Ibero-American Congress in Civil Engineering, with Engenheiros, and with the presence of ECCE and WCCE Presi- technical presentations from the representatives of most of the dents, it was founded the Council of the Professional Associa- countries. tions of Civil Engineers from the Portuguese and Spanish Speaking Countries, aiming to promote the profession of Civil Engineering and to develop the exchange of professionals and students, among these countries in Europe, America and Africa. The bylaws were signed by the founder countries: Angola, Ar- gentina, Brasil, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Es- paña, Honduras, Mexico, Moçambique, Panama, Portugal and Puerto Rico. The signature of this agreement is very important as it builds a bridge between the European countries (ECCE members) and the American/African countries through the Associations of Por- tugal and Spain. It will allow an easier movement and recogni-
Slovenia Presentation of the book written by Mr. Mirko Orešković mediate Past President and member of IZS. Mr. Mirko The Slovenian Chamber of Engineers (IZS) organized a presen- Orešković who assisted too to the presentation explained the tation of the book titled “The Construction Project and its Book” reasons which stimulated him to write such book on how to published by Sveučilišna naklada Zagreb (Croatia).The author manage big construction projects. of a very interesting book is Mr. Mirko Orešković, ECCE dele- Mr. Mirko Orešković is an internationally known civil construc- gate from Croatia. The book was presented in Ljubljana tion expert having a long time experience in management of (Slovenia) on 5th June 2013 by Mr. Gorazd Humar, ECCE Im- several big infrastructure, business and residential projects. Nº3 Page 11
NEWS FROM ECCE MEMBERS
During his rich professional experience he developed methods It is a pity that the book is written only in Croatian language and for improving management systems for execution of complex such is suitable for the international book market. Nevertheless construction sites. He synthesized his views and experiences in it is an important document to all engineers that reading such the book which is also an excellent guide to all not only civil book may benefit new challenges to manage new construction engineers but to all experts involved in execution of complex projects. projects. By Gorazd Humar The book has 8 chapters and it is not based only on theoretical explanations. The very value of the book is that it is presenting ECCE Immediate Past President also cases from the praxis on construction sites with rich expla- nations. Mr. Orešković underlined in his text that too many times improvisation is the only method used to manage a con- book his presenting Orešković Mirko Mr. struction project. He stressed the importance of constructive collaboration between the clients, engineers and contractors in the benefit of the project under execution. Management team of a complex construction site should collaborate and decrease all “noises on communication channels” of all protagonists involved in the management of the project. In his comments on the book Mr. Gorazd Humar stressed also that the book is an excellent manual to all young civil construc- tion engineers that are involved in the process of execution of big construction projects especially because the book written by Mirko Orešković and with collaboration of his two collaborators is giving precious examples from the praxis.
ECCE MEETINGS
The 58th ECCE General Assembly Meeting will be hosted by the Cyprus Council of Civil Engineers and will be held on 24th - 26th October 2013, in Cyrus. More information will be given soon.
The 59th ECCE General Assembly Meeting will be hosted by the Georgian Society of Civil Engineers, in Georgia in spring 2014. More information will be given in due time.
CONFERENCES
2013 JSCE Annual Meeting note speakers and exhilarating technical sessions in one of the 4 – 6 September 2013, Chiba, Tokyo, Japan Nations hotspots: Charlotte! The Japan Society of Civil Engineers is having its Annual Meet- "The Annual 2013 program emphasis; 'Innovations in Project ing for 2013 on 4 -6 September 2013, at the College of Industrial Financing,' will explore the changes and challenges in the profes- Technology, Nihon University Tsudanuma Campus. Information sion of civil engineering driven by financial forces. World-wide about the Meeting will be available soon at JSCE’s website. investments in technology and infrastructure are spurring innova- tion and accelerating productivity. Explore the impacts of financ- WFEO general assembly conference on “Innovative and ing, public-private partnership, re-development districts, tax in- Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change” centives and other financial innovation on civil engineers and 11 – 13 September 2013, Singapore their influence on business development. Come to Charlotte to The WFEO general assembly will be organized in conjunction enjoy the cultural attractions, natural beauty, historical sites and with the World Engineers’ Summit (WES) 2013 in Singapore renowned dining as you take steps to lead our industry into the the coming September. For more information about this event future." please visit the link http://wes2013.org/. - Edward "Ed" McGuire, P.E. ASCE Annual 2013 Conference Chair ASCE 143rd Annual Civil Engineering Conference 10 – 12 October 2013, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ExpoTunnel, Underground Technologies Exhibition American Society of Civil Engineers is pleased to announce the 17 - 19 October, Bologna, Italy 143rd Annual Civil Engineering Conference will be held in Char- ExpoTunnel, Underground Technologies Exhibition, that takes lotte, North Carolina this October 10 -12, 2013. This year the place in Bologna October 17-19, is continuing its promotion in Annual 2013 Conference promises to feature outstanding key- Italy and abroad. Nº3 Page 12
ExpoTunnel will be present at WTC 2013 in Geneva, one of the TRA2014 Transport Research Arena 2014 most important worldwide events among tunnelling industry, in Transport Solutions: from Research to Deployment - Inno- order to promote the Congress “Tunnelling and Underground vate Mobility, Mobilise Innovation! space in Europe development", organized by the Italian Tunnel- 14-17 Aril 2014, CNIT, La Defense, Paris, France ling Society. It will exhibit in the booth (S17 - 18) of the Swiss Tunnelling Society and Partner Associations, on the first floor. TRA (Transport Research Arena) is the major conference on ExpoTunnel is approaching! Discover all the opportunities for transport in Europe, supported by the European Commission, the your company’s visibility and plan your presence at Italy’s unique Conference of European Road Directors, and the three European event dedicated exclusively to underground technologies. Technology Platforms: the European Road Transport Research For prices and more information, please contact the organizing Advisory Council (ERTRAC), the European Rail Research Advi- secretariat at [email protected]. sory Council (ERRAC), and the WATERBORNE TP.
IRF 17th World Meeting & Exhibition The conference topics address the main challenges in transport 9 -13 November 2013, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and mobility of people and goods, with respect to energy, envi- The International Road Federation (IRF) will host its 17th IRF ronment, safety and security and economy issues. TRA aims to World Meeting and Exhibition, November 9-13, 2013 in Riyadh, explore the most advanced research works and innovations, the Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Eng. Abdullah A. Almog- latest technological and industrial developments and implementa- bel, Mayor of Riyadh, IRF Chairman and former Deputy Minister tions, and innovative policies, in Europe and worldwide. As a for Transport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Held every four wide and open forum open to all interested parties, it is a unique years since 1952, this is an essential event for the global road occasion to promote and improve European competitiveness and community, offering a unique opportunity to share best practices, efficiency in transportation. address important challenges and explore emerging trends in the transportation industry. For more information about the IRF and TRA 2014 will comprise: the World Meeting, please visit www.irfnews.org and plenary sessions dedicated to general and policy presentations www.irf2013.org. by invited keynote speakers,
strategic sessions to convey policy messages and industrial 2013 KSCE Annual Conference &Civil Exposition 23 - 25 October 2013, High1 Resort, Gangwon-do, Korea key issues, scientific and technical sessions on the conference topics, The Korean Society of Civil Engineers (KSCE) is pleased to an- where the accepted papers will be presented, either as oral or nounce the 2013 KSCE Annual Conference &Civil Exposition to poster presentations, be held on October 23-25, 2013 at High1 Resort, Gangwon-do, invited sessions, to be proposed and organised by community Korea. or project leaders, submitted to the Programme Committee We invite all civil engineers in different fields and different coun- review and acceptance, without published papers. tries to unite, to participate and to create a new chapter of dis- cussion in civil engineering. The international program in this Parallel Exhibition: A showcase for governmental and profession- year's conference includes Welcome Reception, Opening Cere- al organisations, public and private research organisations and mony, Banquet, International Roundtable Meeting, and Interna- industrial companies will be held in conjunction with the confer- tional Students Meeting. ence. The theme for the International Roundtable Meeting (IRM) is “Environmental Design of Aquatic Plants in Urban Streams”, For further information please visit the Conference website. organized by Prof. Jin-Hong Kim (Chung-Ang University), who represents the KSCE at the Technical Committee on River Envi- ronment of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC). The role of the aquatic plants is very important for the control of water quality and for the ecological habitat. The main task of the IRM is to set-up a new strategy and direction of envi- ronmental design of the aquatic plants in the urban streams. Nº3 Page 13
ECCE MEMBERS
BULGARIA Engineers tenegro -Civil Engineers SPAIN Union of Civil Engineers in Chamber Colegio de Ingenieros de Bulgaria GREECE Caminos, Canales y Puertos Association of Civil Engi- POLAND CROATIA neers of Greece Polish Chamber of Civil Engi- TURKEY Croatian Chamber of Archi- neers Turkish Chamber of Civil tects and Engineers HUNGARY Engineers Hungarian Chamber of Engi- PORTUGAL CYPRUS neers Order of Engineers UNITED KINGDOM Cyprus Council of Civil Engi- Institution of Civil Engineers neers IRELAND ROMANIA Engineers Ireland Union of Associations of Civil CZECH REPUBLIC Engineers of Romania Czech Institution of Structural ITALY & Civil Engineers Consiglio Nazionale degli RUSSIA Ingegneri Russian Society of Civil Engi- ESTONIA neering Estonian Association of Civil LATVIA Engineers Latvian Association of Civil SERBIA Engineers Serbian Chamber of Engi- FINLAND neers
Finnish Association of Civil LITHUANIA Engineers SLOVAK REPUBLIC Lithuanian Association of Slovak Chamber of Civil En- Civil Engineers FRANCE gineers
National Council of Engi- MALTA neers and Scientists of SLOVENIA Chamber of Architects and France Slovenian Chamber of Engi- Civil Engineers GEORGIA neers MONTENEGRO Georgian Society of Civil Engineers Chamber of Mon-
ECCE ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
European Council of Civil Engineers Thiras 49 11252, Athens Greece Phone: +30 210 86 23 992 Fax: +30 210 86 23 992 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ecceengineers.eu
“Civil Engineers at the Heart of Society Building Life Quality and a Sustainable Environment”