Sustainability assessments, engineering and the precautionary principle: The case of a transmission line

Abstract

In order to maximize the sustainability of a natural resources project being promoted by an organization, socioeconomic effects should not be considered in isolation but should instead be considered in the context of sustainability. In this paper, we discuss the environmental assessment of a transmission line in northern Labrador, Canada. Specifically we demonstrate the importance of the Precautionary Principle as a sustainability change mechanism in the project assessment for engineers and engineering firms. Through using the Precautionary Principle as a change and risk management mechanism, proponents such as natural resources companies and project engineers may better reach sustainability, corporate social responsibility as well as ethics strategies, objectives and goals.