Raising the theme of Engineering Innovation and Green Development for Mutual Benefits, PII: exploration of challenges and opportunities in reducing embedded carbon in the construction sector.

In the 2024 China-ASEAN Engineers Forum, the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) sent a delegation to attend directly to provide views on thoughts and ideas by presenting technical slides related to "Construction Industry Challenges, Ways to Increase Sustainability in Indonesia's Infrastructure Development".

With the theme "Technical Innovation and Green Development for Mutual Benefits", this activity was officially opened by Dr. Luo Hui, Joint Secretary General of CSE (Chinese Society of Engineers), which took place at the China Science and Technology Hall, October 14-16, 2024.

This forum also invited several speakers from various industries and organizations from both China and ASEAN countries.

The PII delegation attending this forum was led by the Secretary General of PII Ir. Bambang Goeritno, PII Treasurer Dr. Ir. Arlan Septia, Deputy Secretary General of PII Ir. Dandung Sri Harninto, Deputy Chair of the PII International Committee Prof. Ir. Michael Goutama, and PII Executive Director Ir. Habibie Razak.

On this occasion, Ir. Habibie Razak explained that the construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for almost 40% of global energy-related emissions. According to him, carbon embedded in building materials is a significant part.

“As climate change intensifies, with record-breaking storms, droughts and fires becoming more frequent, addressing embedded carbon is critical to achieving sustainability goals. "This presentation explores the challenges and opportunities in reducing embedded carbon in the Indonesian construction sector," said Habibie Razak to Construction Media, (16/10/2024).

He added that by focusing on life cycle emissions, materials such as concrete contribute up to 10% of global carbon emissions. In his presentation, Habibie Razak discussed strategies for reducing environmental impact through innovative design, material selection and the adoption of low-carbon technology.

In addition, he continued, the role of engineers in encouraging sustainable practices and the importance of global regulations and standards were also emphasized. "By showcasing examples of effective approaches to carbon reduction and highlighting the regulatory framework, this presentation aims to provide actionable insights for moving to a more sustainable and low-carbon construction future in Indonesia," he explained.

Furthermore, he explained, PII also discussed three different topics with the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE), as follows: the involvement of the E-20 under the B20, the formation of the International Federation of Engineering Societies for Roads and Belts (International Federation of Engineering Societies for Road and Belt), as well as engineer recognition through the MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement) between CSE and PII.

PII Executive Director, Habibe Razak PII Delegation Presents Directly at the 2024 China-Asean Engineers Forum. Doc. Ist

Not only PII, this activity was also attended by various technical organizations from ASEAN countries, such as

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM Malaysia), Philippines Technological Council (PTC) Philippines/Philippine Technology Council, Fed of Myanmar Engineering Society (Fed MES) Myanmar / Federation of Myanmar Engineer Societies, The Engineering Institute of Thailand (Institut Teknik Thailand), Council of Engineers Thailand, Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC), Board of Engineers Cambodia, and Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE)/Chinese Society of Engineers.