Environmental protection is a universal concern, and it is environmental engineers who ensure the urban and industrial worlds we occupy are clean, healthy and safe to live and work in. They are the experts who plan, design, construct and operate projects to promote a better environment. Environmental engineers are found in a wide spectrum of work areas. These range from construction and engineering projects to industrial water supplies and drainage services. Property developers, construction companies, engineering consultancy firms and utilities companies, as well as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation and the Airport Authority, are also major employers of environmental engineers. It is common these days for an engineering or science graduate to enrol for a master's degree in environmental engineering while pursuing a professional career in the field. About 2,000 members of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) are environmental engineers. Professional membership is open to engineers who have completed three years of practical training and followed a continuing professional development programme at a firm recognised by the institution. Environmental engineers also contribute towards the building of highways, bridges and buildings. 'From planning to completion and maintenance, the engineers have to assess the impact of infrastructure developments in terms of noise, air, solid waste, water and ground contamination in order to minimise or avoid pollution,' says Professor Poon Chi-sun, chairman of the HKIE's environmental division. The engineers are also involved in energy conservation and environmental technology. An understanding of the basics of design, computing and mathematics are prerequisites for an environmental engineer. Professor Poon, who also teaches in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's civil and structural engineering department, says environmental engineers should have a basic knowledge of all aspects of engineering, apart from their own specialised knowledge. He adds that good communication skills, oral and written, are essential. Although the demand for environmental engineers has dropped slightly because of the economic slowdown in Hong Kong, abundant opportunities for professionals are emerging in China and Asia. 'Those markets are still developing as they are still building a lot,' Professor Poon says. 'This requires environmental advice.' The big challenge for environmental engineers is to achieve a balance between environmental protection and continuous urban development. 'The buzzword is sustaining urbanisation,' Professor Poon says. 'We are not against new developments, but we do need to strike a balance between new infrastructure and environmental impact. We are definitely playing a pivotal role in the new millennium.' This year the institution will host the seventh triennial International Conference on Pollution in the Metropolitan and Urban Environment. Academics and international practitioners of environmental engineering will gather in Hong Kong to share views and experiences on how to achieve sustainable urbanisation in a changing economy. For more information, on the conference, visit the website http://www.hkie.org.hk