The environment we live in and interact with every day comprises of two distinct components i.e. Nature (our earth) and the Built Environment (human modifications). As engineers we are responsible for the creation of the built environment. When engineering practice involves the respecting of natural environment and human interaction during the life cycle of projects, distinct benefits in terms of long-term social, economic and environmental returns are obtained.

The terms “Sustainability” and “Safe Design” are well understood and are integrated into engineering through standards, policies and guidelines. However are these two terms different? The paper looks at the evolution of the term “Sustainability” and demonstrates how “Safe Design” is only a tool assisting us in creating a sustainable future.

The “Human Development Report 2015 – Work for Human Development” summarises that “Work enable people to earn a livelihood and be economically secure. Work not only strengthens societies but when all this work is environmentally friendly the benefits extend beyond generations”.

The adoption of “Safe Design” practice in our “Work”, as engineers, is therefore synonymous with human development.

The paper details an innovative process “Sustainable and Safe Design” (S2D) that blends the principles of sustainability and safety into the design process. The process clearly demonstrates the need for working collaboratively with stakeholder’s right across the project lifecycle.

In conclusion, “S2D” is the process of ensuring that human interaction with the built environment does not harm anybody or the natural environment. Working collaboratively is a critical part of this process.