In October 1985 IPENZ published its first Environmental Code "A Guide to the Integration of Environmental Assessment with Engineering Practice".

Since that time very large strides have been made in the general public awareness of environmental issues. We have seen the advent of UNCED (the UN Conference on Environment and Development) in Rio de Janeiro, and its important output, Agenda 21. In New Zealand the Resource Management Act, 1991 has had a significant influence on the way in which development is perceived and undertaken. In the engineering profession world-wide there have been important statements of policy and intent in regard to the sustainability of our planet and its resources from such organisations as the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), the Federation of Engineering Institutions of South-East Asia and the Pacific (FEISEAP), and the World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development (WEPSD).

This present edition, entitled a Code of Environmental Practice has introduced a large amount of updated material which reflects the advances that have been made in the intervening period. The Code is intended to provide the engineering undergraduate and the practising engineer with an outline of the various issues that should be addressed when planning for, or designing, operating and terminating a project that will have an effect on the environment. Some sections have drawn heavily on the old Code, but a significant amount of new material is included that brings the document up to date.

I am aware some members of the Standing Committee on Engineering and Environment have carried out with great care and attention the task of bringing to the profession this new Code. I strongly recommend its use to all engineers, in the interests of the community and of the profession.

Dr A F Small