Friends of IFME

John Milne, a member of the APWA Sustainability and Resiliency Committee, shares his journey through engineering, environmental science, and anthropology to develop back-to-basics sustainability strategies. His approach focuses on creating thermodynamic order in resource management by mimicking natural processes, moving away from engineered stormwater facilities to watershed-based methods. This holistic method combines physics with human and sociological inputs.

He stresses the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge in sustainability initiatives. These practices offer deep understanding of local environments, though their effectiveness varies. Anthropology's role is critical in selecting suitable indigenous practices for specific contexts.

Milne highlights key recommendations: minimising ancillary work through efficient transportation systems and using resources sparingly. Historical examples like Patrick Geddes' "Valley Section" and modern concepts like "Happy Proximity" illustrate how to achieve these goals. He also cites ancient practices such as Iran’s badgirs and qanats for sustainable resource use.

The concept of "emergence," exemplified by Bali's water temple systems studied by Steven Lansing, shows the success of self-organising systems in sustainable resource management. Milne suggests integrating folk wisdom and ritual with modern science to replicate such systems elsewhere.

The Āpōpō Guide in Aotearoa New Zealand demonstrates combining indigenous knowledge with technical expertise for sustainable communities. Milne concludes by urging municipal engineers to incorporate anthropological insights to build resilient communities in the face of climate change.