This article, based on the winning entry to the IStructE Excellence in Structural Engineering Education Award 2021, discusses innovative approaches implemented at Stellenbosch University, South Africa to develop technical competency in structural engineering and associated fields.

Walter Swann explains how structural engineers can support a transition to a low-carbon steel industry through their design and specifying decisions.

In this 'Comment and reply' piece, Gabriele Del Mese, project lead for the detailed design of the Padre Pio church, offers his perspective in response to an article by Alistair Lenczner in August 2020.

James Kitchin describes an approach to calculating embodied carbon coefficients for materials when an environmental product declaration is not available.

In this paper, based on his James Sutherland History Lecture delivered to the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2020, Steven Brindle provides a brief history of civil engineering in Britain, charting its development from hydraulic projects and early attempts to apply intellect to structural design in the 17th century, through a great commercially driven boom in the Georgian era, to the foundations of the modern profession in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

This article discusses the analysis and modification of existing structures for new uses, allowing return on investment to be maximised and reducing the need for present-day carbon emissions from new construction.

Andy Veall discusses his love of sketching and makes a case for engineers to continue to value and develop this essential design skill alongside their digital tools.

Can very low-carbon buildings be constructed cheaply enough to suit the pockets of private-sector commercial developers? Yes, says Professor John French, who has set himself that target in his new role as director of sustainability for Cambridge Innovation Parks. But to do so involves overhauling approaches to procurement, contracting, materials and risk.