THE GREEN FILES
By Sonia Green-Brown, PE
Issue 237- Climate Change and Phony Engineers
Record setting global high temperatures, more powerful and more frequent storms, have lead us to believe that climate is changing and perhaps more rapidly than ever in history. It is at this time that we need to be ever more vigilant and ensure that the guidelines we use to build change as necessary in response, but on an even more basic level, the codes and standards currently in force should be followed. An essential step in the process is ensuring that suitably qualified persons are conducting the architectural, engineering and construction work.
Recently in California a case of engineering and architectural fraud has raised its head and as such is a cautionary tale for the Bahamas. In this bizarre case two individuals, former draftsmen, with some knowledge of the construction industry generated Architectural and Structural Engineering drawings and passed themselves off as licensed individuals.
According to a February 2016 report by Fox News, over a 10 year period the pair falsified hundreds of building plans including many homes, strip malls, apartment buildings and commercial buildings across at least 56 cities in California, with many of these structures subsequently being erected.
What is so frightening about this case is due to the frequency of earthquakes in California they have one of the strictest building codes around and engineers must meet very specific requirements if they wish to be licensed in this state.
There is a risk then that some or all of these structures, that number in the hundreds, could be demolished because even though the authorities are examining the completed buildings there is no way to attest for sure that they are structurally sound.
There was a court case in New York last year about an individual who was being sued for poor architectural work and his defense was that he was not really an Architect. The sad part about it is the project was a luxury home being built in The Bahamas.
That here in The Bahamas, as well, we have a problem there is little doubt. The extent of the problem is hard to gauge but the reason this is important is poorly constructed buildings pose a great risk to the health and safety of the users. But with climate change on everyone’s lips the blame may falsely fall to this as a cause.
In the comments section of one of the articles one respondent stated that he doubted there were any laws regarding architecture or construction in The Bahamas. But yes we do have laws and regulations governing our industry even in The Bahamas and these reflect international requirements.
If we are to guard against fraudulent players we must all do our part starting with owners ensuring they source duly licensed professionals using lists available from the Professional Engineers Board and Professional Architects Board and of course as professionals we must maintain the highest of standards in practice.
So one key to bracing ourselves against very real climate change effects is compliance with the laws of the land that are there to protect us all.
We would like to hear how this article has helped you. Send questions or comments to sbrown@graphitebahamas.com.
Sonia Brown is Principal of Graphite Engineering Ltd and is a registered Professional Engineer.
