'How do you 'teach' sustainability to Engineers'? Introducing the Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program

Abstract

This paper will demonstrate how sustainability as a 'critical literacy' can be integrated into mainstream engineering education, using a current Australian initiative as a case study. Environmental engineers are increasingly being required to have knowledge about sustainability in the professional field and accreditation mechanisms for environmental professionals are being implemented. However, integration of sustainability material into courses around the country is still low. In addition to assisting environmental engineers at university level, it is crucial for engineers across the specialisations, to be exposed to sustainability concepts and theories. This project demonstrates that sustainability education for all engineers is not only possible, but that an Australia group is receiving international support to develop such an educational initiative.