Embedding sustainability in engineering education: empowering students with knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.

Okoyeagu, Chika Judith; Okpu, Ambrose; Essiet, Raphael; Eldessouky, Hossam

Abstract

Integrating sustainability into engineering disciplines is essential for preparing students to tackle the complex environmental, social, and economic issues of the 21st century. This paper examines the significance of incorporating sustainability into engineering curricula, with the goal of equipping students with a thorough understanding of how their specialized knowledge can foster a sustainable future. By embedding sustainability principles in engineering education, students are inspired to critically consider the lasting effects of their work and to devise innovative solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper outlines effective strategies for the integration of sustainability within engineering programs, emphasizing course design, teaching methods, and assessment practices that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving. Through case studies and practical examples, it demonstrates how aligning engineering disciplines with sustainability objectives can nurture crucial skills such as systems thinking, ethical decision-making, and technical problem-solving. Additionally, it underscores the need to raise awareness of sustainability issues across engineering fields, empowering students to understand the interconnections among natural systems, technological advances, and societal needs. In conclusion, the paper promotes a transformative approach to engineering education—one that enables students to leverage their expertise to create sustainable innovations, support environmental stewardship, and drive meaningful change. By equipping future engineering leaders with sustainability knowledge and competencies, we can ensure they are prepared to confront the pressing challenges of our global society and contribute to building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Citation

OKOYEAGU, C.J., OKPU, A., ESSIET, R. and ELDESSOUKY, H. 2025. Embedding sustainability in engineering education: empowering students with knowledge and skills for a sustainable future. Presented at the 9th International conference on research in education, teaching and learning 2025 (ICETL 2025), 21-23 February 2025, Milan, Italy.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 9th International conference on research in education, teaching and learning 2025 (ICETL 2025)
• Start Date: Feb 21, 2025
• End Date: Feb 23, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Feb 10, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 23, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 10, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 6, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• ISBN: 9786094856778
• Keywords: Engineering education; Sustainability in engineering; Interdisciplinary collaboration; Sustainable development goals (SDGs); Curriculum design
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2701661
• Additional Information: The abstract of this presentation was published as: ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J., OKPU, A., ESSIET, R. and ELDESSOUKY, H. 2025. Embedding sustainability in engineering education: empowering students with knowledge and skills for a sustainable future. In the Abstract book of the 9th International conference in education, teaching and learning 2025 (ICETL 2025), 21-23 February 2025, Milan, Italy. Vilnius, Lithuania: Diamond Scientific Publishing [online], 30-ETL-5536. Available from: https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/30-ETL-5536.pdf