2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This project integrates the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) Framework in 19 courses under 10 faculty members within four engineering departments to positively impact approximately 850 students. The courses range from first-year to graduate-level. Lateral expansion of the framework extends to non-current engineering departments and vertically expands to the university's Sustainability Office. We will measure the impact of EOP/sustainability instruction and freely disseminate all developed materials and findings via multiple mechanisms, particularly a companion website. Researchers have shown that the delivery methods of teaching sustainability varied among their survey respondents and interviewees. The proposed delivery methods are to integrate concepts of sustainability into existing core and elective courses, but also to provide routes for students to focus on sustainability. This is accomplished via project-based learning with and without external advisors, instituting engineering degree emphases and programs in sustainability, and showcasing our successes with the Sustainability Office and university faculty for future expansion.
The EOP Initiative and Framework have already provided an excellent foundation we intend to use for assessment. A matrix has been constructed to track the implementation of these outcomes in project courses. This matrix will also aid ABET accreditation efforts and incorporate global considerations via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Making these connections will allow students to see the global significance of their education and decisions. Additional discussion of results and outcomes will be included as they pertain to faculty and administration. The success of early decision-making will be highlighted relative to student learning outcomes and the advancement of program outcomes.