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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nigel Russell-SewellORCiD, Professor Jarka Glassey
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
This paper discusses the importance of sustainability in chemical engineering education, driven by global societal pressures and climate change. It considers the impact of engineering education on sustainability and explores necessary adjustments. Approaches to integrating sustainability into the curriculum are identified including: adding sustainability subjects in relation to the UN SDGs; and integrating sustainability content and values. Global examples highlight a number of strategies and challenges, in particular China's “New Engineering Education” strategy. The role of educators and access to resources, such as the IChemE “Sustainability Hub” and the “Engineering for One Planet” framework, are emphasised. The study investigates perceptions of sustainability skills development among students, academics, and industry professionals, revealing geographical differences. Chinese respondents, starting from a higher knowledge baseline, showed less growth in understanding sustainability over time compared to those from the rest of the world. The study highlights the need for curriculum renewal to better integrate sustainability, with tailored emphasis on specific concepts based on regional needs. The findings highlight the importance of embedding sustainability in chemical engineering education to prepare future engineers for global challenges.
Author(s): Ravi M, Russell-Sewell N, Hoadley A, Glassey J
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Education for Chemical Engineers
Year: 2025
Volume: 51
Pages: 43-52
Print publication date: 01/04/2025
Online publication date: 18/02/2025
Acceptance date: 10/02/2025
Date deposited: 19/02/2025
ISSN (electronic): 1749-7728
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2025.02.002
DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.02.002
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