Teaching sustainability: Course, program and degree considerations

Abstract

In recent years within the United States, sustainability has gained importance in higher education, government agencies, business and industry, and in the general public's consciousness. The goal of meeting today's needs without harming future generations' ability to realize their potential is the hallmark of sustainable practices, and there is widespread interest from many disciplines and sectors in developing, enhancing, and integrating sustainability into aspects of products, services, and solutions. Thus, the need to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to make contributions to sustainability initiatives and processes has never been greater. Sustainability can be taught in many disciplines, including, but not limited to: design, engineering, manufacturing, technology, and management. This paper outlines how sustainability can be taught in these areas, and how sustainability might be integrated into the curriculum from three perspectives: course, program and degree. At the course level, examples of how to integrate the concepts and applications of sustainability into existing material will be discussed. Program-level considerations for teaching sustainability will also be examined. The current situation and the demand for a sustainable knowledge in the workplace and how that might lead to a sustainable degree will be addressed. An inventory of green jobs and careers will be investigated and how sustainable courses, programs and degrees can support the future global workforce and address stakeholder's needs wants and expectations in a sustainable, low carbon world.