Integrating Sustainability into Economic Learning: Preparing Engineers for a Greener Future

sustainable engineering

By Associate Professor Ts. Bridgid Chin

The transition to renewable energy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, reshaping global social, economic, and political landscapes. As the world moves away from conventional fuels, renewable energy is not just an alternative but a revolutionary force driving the global energy transition.

This shift reflects a commitment to sustainability, resilience, and balance, all encapsulated in the United Nations’ seventh Sustainable Development Goal: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. Energy is more than just a commodity – it is a critical element in societal progress and human well-being.

Over the past two decades, the engineering profession has recognised the urgent need to contribute to a sustainable global society. This awareness has been demonstrated by various professional institutions such as Engineers Australia, which in 1994 established a sustainability policy mandating that “members, in their practice of engineering, shall act in a manner that accelerates the achievement of sustainability”.

This vision is mirrored in higher education, where institutions are equipping future engineers with the skills and responsibility to address global sustainability challenges. By implementing strategic approaches across various aspects such as education, research, outreach, and management, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can achieve sustainable development. They play a crucial part in equipping future generations with the essential skills and a sense of responsibility to address the challenges of sustainable development.

Malaysia’s commitment to achieving Education for Sustainable Development (a core part of UN SDG 4) is evident in its collaborations across academia, industry, government, and communities through the Quadruple Helix Model, which relies on the synergistic relationships among these four stakeholders.

Technology cannot be solely depended upon to address the challenges we face; it is essential to incorporate ecological, social, and economic factors through a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach. Engineers are essential to this effort, as their work often integrate ecological, social, and economic considerations. To foster this, engineering curricula must be grounded in sustainability principles, preparing future professionals to make decisions that benefit society as a whole.

The interrelationship between engineering and a country’s economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens is undeniable, as the Royal Academy of Engineering points out. Consequently, the motivation to incorporate economic elements into engineering courses extends beyond merely emphasising technical innovation; it must also account for the implications of investments on broader societal outcomes.

For instance, it is important to evaluate which technologies are developed and deployed based on their economic feasibility, particularly in terms of return on investment and profitability. This includes factors such as tariffs, subsidies, carbon taxes, legal requirements, and the political and societal values that relate to ethical considerations.

Furthermore, the technologies developed with greener criteria could aid to enhance the natural resource utilisation efficiency, making the process to more sustainable. Therefore, it is essential to shift students’ mindset to emphasise sustainability, contributing to the well-being of the broader society.

At Curtin University Malaysia, this holistic approach is central to the CHEN4016 Engineering Economics, Management, and Sustainability course taught by Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui. The course equips students with the knowledge to evaluate engineering projects through an economic and sustainability lens, preparing them to manage projects, assess risks, and navigate the challenges of the energy transition, underscoring the necessity of integrating sustainable practices in energy production and consumption.

By preparing students to plan, develop, and oversee project implementation while navigating the associated risks and uncertainties, the course aligns with the overarching goal of fostering economic growth through engineering. Furthermore, students confront economic challenges and explore sustainable opportunities, allowing them to assess the impacts of their proposed actions from an economic perspective.

Through experiential learning, students confront real-world economic challenges and explore sustainable opportunities. Reflective journals, guest lectures, and business pitch sessions help them develop the technical expertise and economic insight they will need to drive sustainable development.

CHEN4016 offers students practical skills in project management, risk assessment, and sustainability integration, while also honing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It equips them with practical project management skills, including risk assessment and management, while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Students learn to evaluate the economic viability of projects and incorporate sustainable practices into their work. The course also emphasises effective communication and provides insights into industry trends, particularly advancements in energy transition. Networking with industry professionals further enhances their career readiness, while fostering a global perspective and intercultural awareness critical in today’s collaborative job market. By engaging with diverse perspectives – social, political, and environmental – these future engineers are prepared to lead positive change.

Associate Professor Ts. Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, an expert in chemical and energy engineering at Curtin Malaysia, embodies the university’s commitment to sustainability education. She is an Associate Professor in the Chemical and Energy Engineering Department, and Student and Alumni Committee Chair, at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science. Her research focuses on converting lignocellulosic waste and plastic waste into valuable bioproducts and biohydrogen using green technology. As a Chartered Engineer (CPEng) of Engineers Australia, professional technologist under the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK,  and core member of Curtin Malaysia’s Sustainability Education Working Group (SEWG), she is passionate about equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills and mindset needed to build a sustainable future. Associate Professor Ts. Chin welcomes opportunities for partnerships and collaboration from interested parties and can be contacted by email at bridgidchin@curtin.edu.my.