Sustainability in Undergraduate Environmental …ciec/Proceedings_2014/CPDD/CPDD534_MurthyTro… · •Issue: Is Sustainable Development Compatible with Human Welfare? Question for

Sustainability in Undergraduate Environmental Engineering Education

by

Marleen Troy & Prahlad MurthyEnvironmental Engineering & Earth Sciences Department

Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA

presented at the 2014 ASEE/CIEC Conference, Savannah, GA

February 2014

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Proceedings of the 2014 Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration Copyright ©2014 American Society for Engineering Education”

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Wilkes UniversityMISSION:• To continue the Wilkes tradition of liberally

educating our students for lifelong learning and success in a constantly evolving and multicultural world through a commitment to individualized attention, exceptional teaching, scholarship and academic excellence, while continuing the university’s commitment to community engagement.

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VISION:• Wilkes University will provide

exceptional educational experiences that transform students and develop innovations through scholarly activities that lead to national recognition and shape the world around us.

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OUR VALUES:• Mentorship: Nurturing individuals to understand and act

on their abilities while challenging them to achieve great things.

• Scholarship: Advancing knowledge through discovery and research to better educate our constituents.

• Diversity: Embracing differences and uniqueness through sincerity, awareness, inclusion and sensitivity.

• Innovation: Promoting creative scholarly activities, programs, ideas and sustainable practices.

• Community: Appreciating and collaborating with mutual respect to foster a sense of belonging.

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Wilkes’ Climate Action Plan• Participant of the American College & University

Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)

• WU Action Plan states “Wilkes University understands its obligation to promote education and awareness about climate change. This obligation is addressed in the University's mission "To educate our students for lifelong learning and success in a constantly evolving and multicultural world through a commitment to individualized attention, exceptional teaching, and academic excellence." One mechanism that can be used to meet this obligation is by making sustainability a part of the curriculum and culture of the university.”

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ProgramsBS - Environmental Engineering (ENV) (accredited by EAC of ABET)

BS - Earth & Environmental Science (EES)BA - EES with Minor in Earth & Space Science EducationGraduate Certification in Sustainability Management

Other Minor Options• Geology• Physics• Biology with Marine Option• Technical Writing• Political Science, Business Administration, Criminology et. al.

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CurriculumEES Program• Astronomy• Environmental Science• Geology• GIS & GPS• Limnology• Marine Science• Synoptic Meteorology• Ocean Science• Ecology

ENV Program• Air Quality & Air Pollution Control• Hydrology• Soils• Solid & Hazardous Waste

Management• Water Quality• Water Resources• Water & Wastewater Treatment• GIS & GPS• Sustainability Consulting

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•Study Abroad opportunities for credit•Senior Research & Design Projects – year long•Independent Research

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Program Objectives

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The BS in Environmental Engineering program will produce graduates:1. who are prepared for employment with technical

knowledge for practice in traditional and broader areas ofenvironmental engineering including pollution preventionand sustainability, which qualifies them to pursueprofessional licensure in service to government agencies,business, and industry.

2. who actively pursue graduate studies leading to advanceddegrees.

3. who demonstrate an understanding of ethical andprofessional responsibilities that will assist them in theirprofessional growth through life-long learning.

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Student Outcomesa. an ability to apply knowledge of

mathematics, science, and engineering b. an ability to design and conduct

experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

c. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

d. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

e. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

f. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

g. an ability to communicate effectively

h. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

i. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

j. a knowledge of contemporary issues

k. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice 11

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ENV Program by Numbers

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• BS - Environmental Engineering (ENV) first accredited by EAC of ABET in 1996

Enrollment & Graduation Data

Year Fall Enrollment # Graduating Seniors2013 59 132012 59 72011 51 152010 49 52009 51 8

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Constituents of the Program

• Students

• Faculty

• Employers

• Alumni

• Industrial Advisory Council (IAC)

• Administrators

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Role of the IAC

• Formulation of Program Educational Objectives

• Curricular Changes

• Assessment

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Constituencies & Program ImprovementCPDD 535


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Graduation Requirements

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•134 Credits•18 credits of General Education •12 credits of Technical Electives*•3 credits of Free Electives

• 1 course has to be ENV, 1 course has to be in geospatial technologies

• Courses in Sustainability are popular as electives

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Incorporating Concepts of Sustainability in Various Levels of the ProgramYear Example(s) of Courses

• Freshman First Year Foundations courses

• Sophomore Principles of Environmental Engr. & Sci.

• Junior Air Quality

• Senior Air Pollution Control, Solid Waste Mgmt., Senior Projects

• Technical Electives

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•Course: FYF 101 First Year Foundations•Course Title: Do Environmentalists Exaggerate

Their Case•Course Objective:

The main objectives of this course on myths and facts about the status of today’s environment are to stimulate student interest in environmental issues and to develop critical thinking skills that prepare them to participate in important social dialogues of today.

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•Issue: Is Sustainable Development Compatible with Human Welfare?

Question for Discussion (example)Ethics means the study of and guidelines for right behavior and we speak of “business ethics,” “bioethics,” “computer ethics,” “political ethics,” and so on. Should environmental responsibility and sustainable development be part of ethics? In what areas?

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•Issue: Is Technological Innovation the Main Driver for Achieving Sustainability?

Question for Discussion (example)Both camps agree that reduction of carbon emissions is important for creating a sustainable future. Youth of today have already experienced many technological change and observed much ecological destruction. Do technological innovations result in a life of “less stuff” and thus assist in achieving sustainability?

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First Year - First Year FoundationsTopic: Learning Without Walls

• Provide learning experiences transition to Wilkes Community

• Sustainability Theme– Sustainable Communities– Green Buildings– Footprints– Biomimicry– Sustainable Agriculture– Energy (Renewable and

Marcellus Shale)

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FYF students holding roosters that they hatched as part of FYF class project in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms

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Sophomore Year – Principles of Environmental Engineering & Science (EES 240)

• Study of physical, chemical, and biological components of environmental systems– Lab & classroom exercises:

• Biomimicry• Life-cycle assessments• Carbon footprint• Green engineering• Energy• Water• Waste

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Solar Pasteurization Lab Experiment

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Course: Air QualityLevel: JuniorRequired course for ENV majors; elective for EES majors• Topic: Use of Green Engineering in preventing air

pollution• Green Initiatives

Design for the Environment (DFE)Design for Disassembly (DFD)Design for Recycling (DFR)

– Example: Cap & Trade vs. Stack-by-stack approach to explain better policy-based and improved technology-based approaches

– Case Studies24

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Course: Air Pollution Control - Sustainability ModuleSenior Level; required for ENV, elective for others

Module Topic• Green Engineering and

Sustainability in Air Pollution Control.

• Green engineering as a financially and efficientalternative instead of anexpense.

• Air quality management by adopting waste reduction, pollution prevention, and materials management.

• Case studies of businesses turning an environmental problem into a money/profit making practice.

Some Course ObjectivesStudents will be able to

• identify and evaluate various philosophies and procedures adopted in the design of APC systems.

• design various APC systems to abate PM, vapor, and gaseous emissions adopting traditional and contemporary technologies that focus on material and energy conservation.

• consider and apply concept of green engineering and sustainability in APprevention and AQ improvement.

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Senior Year – Solid Waste Management (ENV 305)

• Assessment of the scope of the solid waste problem and end engineering and management strategies.

– Classroom exercises/term project• Recycling• Local issues• Metrics

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Wilkes vs Kings Recycling Competition

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Senior Year – Hazardous Waste Management (ENV 354)• An overview and application of

engineering principles to the management of hazardous wastes and the remediation of contaminated sites.

• Introduction to regulatory compliance and environmental laws. • Case studies – “lessons learned”• Field Trips• Conceptual remedial design

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Field Trip – GW Remediation

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Small Business Sustainability Consulting (ENV/ENT 384)• Interdisciplinary• Partner with Wilkes SBDC

– Small business clients• Objective to assist businesses • Class operated as a consulting

firm• Student teams

– Client meetings– Engagement letter– Research and

recommendations– Final report and presentation

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Why is Sustainability Important to Teach? Value to Business

• Efficiency• Marketing• Competitive

Differentiation• Reputation

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Why is Sustainability Important to Teach? Value to Students

• Career Market• Interdisciplinary Skills• “Real World” Skills

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Approach

• Formation of teams

• ClassroomUse of case study

• Client Interactions*Correspondence*Site Visits*Site Audits*Data Analysis*Research

• Final Report/Presentation

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Types of Clients• Metal perforation• Specialty - pet food• Specialty – health food• Frozen food• Furniture – sales• Custom cabinet manufacturer• Diesel engine maintenance• Distributor - medical supply• Electronics recycling• Portable toilet• Restaurants/Café• Butcher• Beauty Salon/Spa • Florists• Landscaper• Greenhouse• Taxi service

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Example – Data Analysis/Research

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Example - Energy Efficiency Assessments

Thermal Imaging

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Thermal Imaging

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Client Feedback/Implementation

• Positive– Grant applications– Certifications– On-going

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Learning from Professionals • Guest Lectures by professionals• Interactions with local businesses through

student organizations/clubs (A&WMA, ASHRAE, SES, etc.)

• Field trips to green buildings, companies incorporating and promoting sustainability

• Discussions on new science building on Wilkes University campus

• Advising on senior and other student projects

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Sustainability Management Certificate Program (on-line)(SUS 501, SUS 502, SUS 503, SUS 504)• 4 Courses – 3cr each

o SUS 501 – Introduction to Sustainabilityo SUS 502 – Metrics of Sustainabilityo SUS 503 – Sustainability Implementationo SUS 504 – Industry-focused Sustainability

• Become familiar with the terminology and implementation strategies for sustainability management

• Learn about the latest sustainability management tools

– how to assess an organization's current status and target areas for improvement

– how to set goals, measure, and track progress– how to conduct waste audits, a carbon

footprint analysis, and energy assessments38

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What is this program all about?

• Sustainability is smart management of natural resources toward the end results of efficiency and profitability.

• Sustainability management is becoming a growing focus for many organizations that strive to be more environmentally conscious and socially responsible.

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Who is this program for?

• Those undertaking initiatives to apply evolving standards and practices in sustainability to their operations.

• Leaders in every industry have recognized the value sustainable measures bring to the world, and to their bottom line.

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This program is relevant for those in

– Communications, – Engineering & Science, – Facilities & Fleets, – Healthcare, – Human Resources, – Finance, Accounting & Purchasing– Legal, Operations, and Real Estate.

•Sustainability Management Certificate Program

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Green Teams• If your organization is

forming a “Green Team,” the skills you learn in this program will make you an invaluable member of the team as you will be prepared to successfully contribute to the “planning,” “doing,” “checking” and “acting” components of your sustainability program.

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How does it work?

• On-line delivery• You will Need:

–Computer – Internet Access

• Logistics:– Individual assignments –Group interactions

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4 Courses – each 3 credits

• SUS 501 – Introduction to Sustainability

• SUS 502 – Metrics of Sustainability

• SUS 503 – Sustainability Implementation

• SUS 504 – Industry-focused Sustainability

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What will I get out of this program?

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• Be familiar with the terminology and implementation strategies for sustainability management

• Learn about "sustainability champions" in your field– Who are they and what lessons have they

learned that can help you?

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• Learn about the latest sustainability management tools– how to assess your organization's

current status and target areas for improvement

– how to set goals, measure, and track progress

– how to conduct waste audits, a carbon footprint analysis, and energy assessments

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• Learn how to communicate and disseminate information, both internally and externally, about your organization's sustainability programs

• Create implementation-ready initiatives and programs in your discipline

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ChallengesSome of the factors that make it challenging to include sustainability in the environmental engineering curriculum include:• lack of time to update courses• engineering curriculum is well set

especially for accredited programs• difficulty for faculty to remove existing

material from curricula to make room for sustainability education

• concepts and definitions are still evolving

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Come Join Us on the Sustainability Journey!!

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Documents

Sustainability in Undergraduate Environmental …ciec/Proceedings_2014/CPDD/CPDD534_MurthyTro… · •Issue: Is Sustainable Development Compatible with Human Welfare? Question for