Incorporating Sustainable Development And Environmental Ethics Into Construction Engineering Education

Published in: Innovation and Development for the Americas: Engineering, Education, Research and Development: Proceedings of the 8th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: June 1-4, 2010
Location of Conference: Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Mary Frances Agnello
Richard Burgess
Muge Mukaddes Darwish
Refereed Paper: #168

Abstract

The importance of engineers in today’s society is great and obvious. Construction engineers make decisions that often have a critical impact on the environment and society. This enhanced ability to impact others makes sensitivity to ethical and social concerns a must in the construction engineering professionals. These observations underscore the importance of ethics for education of engineering students. A first step in the right direction assumes improving the knowledge and understanding that construction engineers and related disciplines of sustainability and GREEN construction techniques and systems could lead to significant improvements in the environmental performance of the construction industry. Education for sustainability in general is a process that develops students’ awareness, competence, attitudes and values, enabling them to be effectively involved in sustainable development at local, national and international levels, and helping them work towards a more equitable and sustainable future. The objective of this paper is to explore the rationale for teaching sustainability and engineering ethics within a decision–making paradigm along with a critical appraisal of ways to achieve related outcomes. Additionally, it aims to assist those who are increasing their understanding of engineering education for sustainable development