Abstract:
Sustainability issues are increasingly important
among governments, consumers, and corporations
around the world. Many companies are directing their
resources to reduce the environmental impact of their
products and services. In order to remain competitive
in the global economy, these companies must recruit
employees who understand the impact of their
decisions on the environment and society at the same
time influencing its bottom line. It is the mission of
universities to prepare these future employees to meet
this need. A group of faculty and students in the
Department of Mechanical Engineering - Engineering
Mechanics at Michigan Technological University is
working to address this growing demand. This paper
assesses the current undergraduate Mechanical
Engineering curriculum at Michigan Technological
University with regard to sustainability, and identifies
barriers to incorporating sustainability throughout the
curriculum. A benchmarking study, progress made at
Michigan Tech, and a vision for the future of the
Mechanical Engineering curriculum are presented.
Institution:
Michigan Technological University