In a milestone move towards a sustainable future, the Faculty of Engineering proudly announces the integration of the GENG222 “Sustainable Development for Engineers” course into its undergraduate core curriculum. This strategic initiative closely follows the inauguration of the sustainability wall at the faculty, showcasing the faculty’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

The GENG222 course is a challenging course offered for the undergraduate program, and is mandatory for all engineering disciplines. As a bold step towards meeting the requirements for ABET accreditation, GENG222 is more than a course, it is a commitment to molding the next generation of engineers with a deep understanding of sustainable design principles.

The first batch of students who have already embarked on this innovative journey in Fall 2023/24 found the course to be both fruitful and immensely rewarding. "It was a game-changer," says one student, emphasizing the practical application of sustainability in engineering design. Students enrolled on this course were asked to create a conceptual design for their final project, with the two-standout projects being a sustainable air purification system and the second design focusing on harvesting rain for hydration.

GENG222 goes beyond textbooks, offering a hands-on experience that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges. As part of the immersive learning experience, students enrolled in this course had the unique opportunity to go on field visits around the main campus. These tours serve as educational journeys, allowing students to delve deeper into the details of sustainability and witness sustainable practices firsthand. Additionally, students had the chance to explore green roofs, gaining valuable insights into this environmentally friendly architectural feature. These on-site experiences not only enrich their understanding of sustainability, but also provide a solid connection between theoretical concepts and real-world applications.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud expressed immense excitement about the faculty's initiative on embarking to integrate sustainability in its engineering curricula: “I was heartened to see firsthand the students’ excitements in engaging with the principles of sustainable development through their projects’ presentations. It was clear how well the students embraced the concept of sustainability into their thinking to make a difference around the faculty. One such collaborative approach was the design of flyers that will be placed around the faculty to promote the SDGs’ aims and to encourage engineers become agents of change to sustain our planet. “Professor Abboud believes that this new course positions the Faculty of Engineering on the right track to provide our engineering graduates the right concept towards sustainable awareness and practices. With the integration of GENG222 course, the faculty is not just preparing students for the future, it is actively shaping a future where sustainable practices are at the forefront of engineering innovation.

As the sun sets on traditional engineering education, the Faculty of Engineering rises with a new dawn, paving the way for a new generation of engineers prepared to design a better, healthier, and more sustainable community.