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Making sustainably: embedding sustainable practices in project-based design engineering
Denniss, Ana Rubio Piper, Samuel E. Palmer, Charlotte E.
Denniss, Ana Rubio
Piper, Samuel E.
Palmer, Charlotte E.
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EESD2025_#83_Denniss.pdf
Adobe PDF, 1.01 MB
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Editors
Date
2025
Educational Level
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
UK
Abstract
Hands-on, project-based learning is now understood to be an integral component of engineering education, particularly in design engineering courses. Although these project-based modules often focus on sustainability goals and encourage students to consider sustainability as a key factor in design solutions, the same attention may not be given to how the project is subsequently carried out. Implementing practices that encourage students to prototype and iterate designs through a process that centres sustainability can help to further embed these concepts into the learning experience. This paper explores how academic makerspaces and workshops can be used as tools to demonstrate sustainability practices, and to reinforce sustainability-based learning outcomes of design modules. It examines the need to impart sustainable design principles by promoting thoughtful material use and waste reduction. Through a case study of an academic makerspace, consisting of documentation of existing practices and a user survey, the paper identifies challenges and opportunities for ensuring that practical project-based modules reflect the goals of sustainability education. It explores the importance of effectively managing materials and resources to instil students with an understanding of their finite nature and the need for responsible consumption.
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Keywords (free text)
makerspace, project-based learning, survey evaluation, engineering education, engineering for sustainable development, education for sustainabilty, sustainability in engineering