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Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module

Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module This paper aims to introduce a case-based module teaching sustainable engineering, linking the Envision rating system with behavioral decision science. Three complete modules are publicly available in a repository for any instructor to adapt, use and review.Design/methodology/approachA case study was written about the Tucannon River Wind Farm, a project-certified Gold by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision™ rating system. The case was used as the basis for an in-class PowerPoint module to achieve student learning outcomes related to sustainability.FindingsBefore and after surveys showed significant (p < 0.05) learning increases. Word clouds show changes in student perceptions of sustainable design. Rubric scoring of writing assignments and concept maps yielded valuable insights and improvements and demonstrated the overall validity of the module approach.Research limitations/implicationsModules lasting only one or two class days must be well-integrated into courses and curricula to promote greater learning value. Concept mapping may be a useful addition but involves a learning curve for both instructors and students.Practical implicationsBy offering instructors access to a set of case-based modules, it becomes more practical for them to teach about sustainable infrastructure and decision-making.Social implicationsThe module exemplifies a project owner and an engineering firm strongly committed to social and environmental sustainability. Envision’s Quality of Life and Leadership categories emphasize community well-being, involvement and collaboration.Originality/valueThis module offers a unique transdisciplinary focus meeting several needs in engineering education on sustainability, complex problems and decision-making. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education Emerald Publishing

Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module

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References (49)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1467-6370
DOI
10.1108/ijshe-10-2017-0183
Publisher site
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Abstract

This paper aims to introduce a case-based module teaching sustainable engineering, linking the Envision rating system with behavioral decision science. Three complete modules are publicly available in a repository for any instructor to adapt, use and review.Design/methodology/approachA case study was written about the Tucannon River Wind Farm, a project-certified Gold by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision™ rating system. The case was used as the basis for an in-class PowerPoint module to achieve student learning outcomes related to sustainability.FindingsBefore and after surveys showed significant (p < 0.05) learning increases. Word clouds show changes in student perceptions of sustainable design. Rubric scoring of writing assignments and concept maps yielded valuable insights and improvements and demonstrated the overall validity of the module approach.Research limitations/implicationsModules lasting only one or two class days must be well-integrated into courses and curricula to promote greater learning value. Concept mapping may be a useful addition but involves a learning curve for both instructors and students.Practical implicationsBy offering instructors access to a set of case-based modules, it becomes more practical for them to teach about sustainable infrastructure and decision-making.Social implicationsThe module exemplifies a project owner and an engineering firm strongly committed to social and environmental sustainability. Envision’s Quality of Life and Leadership categories emphasize community well-being, involvement and collaboration.Originality/valueThis module offers a unique transdisciplinary focus meeting several needs in engineering education on sustainability, complex problems and decision-making.

Journal

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 15, 2018

Keywords: Infrastructure; Transdisciplinary education; Behavioral science; Civil engineering; Envision rating system

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