Engineers Canada – Sustainability in practice (edX)

This course is a joint project between Engineers Canada (EC) and Polytechnique Montréal. It will show real case studies illustrating practical applications of the 10 guidelines contained in EC’s National guideline on sustainable development and environmental stewardship for professional engineers (2016). It will also suggest tools for engineers to apply these guidelines in their professional practice.

What you'll learn

• explain the basic concepts of sustainable development (SD) and environmental stewardship (ES) and their relationship to engineering;
• recognize the importance, for an engineer, to be aware of SD and ES concepts;
• describe real world applications of Engineers Canada’s sustainability guidelines;
• identify ways to integrate sustainability aspects in their daily practice.

Syllabus

Module 1: Sustainable Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Engineering
Introduction to the notions of sustainable development (SD) and environmental stewardship (ES). Environmental, social and economic challenges of SD. Overview of EC’s 10 guidelines.

Module 2: Improving Competencies: Available Tools for Engineers
Three case studies showing the importance of SD and ES, and illustrating the practical application of the guidelines. Tools and resources: social impact assessment, Global Reporting Initiative, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, laws and regulations.

Module 3: Planning and Managing Risk in a Changing World
Three case studies showing the importance of SD and ES, and illustrating the practical application of the guidelines. Tools and resources: risk assessment and mitigation, biodiversity indicators, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Module 4: Building a More Sustainable Future
Two case studies showing how engineers integrate SD & ES principles in the building industry. Summary review of the 10 guidelines and the importance of their implementation in the previously presented case studies