Educating engineers in sustainable energy development: An interdisciplinary approach

Sustainable energy development is satisfying the energy needs of the present generation without compromising future generations in satisfying these same needs. It encompasses three areas: economy, environment and society. Producing energy in a sustainable manner can be accomplished through energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy, among others. Sustainable energy education must be structured in an interdisciplinary manner whereby engineering modules are complemented with legal, social, economic, managerial and environmental coursework. Seminars complement academic instruction. Developing skills in these non-engineering areas is achieved through group projects with non-engineering students.