Sustainability in Engineering

As future engineers, students at TU Delft need to be aware of the social and ecological responsibilities that come with the engineering profession. This course is based on the principles of Blue Engineering, an innovative, student-led, workshop-style course developed at Technische Universität Berlin. It is currently running at more than 10 German universities as well as TU Delft.

Two key questions guide us throughout the course:

1. What is the purpose of technology, and how does it affect us?
   

2. What is our role as individuals and professionals in achieving a just and sustainable society?
   

The course focuses on sustainability, encompassing both ecological and social aspects. It promotes social-ecological transformation by discussing topics such as engineers’ responsibilities, neutrality of technology, climate change, gender and diversity, and others. Students also work on self-chosen topics, which are a core part of the course and allow deeper exploration of issues they find meaningful.

A key feature of the course is a series of guest lectures by experts on topics such as degrowth, circular economy, decolonisation, and climate justice. These lectures connect classroom discussions with the real world and critical perspectives. Additionally, the course includes the Climate Fresk workshop, an interactive group activity that helps students understand the complex science behind climate change.

Through creative, interdisciplinary, and sometimes heated discussions, the course explores the impacts of technology on society and nature. It fosters an inclusive and open learning environment, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional teacher-centered instruction. Students gain not only specialized knowledge but also orientation knowledge, competencies to understand and shape their role with technology and society, together with others.