Integrating sustainable development in chemical engineering education: the application of an environmental management system

Abstract

The principles of sustainable development have been integrated in chemical engineering education by means of an environmental management system. These principles have been introduced in the teaching laboratories where students perform their practical classes. In this paper, the implementation of the environmental management system, the problems arisen, the proposed solutions and the obtained results are discussed. The main problems are related to the chronological order of the courses in the chemical engineering degree, the commitment of students and the proper management of wastes. The suggested solutions are a combination of preliminary theoretical explanations, the supply of adequate documents to students and the evaluation of their work from the principles of sustainable development. Results show that after the implementation of the system, it is possible to reduce the consumption of raw materials and resources, and the generation of wastes. Results also suggest an improvement in the skills, attitudes and values of the students according to the sustainable-development principles.