The role of environmental engineering education in sustainable development in Iran: AUT experience

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explain the strategies and activities of a main technical University in Iran (Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT)) toward sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, three main strategies of AUT to achieve sustainable developments goals in engineering education are explained. In addition, the main obstacles of these programs including the budget limitation for implementation of main activities related to sustainable development and difficulties in official procedure for the change of educational system is also explained.

Findings

The study of strategies and activities of a university can provide useful information for other universities (especially in developing countries) that like to promote their activities toward sustainable development goals. According to the final results, international education of engineering students and teachers, especially those who are living in developing countries, have an important role in promoting their environmentally aware attitudes, skills and behavior patterns help their societies make the transition to sustainable development.

Practical implications

As earlier mentioned, these experiences are useful for the universities that like to promote their education system toward sustainable development. In addition, it is necessary to think about solving the main obstacle of these activities especially in the universities of developing countries. Further, action should be taken toward international cooperation of universities in order to improve their educational system, which will be suitable for the new millennium.

Originality/value

This paper describes the strategies, activities and main obstacles of a main technical University that has adopted the strategy “pioneer of sustainable development” in Iran for the next decade. The paper mainly focuses on experiences regarding these activities.

Citation

Alavi Moghaddam, M.R., Taher‐shamsi, A. and Maknoun, R. (2007), "The role of environmental engineering education in sustainable development in Iran: AUT experience", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676370710726599