Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 28 June 2018
Issue publication date: 15 August 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a case-based module teaching sustainable engineering, linking the Envision rating system with behavioral decision science. Three complete modules are publicly available in a repository for any instructor to adapt, use and review.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was written about the Tucannon River Wind Farm, a project-certified Gold by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision™ rating system. The case was used as the basis for an in-class PowerPoint module to achieve student learning outcomes related to sustainability.
Findings
Before and after surveys showed significant (p < 0.05) learning increases. Word clouds show changes in student perceptions of sustainable design. Rubric scoring of writing assignments and concept maps yielded valuable insights and improvements and demonstrated the overall validity of the module approach.
Research limitations/implications
Modules lasting only one or two class days must be well-integrated into courses and curricula to promote greater learning value. Concept mapping may be a useful addition but involves a learning curve for both instructors and students.
Practical implications
By offering instructors access to a set of case-based modules, it becomes more practical for them to teach about sustainable infrastructure and decision-making.
Social implications
The module exemplifies a project owner and an engineering firm strongly committed to social and environmental sustainability. Envision’s Quality of Life and Leadership categories emphasize community well-being, involvement and collaboration.
Originality/value
This module offers a unique transdisciplinary focus meeting several needs in engineering education on sustainability, complex problems and decision-making.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This material is based in part on work supported by The National Science Foundation, through Grant 1531041. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For the Tucannon River Wind Farm case study, the authors thank Robert Healy from the project’s engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, and Franco Albi from the project owner, Portland General Electric, who gave their time and insight through phone interviews, provided project resources to develop the case and gave comments on the case study draft.
Citation
McWhirter, N.D. and Shealy, T. (2018), "Teaching decision-making for sustainable infrastructure: a wind energy case study module", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 893-911. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-10-2017-0183
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited