Integrating Sustainability into Engineering Curricula: Challenges, Framework, and Impact on Student Competencies in Saudi Arabian Higher Education

Abstract

This paper investigates the integration of sustainability into Saudi Arabian engineering curricula and its impact on students’ sustainability competencies. The study starts by delving into the multifaceted concept of sustainability, emphasizing its importance in higher education, particularly in engineering. It identifies a research gap in Saudi Arabia regarding the integration of sustainability into engineering curricula, underlining its significance in aligning with the country’s shift to a sustainable and diversified economy. The paper highlights several challenges in implementing sustainability into curriculum practices, sourced from an extensive literature review. The authors propose a context-adapted, multi-staged framework to facilitate the integration of sustainability into the curriculum practices of Saudi Arabian engineering schools. This framework focuses on identifying sustainability gaps, engaging stakeholders, adopting adaptive education, integrating sustainability into the curriculum, promoting awareness, evaluating, and implementing continuous improvements. This research contributes to the global discussion on sustainability education in engineering and provides valuable insights for Saudi Arabia’s policy and practice.