GreenVET pathway

Embedding Sustainability in Engineering Education

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) integrates sustainability across its engineering programs through project-based and interdisciplinary learning, preparing students to solve real-world environmental challenges and thrive in the green economy.

Key People and Partners Involved

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) administration
Engineering faculty and interdisciplinary educators
Students across energy, water, and environmental engineering tracks
Industry and research partners providing real-world project contexts

Description of the practice

DTU has made sustainability a core pillar of its mission, weaving it directly into engineering education to meet urgent global needs. Recognizing the vital role engineers play in shaping sustainable solutions, the university ensures that students across disciplines explore topics like renewable energy, water resource management, and climate resilience from their very first years.

Through project-based learning, students tackle authentic sustainability problems in collaboration with industry and research partners. These projects don’t just exist in the classroom; they often extend into communities or contribute to actual engineering solutions, providing students with hands-on experience and a strong sense of impact. This approach deepens technical knowledge while fostering creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills crucial for addressing complex environmental challenges.

DTU also emphasizes interdisciplinary teaching, merging technology with environmental science, policy considerations, and societal impacts. This prepares graduates to navigate the interconnected demands of the green economy and to lead innovations that balance technical performance with environmental responsibility.

Where it’s being implemented

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource.

DTU’s sustainability efforts are detailed on their official sustainability profile page, showcasing how they embed these principles throughout teaching and campus operations.
https://www.dtu.dk/en/about/profile/sustainability
DTU published its first comprehensive sustainability report, documenting achievements and setting future goals, reinforcing transparency and continuous improvement.
https://international-sustainable-campus-network.org/dtu-publishes-its-first-sustainability-report/

Impact and Results

Graduates equipped with practical, cross-cutting sustainability expertise.
Increased collaboration between academia and industry on green solutions.
Stronger research output in areas like clean energy and water management.
A campus culture where sustainability is visible in both academics and operations.
Positive contributions to Denmark’s broader climate and innovation goals.

Implementation Tips and Insights

Embed sustainability topics early in core courses, not just electives.
Use real-world projects to make abstract principles tangible.
Encourage collaboration across departments (engineering, natural sciences, policy).
Build partnerships with local companies to create authentic project challenges.
Showcase student-led innovations through fairs, publications, or competitions.

Useful Links and Resources

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource. ISCN (International Sustainable Campus Network) – Connects universities globally to share best practices in campus sustainability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmDdwwmOII
The EPC Sustainability Toolkit is a practical online resource designed to help engineering educators integrate sustainability into their teaching. It offers case studies, frameworks, and hands-on activities that show how to embed environmental and social responsibility across engineering curricula, empowering students to become future leaders in sustainable innovation.
https://epc.ac.uk/resources/toolkit/sustainability-toolkit/