Sustainability engineering undergraduate program : a futuristic design

![CDATA[Environmental engineers design systems and solutions at the interface between humans and the environment. Traditionally, environmental engineers are trained to focus on medium related issues, e.g., provision of water, collection and treatment of wastewater and later air, water, soil pollution control. Gradually it shifted to encompassing the ecological principles, and recently the problems related to emerging contaminants. In addressing these issues, environmental engineers adopted systems approach but usually they are limited to within the media they are dealing with. In addition, environmental engineers often find themselves in a difficult position to convince an industry/governmental organisation, as there was no incentive for an industry to invest/research in clean technology. Recent increased incidences of extreme climatic conditions, food shortages and sharp increase in atmospheric carbon concentrations globally have given a wake-up call to the public and governments alike. The emerging issues as defined by UN Sustainable Development Goals or the US National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges demand futuristic engineering skills different from what traditional engineers are taught. For example, the consideration of food-energy- water nexus require much wider knowledge than a traditional environmental engineering degree offers. Western Sydney University has the lead in the design of such a futuristic undergraduate program on Sustainability Engineering. It addresses: Sustainable supply of food, water, and energy; Curb climate change and adapt to its impacts; Design a future without pollution and waste (Circular Economy); Create efficient, healthy, resilient cities; and Foster informed decisions and actions informed by science. The program has been designed as a collaborative attempt across multiple disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Materials engineering, Agricultural science, IT, Electrical Engineering, and Social Science. It is expected that this program will produce engineers who are future focussed and holistic thinkers and who can analyse a problem from multiple perspectives.]]