Proposal for Strategic CENG Initiative on Sustainability College Working Session December 9 th 2003

Sustainability What is? Decentralized Effort? Keywords: Environment Energy Industry Economics Education Engineering? Opportunity for CENG?

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development developed a definition of sustainability that was included in its findings, which became known as the Brundtland Report. “Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” sustainability/Pages/definition.htm also check: sustainability/Pages/definition.htm

Who is doing this? Do I care? NAE 2020 Engineer Talloires Declaration Cal Poly Campus Baby Steps Coordination Does CENG Have a Role? Synergy/Timing Opportunity

National Academy of Engineering: Engineer 2020-Prospectus Under: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY … Some of the most salient trends are listed below: A global population approaching 10 billion with a steadily aging demographic and growing demand for diversity in the engineering workforce An imperative for “sustainability” in the face of global population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and environmental degradation

Cal Poly is currently aware of and making progress towards sustainability. According to Linda Dalton, Vice Provost for Institutional Planning, “more is being done than meets the eye.” The Master Plan for the campus has the theme of sustainability running throughout it. The Environmental Sustainability Element of the plan specifically describes objectives and policies to promote campus energy efficiency, protection of natural environments, reducing the consumption of natural resources, and to mitigate construction impacts. As organizations of higher education, universities are in the unique position to foster awareness, knowledge, skills, and values that prepare students to “pursue goals in ways that sustain human and non-human well-being for current and future institutions” (Dalton). Universities provide forums for equipping students with innovative ideas and promoting contemporary thinking about sustainability. AT CAL POLY

other players EU: First Environment Policy Review highlights need to speed up reforms to better protect the environment and promote sustainable development -Brussels, 3 December 2003 UN Division of Alliance for Global Sustainability the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich – ETH the Massachusetts Institute of Technology the University of Tokyo Chalmers University of Technology U.S. Interagency Working Group on Sustainable Development Indicators

The Sustainable Development Playing Field Drivers of Growth Sustainability Drivers Effects Technology Innovation Opening Political Systems Globalization Growing Populations Decline in Natural Systems Social Instability Changes in Societal Values Government Intervention Shifts in Market Demands PlayingField of the Future Conventional Growth Opportunities New Strategic Choices Source: A.D. Little, 1999

The Spectrum of Approaches to the Challenge Thrust Actions IntrovertsExtroverts Bottom- Liners Top-Liners Transformers Stay with pack Take the high road Cost Leadership Differentiation Growth Should I do anything ? How can I better align with stakeholders ? How can I get cost advantage ? How can I capitalize on sustainable development ? How can I leverage sustainable development to transform the organization? Wait and see: track the issues Strengthen communities and envi’mental protection Improve eco- efficiency of process Create products and services with unique characteristics Leverage sustainable development to better learn, innovate, and manage for the future Source: A.D. Little, 1999 ?

The Proposal Practical and Innovative Approaches to the Ultimate Engineering Multidisciplinary Problem Leaders in this Emerging Topic CENG-Wide Participation Visible Participation in the Talloires Declaration Signing by the President Co-sponsor International Conference at Cal Poly with National Academy of Engineering

The Risks Faculty Support? Student Support? Industrial Support? Competition with other Colleges and Universities Administrative Complexity and Slow Outcomes Verification Blasphemy?

The Rewards Top of the Class New Theme Campus PR National Exposure Student Demand International Status

The “Here and Now” Specifics Insert Guest Lectures in Courses Create a “CENG Sustainability Center/Institute” Start Planning International Conference for 2005 Coordinate with Campus and President’s Office Enhance CENG Profile in this Area