Engineering learning of sustainable product lifecycle through CDIO

Sustainable development is an optional CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) standard in the engineering curriculum, however, due to the impact of climate change on society and the environment, sustainability is now seen as a crucial aspect of learning. Engineering has contributed to climate change through non-sustainable solutions, so it is important to implement a sustainable CDIO standard in the engineering curriculum. In the UK, the Engineering Council already requires engineering-accredited courses to embed sustainability into the engineering curriculum, learning, practice and assessment following the UNESCO sustainability goals. This means that the engineering curriculum is required to provide learning opportunities for students to engineer sustainable solutions that are fit for all of society. This paper illustrates how the optional CDIO standard: sustainable development has been implemented in a second-year capstone project module The module challenges students to research and develop a low-carbon footprint product for World Rugby The module placed learning emphasis on a diamond TQM+ paradigm (Time, Quality, Management, Sustainability, Health & Safety) and challenged students to consider environmental impact and circular economy solutions. The paper reports on student learning, challenges, and successes in satisfying this diamond TQM+ paradigm to engineer sustainable rugby equipment (products, clothing, footwear, PPE) solutions and opportunities for further student learning development.