Abstract:

The construction sector is a key player in the fight against climate change. It is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gases (37% of global emissions). In addition, the 50% of CO emissions estimated for this sector from now until 2050 do not have a contingency plan. It is therefore fundamental to align the sector's objectives with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The university plays a key role in the training of professionals with decision-making capacity; and it is essential to provide them with a solid foundation in relation to the premises of sustainable development that help to mitigate climatic challenges. The teaching team in the area of Construction Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering in Bilbao (UPV/EHU) set the innovative teaching project ODSEraiki in motion, aimed at developing sustainability competence among students. ODSEraiki was implemented in the last course of Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering (specialization in Construction). Based on different active learning methodologies, students had to develop a design project of a building considering sustainability in all decisions.

As a result of the project, about 35% of the students improved their ability to analyse different issues and their capacity for decision making in those aspects related to sustainability. Furthermore, the majority (30-45%) enhanced their ability to foresee the consequences of possible decisions and to actively participate in decision-making to promote change to a more sustainable construction sector.

Keywords:

Active learning, Sustainable Decision Making, social responsibility, construction sector.