Abstract:

This paper proposes a methodological process to systematize the incorporation of sustainability criteria in the conceptual and basic design of engineering projects; which will be useful in teaching about project engineering in order to planning the later phases of the project and to do decision making.

Our methodological proposal contains several key points. One of them, try to clarified terminology and concepts about sustainability criteria in a engineering project. Taking the current state of the art as our starting point, our methodology define the concepts about sustainability criteria in their three dimensions (environmental, social and economical aspects), which are important take in to account during the design process of the any kind of project. Another important starting side, is that this proposal takes into account the specific methodology of design projects at Polytechnic University of Catalonia (MDP-UPC), where the resolution of projects demands an analytical and objective thinking, and solving problems methodically and systematically.

This methodology is meant to be used by engineers, students and researchers as a useful and objective support tool for decision-making in the engineering project design, and as part of larger efforts to achieve the goal of sustainable human development.

Keywords:

Project engineering, sustainability criteria, design of projects.