Abstract:

In the ongoing context of awareness of climate change, the concepts of renewability and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. However, in many cases the definition of those concepts might be ambiguous. In that sense, the exergy and emergy analysis methodology leads to an objective yet quantitative definition of those concepts.

This educational proposal moves beyond traditional environmental impact studies so far, into the field of rigorous traineeship of students in advanced procedures for sustainability evaluation. A crucial outcome of the training is the capacity to integrate those metrics with the comprehensive evaluation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, thereby providing a multi-dimensional perspective on project impact.

The proposal is grounded on problem-based learning and the application of rigorous analytical tools to real case of studies in marine engineering. Students face with practical professional challenges, such as the design and optimization of offshore winds farms, the assessment of the impact and feasibility of port construction, or the complete life cycle analysis of infrastructures, including both the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases.

Students learn to apply the exergy assessment to quantify the thermodynamic efficiency and the renewability index of a process. Afterward, through the emergy assessment, different socio-economic variables and natural resources (solar energy, materials, human resources…) can be assessed in a common base, allowing a scientific comparison between different human and natural systems.

The main outcome of that training is the acquisition of skills for technical and ethical decision-making. On one hand, the acquisition of the capacity to combine different thermodynamic indexes to assess the sustainability, renewability and greenhouse gases emission of a project under a multidimensional perspective. On the other hand, the acquisition of a quantitative and deep understanding of how resources consumption affects the ecological and economic viability of the project in the long-term. And finally, the development of operational skills to lead the sustainable development within the global maritime sector.

The integration of those analytical tools into the curriculum is not limited to technical training but is articulated as a process that also enhances critical thinking. By transforming complex thermodynamic metrics into tangible sustainability indicators, students develop the ability to make decisions based on objective data that transcends greenwashing. That pedagogical approach provides students with a new point of view about sustainability, different to the traditional one. Students achieve a multidimensional sustainability perspective, where technical efficiency, environmental impact and economic viability converge, preparing them to responsibly lead the sustainable development agenda in the global maritime sector.

This hands-on, quantitative experience is strategically designed to significantly increase the sustainability literacy and ethical awareness of future professionals. Thus, students will possess the tools necessary to actively shape and drive the sustainable development agenda within the maritime sector globally.

Keywords:

Renewability, sustainability, education, research.