Transdisciplinary education for reducing environmental impact of AEC industry

Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment but contributes significantly to environmental impact, accounting for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. An interdisciplinary systematic literature review (SLR) explores how transdisciplinary education (TDE) can be integrated into AEC curricula to address environmental sustainability challenges. TDE facilitates students’ understanding of the environmental impact (EI) of their design projects and equips them with the knowledge and skills to develop sustainable solutions. This review examines various pedagogical models, including problem-based learning, to evaluate their effectiveness in fostering TDE for reducing EI in the AEC sector. Findings from the literature are synthesized to present a framework aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) that promotes sustainability in AEC education. The review aims to inform future research and curriculum development, advancing the role of education in equipping future professionals to mitigate environmental impacts in the AEC industry.