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Embedding Sustainability in Software Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study

Niki Mahmoudi, Ruzanna Chitchyan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

Sustainability is increasingly recognized as a critical dimension of engineering education, yet its integration into Software Engineering curricula remains a challenge. This paper reports on a case study that examines how sustainability is being embedded across modules in the Software Engineering program at one university. The paper outlines the process through which academics and students co-identified opportunities for integration, guided by the five dimensions of the Sustainability Awareness Framework, targeted discussion questions, and good practice examples drawn from the Green Software Foundation patterns. The study highlights practical steps - including the use of frameworks, illustrative examples, student engagement, and iterative consultative processes - that can support other institutions seeking to embed sustainability into their programs. We also discuss strategies for integrating sustainability into the Software Engineering curriculum and argue that such integration is a necessary and urgent step to prepare Software Engineering graduates as sustainability-aware professionals in our changing society.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2026 IEEE/ACM 48th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE-SEET ’26)
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic) 9798400724237
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 20 Jan 2026
EventInternational Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering Education and Training - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 11 Apr 202618 Apr 2026

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Software Engineering
PublisherACM

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Software Engineering
Abbreviated titleICSE-SEET
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityRio de Janeiro
Period11/04/2618/04/26

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education

Keywords

  • Software Engineering
  • Curriculum
  • Sustainability
  • Qualitative analysis

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