This paper shares the approach to integrating key competencies for sustainability in the context of chemical engineering using the CDIO Framework, with the aim of developing students’ sustainability mindset, which is the key elements in one of the six graduate attributes from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) – namely ethics and responsible citizenry. The need is also consistent with the requirements of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK; that accredits the program. The paper outlines the approach developed in SP that provide guidance on how the development of sustainability mindset can be achieved. The SP approach involves the development of 8 key competencies for sustainability: interpersonal, intrapersonal, systems thinking, values thinking, futures thinking, strategic thinking, implementation thinking and integrated problem-solving. It allows each program to identify its own progressive pathway using applicable United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) that leads to the development of integrated problem-solving competency from 7 other key competencies for sustainability. Each key competency for sustainability has a set of underpinning skills and attitudes mapped to the CDIO Syllabus. This paper then shows how the chemical engineering program uses this approach, providing examples of the program’s coverage of relevant UN SDGs, and a map of where the 8 key competencies for sustainability are covered in the program modules. It then provides an example pathway of how systems thinking competency can be developed, that leads to the development of integrated problem-solving competency. The paper also discussed how the gaps identified in the existing curriculum can be closed.
