LAPSE:2026.0541
Published Article

LAPSE:2026.0541
A pedagogical framework for sustainability learning : the case of Industrial Ecology
June 12, 2026
Abstract
The accelerating social, environmental, and economic challenges of the twenty-first century call The growing complexity of sustainability challenges calls for educational approaches that integrate technical analysis with multi-stakeholder decision-making. Industrial ecology (IE) provides a relevant framework by combining systems thinking, resource flow analysis, and socio-environmental considerations. However, it is still predominantly taught through traditional lecture-based methods, limiting students' ability to engage with real-world complexity. This paper proposes and evaluates an experiential pedagogical framework based on industrial ecology, combining stakeholder role-play, industrial symbiosis scenario design, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Implemented in a semester-long course, the framework enables students to collaboratively design and evaluate resource-exchange networks while representing different stakeholder perspectives. Results show significant improvements in both technical skills (systems analysis, resource flow evaluation) and transversal competencies (communication, negotiation, reflexivity). The approach enhances student engagement and highlights the role of value judgments in sustainability decision-making. The framework offers a transferable methodology for sustainability education in engineering and related disciplines.
The accelerating social, environmental, and economic challenges of the twenty-first century call The growing complexity of sustainability challenges calls for educational approaches that integrate technical analysis with multi-stakeholder decision-making. Industrial ecology (IE) provides a relevant framework by combining systems thinking, resource flow analysis, and socio-environmental considerations. However, it is still predominantly taught through traditional lecture-based methods, limiting students' ability to engage with real-world complexity. This paper proposes and evaluates an experiential pedagogical framework based on industrial ecology, combining stakeholder role-play, industrial symbiosis scenario design, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Implemented in a semester-long course, the framework enables students to collaboratively design and evaluate resource-exchange networks while representing different stakeholder perspectives. Results show significant improvements in both technical skills (systems analysis, resource flow evaluation) and transversal competencies (communication, negotiation, reflexivity). The approach enhances student engagement and highlights the role of value judgments in sustainability decision-making. The framework offers a transferable methodology for sustainability education in engineering and related disciplines.
Record ID
Keywords
Education, Environment, Industrial ecology, Multi-agent approaches, Work group
Subject
Suggested Citation
Boix M, Thomas S, Werf LVD, Montastruc L. A pedagogical framework for sustainability learning : the case of Industrial Ecology. Systems and Control Transactions 5:2689-2695 (2026) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.119541
Author Affiliations
Boix M: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
Thomas S: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
Werf LVD: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
Montastruc L: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
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Thomas S: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
Werf LVD: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
Montastruc L: LGC UMR 5503, Toulouse INP, CNRS, Université Toulouse 3, 4 Allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4 [ORCID]
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Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
5
First Page
2689
Last Page
2695
Year
2026
Publication Date
2026-06-12
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 2689-2695-634-SCT-5-2026, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2026.0541
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https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.119541
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Jun 12, 2026
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References Cited
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