Educators are being challenged to develop transformational learning experiences that link student attainment of sustainability competencies to professional skills required in specific industries. However, these efforts can sometimes be hamstrung by traditional curricula and institutional structures. This study on an industry-led learning experience, the Timber Development UK University Design Challenge, evaluates how successful it has been in fostering student learning in net zero skills, renewables (materials and technologies) and engineering approaches critical for 21 st century construction professionals whilst also focusing on sustainability outcomes and operating outside an established curriculum or programme.

The results demonstrate a method for implementing interdisciplinary challenge-based learning in engineering for sustainable development within built environment fields, and for developing or enhancing links with industries and community organizations. More broadly, this work supports education around decarbonisation of the built environment, upskilling the 21 st century workforce, developing a more circular economy, and emphasising collaborative and regenerative design.