Personal belief system and engineering skills for sustainable development goals among engineering and maritime professionals

This study investigates the place of personal belief systems and engineering skills for advancing sustainable development goals in the profession of engineers and maritime professionals. Qualitative exploratory research design with purposive sampling features the investigation of whether practices and/or decision-making of engineers and maritime professionals are influenced by their beliefs toward sustainability. Semi-structured interviews with 25 experienced engineers and maritime professionals from Cebu City show that personal beliefs do have a strong influence over the prioritization of such key SDGs as SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The important engineering skills to support sustainability will include project management, innovative problem-solving, water resource management, and sustainable materials science. Findings highlight engineers and maritime professionals with a strong sustainability-oriented belief are likely to champion greener technologies and practices within the organization. The research provides an important need to grow a culture of sustainability based on ethical decision-making, education, and advocacy. In conclusion, the study ends by recommending further research into how personal beliefs and engineering skills are impacting the sustainability outcomes of the activity, how it has evolved over time, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy in the creation of sustainable practices in the engineering and maritime profession.