In 1992, Maurice Strong, Secretary General of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, stated that "The concept of sustainable development would be impossible without the full input of engineers." 
In the coming decades engineers will contribute to the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease by promoting sustainable resource utilization, appropriate technology, beneficial infrastructure, and social change.

Michigan Tech's Undergraduate International Sustainable Development Engineering Certificate is supervised by the D80 Center. 

An international senior design experience requiring students to work on an engineering problem in the developing world completes the certificate.

The 22-semester hour certificate program is designed to be woven throughout any engineering baccalaureate degree program.

D80 Center - Engineering Development for Humanity

Director: Kurt Paterson (CEE)

Dedicated to prosperity by design, the D80 Center aims to assist the most vulnerable 80% of humanity in meeting their basic needs for food, water, shelter, sanitation, waste disposal, energy, income, and education. During their years at Michigan Tech, D80 participants learn to view the challenges and opportunities facing humanity via a multi-disciplinary perspective. With extensive opportunities on campus and in economically developing communities, participants acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of the world's most under-served, while becoming leaders in their chosen fields. Through this engagement, the D80 Center makes better professionals and citizens.