HEESeB – Strengthening Capacity of Higher Engineering Education for Sustainable Buildings, implemented by Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck, has made substantial progress in strengthening engineering education and promoting sustainable construction practices in Bhutan. Since its launch in February 2023, the project has focused on developing academic programmes, enhancing laboratory infrastructure, and building the capacity of faculty, technicians, and students through international collaboration.
A key milestone of the project is the delivery of two cohorts of the Certificate Course in Timber Engineering for Energy Efficient Buildings in 2025. Based on lessons learned from the first cohort, the duration of the course for the second cohort was reduced to 28 days to improve effectiveness and accessibility. The programme was jointly delivered by international experts and faculty members from JNEC, demonstrating the institution’s growing capacity to independently conduct specialised training. The college also supported the programme as part of its co-funding commitment, highlighting strong institutional ownership.
Two students from JNEC completed a semester abroad at the University of Innsbruck, while one student from Innsbruck was hosted at JNEC for academic exchange and knowledge sharing. These mobility activities have helped strengthen institutional partnerships and expose students to international best practices in sustainable building technologies.
Over the entire project period, the HEESeB project has achieved several major outcomes. These include the development and institutional approval of a Certificate Course in Timber Engineering, the establishment of a dedicated Timber Engineering Laboratory, and the development of new teaching materials and courses on building energy efficiency and building simulation. Faculty members and laboratory technicians received specialized training, enabling them to independently deliver courses and operate laboratory equipment.
The project has also contributed to capacity development, gender-responsive STEM teaching practices, and international knowledge exchange. By strengthening technical expertise in timber engineering and energy-efficient building design, the project supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to sustainable construction in Bhutan. The project’s results were designed to be sustainable beyond the project duration. The certificate programme is now being offered on a self-sustaining fee-based model, and the laboratory infrastructure will continue to support teaching, research, and professional training. Through these achievements, the HEESeB project has strengthened higher engineering education and laid the foundation for continued innovation and sustainable building practices in Bhutan.
