Northeastern University - Combust-a-thon: Sustainable Energy in Brazil

Through the iPBL (International Project-Based Learning) methodology, participants worked collaboratively with students different cultural backgrounds to solve a real-world challenge proposed by Combio, one of Brazil`s leading renewable thermal energy companies.

Project name: Combust-a-thon: Renewable Heat for Hard-to-Abate Industries – Designing a Pathway for Combio Beyond Steam
Total workload: 96 hours

During the project, students developed the following skills:

Intercultural Communication

Badge earners collaborated in multicultural teams, learning to communicate effectively across different cultural perspectives, academic backgrounds, and problem-solving approaches. Participants strengthened their ability to exchange ideas, negotiate decisions, and build consensus while working toward a common objective.

Critical Thinking

Badge earners analyzed complex industrial decarbonization challenges by evaluating technical, environmental, and economic data. They identified barriers to renewable heat adoption, assessed alternative solutions, and developed evidence-based recommendations supported by research and quantitative analysis.

Systems Thinking

Participants demonstrated the ability to understand the interconnections between industrial processes, energy technologies, fuel supply chains, logistics, environmental impacts, and business strategy. They proposed integrated solutions that balanced technical feasibility, economic viability, and sustainability objectives.

Global Sustainability Awareness

Badge earners explored technological innovation, circular economy principles, and sustainable energy systems can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting industrial competitiveness.

Professional Development

Badge earners strengthened essential professional skills by working under real project constraints, presenting recommendations to industry professionals, responding to technical questions, and producing deliverables that mirrored consulting and engineering practices. Participants enhanced teamwork, leadership, research, and presentation skills while engaging with an authentic industry challenge.

O que é necessário para conquistar este badge

Successfully completed the Combust-a-thon program with 100% attendance and achieved a satisfactory score based on the official assessment rubric, evaluating thermal analysis, technical solution design, economic feasibility, geographic opportunity assessment, policy and scaling strategy, and the quality of the final deliverables.