The official statement of this goal as one of the "six tools" is the understanding of technical problems in the broader context of society, including external economic and possibly social factors.
My Interpretation
One of the major goals of any college education should be to find ways to put learning to use - it's not enough to simply know the math that goes into an engineering problem, or be able to solve a problem out of a textbook. As an engineering student, one should always be looking to the "bigger picture" - why do we bother doing material balances, for example?
Further, a chemical engineering degree is quite versatile. Outside the fields of engineering, the same mathematical tools can be applied to all sorts of situations, such as finance. I believe once you have a firm grasp of this particular "tool," it become unconscious - you start thinking like a chemical engineer because you are a chemical engineer - in all that you do.
My Evidence
Life-Cycle Assessment
I have taken a number of courses, both required in undergrad and elective in graduate school, related to the connections between chemical engineering and the environment. I wrote a term paper for one course in which I outline the procedure for completing a Life-Cycle Assessment, a careful analysis of the materials and energy required for a good or service that considers all the environmental impacts of its existence, such as the use of materials and energy to create it, maintain it, and dispose of it. I believe this shows that I have strongly considered impacts of chemical engineering in a broader context.
Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses
I believe that my understanding of material and energy balances and their applications both within and beyond chemical engineering is quite strong.
However, I recognize that I sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture or of specific applications of my knowledge in these areas. I especially think that my "intuitive" understanding of principles can sometimes be a little weak.
Goals and Plans
Short-term goal: Start reading more trade journals to stay on top of current issues in engineering and beyond.
Medium-term goal: Find a way to better integrate social concerns into my statements of teaching and research.
Long-term goal: Get involved in a local cause related to environmental issues where my chemical engineering knowledge might be useful.
Notes for CBE 20255 students:
Typically, you should include links to your artifacts directly. I didn't have an e-portfolio as an undergraduate student, and have lost digital evidence of my work! Let my example be your warning!
Obviously, your contributions to date may be lacking in this or other areas. Do not be discouraged! If you believe you have little to no evidence of your proficiency at this or any other of the six tools, take more time to reflect on your current abilities and plans to improve in the future!