Developing a holistic approach to implementing education for sustainable development across a higher educational institute: A longitudinal study of the University of the West of England, Bristol

Longhurst, James; Gough, Georgina; Hills, Sarah; Grant, Marcus

Abstract

Over the last 20 years the University of the West of England (UWE) has developed policy, strategy and plans to address its environmental and sustainability impacts. The University identifies its role in education for sustainable development (ESD) as being about the contribution that can be made through learning and teaching. Key to this is the development of skills, knowledge and values through programmes of study that support the goal of reconciling human needs with the environmental limits of the planet. Actions undertaken to implement this approach, including the commitment for all students to be exposed to the ideas of sustainable development through their programme of study, and the challenges experienced are discussed in the context of organisational leadership and change processes.

Citation

Longhurst, J., Gough, G., Hills, S., & Grant, M. (2014). Developing a holistic approach to implementing education for sustainable development across a higher educational institute: A longitudinal study of the University of the West of England, Bristol. In M. Leah Filho, U. Azeiteiro, S. Caeiro, & F. Alves (Eds.), Integrating Sustainability Thinking in Science and Engineering Curricula: Innovative Approaches, Methods and Tools, 527-542. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09474-8

• Publication Date: Oct 14, 2014
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 527-542
• Series Title: World Sustainability Series
• Series Number: XI
• Book Title: Integrating Sustainability Thinking in Science and Engineering Curricula: Innovative Approaches, Methods and Tools
• ISBN: 9783319094731
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09474-8
• Keywords: education for sustainable development, sustainability leadership, sustainable university
• Publisher URL: http://www.springer.com/environment/sustainable+development/book/978-3-319-09473-1