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Introduction

One of the primary functions of colleges and universities is to educate students. By training and educating future leaders, scholars, workers, and professionals; higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to understand and address sustainability challenges. Institutions that offer courses covering sustainability issues help equip their students to lead society to a sustainable future.

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Defining a Pedagogical Framework for Integrating Buildings and Landscapes in Conjunction with Social Sustainability Discourse in the Architecture Graduate Design Studio

  • Girne American University
  • Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design

The primary objective of this research is to define a pedagogy framework for architecture Graduate Design Studio. The proposed pedagogy framework pursues the following three principal objectives: The first objective …

Developing Ethical Future Managers Embracing Sustainability: Case Study of Budapest Business School

  • Budapest Business University

The paper describes and evaluates how a higher education institution (Budapest Business School - BBS), aspiring for AACSB accreditation, co-created innovative tools, based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and …

Do European quality assurance frameworks support integration of transformative learning for sustainable development in higher education?

  • University of Bern
  • Universitat de Girona (Girona)
  • Kaunas University of Technology (Kaunas sav.)
  • Universiteit Hasselt

A transition toward sustainable development requires engagement of university students in transformative learning. Therefore, quality frameworks and processes should support deep approaches to sustainable development in higher education. Research and …

The Development of Sustainability Education at ASU - A Case Study

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

This video highlights the development of the School of Sustainability and the future of sustainability at Arizona State University. Dr. Boone describes the program's objectives, competencies, and initiatives including how …

  • Posted May 20, 2022
  • Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability in Real and Imagined Spaces: Honors Courses in Sustainability and the Environment

  • University of Kentucky (KY)
  • AASHE (MA)

Honors classes emphasize interdisciplinarity, student agency, and real-world engagement—an optimal curriculum space to develop innovative courses in sustainability and the environment. This session will explore opportunities for sustainability education presented …

  • Posted May 19, 2022
  • Videos & Webinars
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Students’ knowledge and expectations about sustainable food systems in higher education

  • University of Kassel
  • Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
  • University of Copenhagen
  • Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego (Warsaw)
  • ISARA Agro School for Life
  • Eesti Maaülikool, EMÜ
  • FH Münster
  • University of Gastronomic Sciences (Piedmont)

To clarify needs and requests of the young generation to the contemporary and future education on food systems, this paper aims to examine the following issues: students’ background knowledge, students’ …

Handling climate change education at universities: an overview

  • UNSW Sydney (NSW)
  • University of Malta (Northern Harbor District)
  • KTH Royal Institute of Technology
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • University of Campinas
  • University of Passo Fundo
  • Universidade Federal Fluminense
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • University of Belgrade
  • University of Latvia
  • University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Indian Institute of Management (Jharkhand)
  • Hiroshima University
  • University of Colombo
  • University of Fort Hare
  • Universidade Fernando Pessoa
  • University of Education, Winneba
  • Kwara State University
  • Romanian Academy
  • Universidad Católica del Norte

This paper reports on a study which aimed at identifying the extent to which matters related to climate change are addressed within the teaching and research practices at universities, with …

COVID-19: the impact of a global crisis on sustainable development teaching

  • College of Charleston (SC)
  • University of Malta (Northern Harbor District)
  • Bournemouth University (Dorset)
  • Universidade Aberta
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Passo Fundo
  • University of Aveiro
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Universidade federal de Santa Maria
  • Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
  • University of Chester
  • North-West University (North West)
  • University of Milano-Bicocca
  • Universidade Federal da Paraíba

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global crisis, one which also influences the ways sustainability is being taught at universities. This paper undertakes an analysis of the extent to which …

Adopting sustainability competence-based education in academic disciplines: Insights from 13 higher education institutions

  • Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Madrid)
  • Griffith University (Queensland)
  • University of Helsinki
  • Universidade Aberta
  • Gävle University College
  • University of Zaragoza
  • University of Belgrade
  • Warsaw University of Technology
  • University of A Coruña (a Coruña)
  • Central University of Technology
  • Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales
  • European University of Lefke
  • University of Nyíregyháza
  • Universidad de las Américas Puebla
  • Università degli Studi di Parma

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been incorporating sustainability into education and curricula, where recent research has focussed on sustainability competences, pedagogical approaches, and how to connect them, generally on a …

Training wicked scientists for a world of wicked problems

  • Dickinson College (PA)
  • The Ohio State University (OH)

Humanity faces a number of wicked problems, from global climate change and the coronavirus pandemic to systemic racism and widening economic inequality. Since such complex and dynamic problems are plagued …

Sustainability practices at higher education institutions in Asia

  • University of Waterloo (ON)
  • Universiti Putra Malaysia
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina)
  • University of Passo Fundo
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) (Perak Darul Ridzuan)
  • Beaconhouse National University
  • Hiroshima University
  • Universidade Fernando Pessoa
  • Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
  • Universiti Utara Malaysia

It is still unclear how Asian universities incorporate the theory or practice of sustainable development (SD) in their research and education programmes. To address this gap, the purpose of this …

Walking the Walk: Democratizing Change in Teacher Education

  • University of Tasmania (TAS)

In this essay, as a group of teacher educators, we discuss our experience of “walking the walk” of teacher education transformation at a time of urgent change. We reflect upon …

Greening of the syllabus in faculties of education sciences through sustainable development goals: the case of public Andalusian universities (Spain)

  • University of Cadiz
  • Universidad de Granada
  • Universidad de Sevilla
  • University of Malaga (Malaga)
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the presence of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN (2015) in university degrees within the fields of education, humanities …

Mapping sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions in Latin America

  • Universidad de Sonora (Sonora)
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Passo Fundo
  • Universidade federal de Santa Maria
  • Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná
  • Universidad EAFIT (Antioquia)
  • Universidade Federal da Paraíba
  • Universidad Galileo

Many higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world are involved in a variety of sustainability initiatives. These are acknowledged to be important elements in fostering the cause of sustainability in …

Ecologized Collaborative Online International Learning: Tackling Wicked Sustainability Problems Through Education for Sustainable Development

  • Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Keele University
  • Università degli Studi di Torino
  • Coventry University

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is increasingly embedded in higher education(HE) due to the current emphasis on tackling the environmental crisis. Similarly, CivicSociety Organisations are expanding their mobilization and practical …

Which are the best practices for MSc programmes in sustainable agriculture?

  • Universidade do Porto
  • Universidade de Évora
  • Agricultural University of Athens
  • Università degli Studi della Basilicata

Programmes of education for sustainable development are important to reformulate and revise educational programmes in Sustainable Agriculture. Higher education institutes emerge as learning places to integrate sustainable development into the …

Potential for urban agriculture to support accessible and impactful undergraduate biology education

  • Rollins College (FL)
  • Salish Kootenai College (MT)
  • Tulane University (LA)
  • University of St. Thomas (MN)
  • University of San Diego (CA)

Active learning in STEM education is essential for engaging the diverse pool of scholars needed to address pressing environmental and social challenges. However, active learning formats are difficult to scale …

Green Campus Initiatives as sustainable development dissemination at higher education institutions: Students’ perceptions

  • Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina)
  • Université de l'État de Santa Catarina
  • Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul
  • Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
  • University of Vale do Itajaí
  • Unoesc Joaçaba

Students are future leaders who will be expected to make decisions aimed at achieving sustainability as they take up key roles in education in the area of sustainable development. In …

Preparing engineering students for the challenges of the SDGs: what competences are required?

  • Technological University Dublin (Dublin)
  • Aalborg Universitet
  • Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
  • ENSTA Bretagne

Despite the emerging discussions about the growing role of engineers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a lack of agreement on which competences should be prioritised to …

Sustainability as an Emerging Paradigm in Universities

  • University of Valladolid
  • Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz
  • Universitat Carlemany
  • Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores
  • Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado
  • Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica Antonio José de Sucre

This article aims to review the perspective of sustainability adoption in universities through two dimensions: firstly, from the educational and research process, and second, from their global positioning in terms …

Supporting the role of universities in leading individual and societal transformation through education for sustainable development

  • University of Bristol
  • Quality Assurance Agency For Higher Education (--None--)
  • University of St Andrews (Scotland)
  • University of the West of England, Bristol
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Advance HE

There is growing recognition of the value of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for all learners, and of the unique role that universities play in the transformation of individuals, institutions …

Teaching and learning for change: analysis of a post-graduate One Health program

  • Universite Libre de Bruxelles (Brussels Region)
  • Université Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi
  • Université de Namur
  • Université de Liège
  • Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire
  • Université de Montpellier

As problematized through the One Health concept, global health issues are defeating conventional disciplinary approaches since they unfold across various scientific domains and across all levels of society. Calling for …

Differentiated Impact of Politics- and Science-Oriented Education on Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Case Study of Chinese University Students

  • China University of Geosciences

The purpose of this study is to understand the differentiated impact of politics- and science-oriented education on pro-environmental behavior among university students. A questionnaire was designed and sent to more …

Measuring professional action competence in education for sustainable development (PACesd)

  • KU Leuven
  • University of Antwerp

Based on the concept of action competence, the current study introduces an integrated framework of Professional Action Competence in Education for Sustainable Development (PACesd) described by three defining features: willingness, …

Reflections on developing a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach to embedding education for sustainable development into higher education curricula

  • University of Strathclyde
  • Robert Gordon University

As higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly turned to consider sustainability over the last decade, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged as a way of imbuing students with the …

Pandemic shift: Meeting the challenges of moving post-secondary environmental education online

  • Florida Atlantic University (FL)
  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)
  • University of Montevallo (AL)
  • University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)

As the COVID-19 pandemic surged and resurged across the world, members of a higher education professional group associated with the North American Association of Environmental Education met regularly online to …

Online learning and teaching for the SDGs – exploring emerging university strategies

  • RMIT University

The purpose of this paper is to explore emerging synergies and tensions between the twin moves to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and online learning and teaching …

Teaching What Society Needs: “Hacking” an Introductory Marketing Course With Sustainability and Macromarketing

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)
  • Simon Fraser University (BC)
  • Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway (Co. Galway)
  • University of London
  • Middle East Technical University
  • IE Business School

Marketing classes are often focused on the micro level, failing to account for wider societal issues. In this article, we argue for the inclusion of a wider macro-sustainability focus, one …

Sustainable Product Design Education: Current Practice

  • UNSW Sydney (NSW)
  • Technische Universiteit Delft
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • University of Sheffield
  • Technical University of Denmark
  • 3Drivers

Current production and consumption patterns are unsustainable, causing irreversible damage to the environment and human health and well-being. Designers play a vital role in resolving this problem—their decisions affect product …

Expectations and Interests of University Students in COVID-19 Times about Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru

  • Ontario Tech University (ON)
  • Tecnológico de Monterrey (Nuevo Leon)
  • Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi
  • Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga
  • Escuela Nacional de Marina Mercante “Almirante Miguel Grau”
  • Universidad de Lima

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the world, creating the need for new actions from society, including universities and companies. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are …

Multiple case-study analysis of service-learning as a means to foster sustainability competencies amongst pre-service educators

  • Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Madrid)
  • Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya
  • Rovira i Virgili University
  • Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

The aim of this multiple case-study analysis was to find out the influence that service-learning methodology has on the development of sustainability competences amongst university students (Preschool, Primary and Social …

Analysis of sustainability insertion in materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes

  • University of Campinas
  • Universidade Federal Fluminense
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Universidad Católica del Norte

This study aims to analyse how the materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes can be better aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Exploring Student Engagement in Sustainability Education and Study Abroad

  • University of Georgia (GA)
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN)
  • Fulbright University Vietnam

This paper specifically outlines an investigation of the influence of sustainability education and study abroad coursework on levels of a key component of academic success, student engagement. A quasi-experimental design …

Applying SDGs as a systematic approach for incorporating sustainability in higher education

  • University of Melbourne (Victoria)

The achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for all communities and jurisdictions require a comprehensive roadmap that encompasses all dimensions of data infrastructure, social, economic, environmental and governance ecosystems. …

A hybrid approach to sustainable development competencies: the role of formal, informal and non-formal learning experiences

  • University of São Paulo

This paper aims to explore whether formal, non-formal, and informal learning experiences contribute to developing sustainable development competencies (SDCs) among students in a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory …

Challenge-based, interdisciplinary learning for sustainability in doctoral education

  • Chalmers University of Technology
  • Lund University
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • Aalto University

Doctoral candidates possess specialized knowledge that could support sustainability transitions. Doctoral education, however, often focusses on discipline-specific topics and working methods, making it difficult to “see the bigger picture”. This …

Sustainability, Energy, and the Green Economy: An Interdisciplinary Course on Environmental Sustainability and Life Cycle Analysis

  • Bronx Community College (NY)

Interdisciplinary education offers a collaborative approach to multifaceted topics, such as environmental sustainability. In this article, we present the conceptual framework and lessons learned from a team-taught course, entitled Sustainability, …

Fostering Sustainability Competencies and Ethical Thinking in Higher Education: Case Sustainable Chocolate

  • University of Eastern Finland
  • Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

The context of this empirical research is a hands-on sustainability project by an international group of students, teachers, and entrepreneurs. The aim is to find out what kind of sustainability …

Wicked problems: university research topic convergence despite divergence in local educational and innovation policies

  • National Defense University (DC)
  • Häme University of Applied Sciences
  • Universidade Feevale

This study aims to determine how sustainable development (SD) demands (according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) SD themes from 2005) are connected to the contents of …

Sustainability challenges in architectural education: assessment of an architectural technology course on the bioclimatic redesign of existing buildings in Greece

  • National Technical University of Athens

During the last decades, the sustainable redesign of existing buildings has been gaining importance in both architectural practice and education. While based on the knowledge of the basic principles of …

Reimagining Internationalization in Higher Education Through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the Betterment of Society

  • University of Saskatchewan (SK)
  • UNICA—Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a critical role in creating and distributing the knowledge required to tackle the complex global challenges faced by society today. This role is frequently linked …

Provision of education for sustainability development and sustainability literacy in business programs in three higher education institutions in Brazil, Colombia and Peru

  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Centro Universitário Municipal de Franca
  • Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann
  • Universidad Externado de Colombia

This paper aims to report on the status and the development of education for sustainable development (ESD) and sustainability literacy (SL) in three Latin American (LA) higher education institutions (HEIs) …

Lean practices toward a balanced sustainability in higher education institutions: A Brazilian experience

  • Universidade federal de Santa Maria
  • Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Centro Universitário UniFBV

As few studies have explored the causal relationship between both the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability and the lean practices in higher education institutions (HEIs), the purpose of this …

Selection and framing of briefs for educational circular design projects

  • Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya
  • Technische Universiteit Delft
  • University of Limerick
  • Linkoping University

This paper aims to present key characteristics of educational design briefs for the circular economy (CE) through the analysis of 11 design briefs focussing on real-life challenges related to sustainability …

The Role of STEM-Based Sustainability in Business and Management Curricula: Exploring Cognitive and Affective Outcomes in University Students

  • Montana State University (MT)
  • Murray State University (KY)
  • University of Arkansas (AR)
  • RAND Corporation (CA)

To address deficiencies in STEM and sustainability in business management and intra-university curricula, we developed and implemented an interdisciplinary STEM-based sustainability curriculum at a university in the Western United States. …

Considering Indigenous Environmental Issues in Canadian Curricula: A Critical Discourse Analysis

  • Concordia University (IL)
  • University of Calgary (AB)

This article presents insights from a curricular review of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories with a focus on critical Indigenous environmental issues. This inquiry was conducted amidst nationally prominent …

Higher Education and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—Potential Contribution of the Undergraduate Courses of the School of Social Sciences of the University of Évora

  • University of Évora

In this work we analyzed the mapping of Sustainable Development Goals in the curricular units of the undergraduate courses of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Évora. …

Ten calls to action to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives into the Biosystems Engineering Program at the University of Manitoba

  • University of Manitoba (MB)

In this study, a rapid grey and academic literature scoping review was conducted to investigate how Indigenous Knowledges, perspectives, values and cultures are being incorporated into engineering education in several …

Higher Education and Skills Development in Africa: An Analytical Paper on the Role of Higher Learning Institutions on Sustainable Development

  • University of Nairobi

Many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Africa face challenges that require the intervention of national governments, development partners and other stakeholders. HEIs also require new investment paradigms to maximize students’ …

Toward a Green and Sustainable Chemistry Education Road Map

  • University of Pittsburgh (PA)
  • University of Oregon (OR)
  • American Chemical Society (DC)

Although principles and practices of green and sustainable chemistry have been articulated for more than 20 years, they have yet to become systemically infused into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. The …

This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.

All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.

AC 1: Academic Courses

AC 2: Learning Outcomes

AC 3: Undergraduate Program

AC 4: Graduate Program

AC 5: Immersive Experience

AC 6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment

AC 7: Incentives for Developing Courses

AC 8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

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