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

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

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 de Évora
  • Universidade do Porto
  • 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

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

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

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

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)
  • ENSTA Bretagne
  • Aalborg Universitet
  • Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

  • University of Antwerp
  • KU Leuven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Rovira i Virgili University
  • Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Madrid)
  • Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
  • Universitat Politecnica 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
  • Universidad Católica del Norte
  • Universidade Federal Fluminense
  • Manchester Metropolitan University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

Sustainable development goals: a framework for deploying indicators for higher education institutions

  • University of Passo Fundo
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

This paper aims to analyse the extent to which the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are being considered at higher education institutions (HEIs) and propose and test the possible acceptance of …

Educating for the future: How higher education in environmental management affects pro-environmental behaviour

  • University of Zaragoza
  • Montpellier Business School (Montpellier)

This study analyses whether and how environmental education determines the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours. We conducted an experiment on 222 business administration students to examine this relationship from two theoretical …

Understanding How Stand-Alone Sustainability Courses Are Taught in Marketing: A Global Baseline Analysis

  • Utah State University (UT)

The growing societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century are ubiquitous. Thus, marketing educators are tasked with incorporating a sustainability approach into their curriculum, educating students on the synchronous …

A common framework for MOOC curricular development in climate change education - Findings and adaptations under the BECK project for higher education institutions in Europe and Asia

  • University of Huddersfield
  • University of Barishal
  • Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction has identified the climate change education as a key motivation for improving energy efficiency, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction by encouraging …

Incorporating sustainability in engineering curriculum: a study of the Australian universities

  • Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology
  • Central Queensland University
  • University of Western Australia

Literature limited in scope regarding the incorporation of sustainability into engineering curriculum encouraged authors to look at the current approaches of universities to the integration of sustainability into university curricula. …

Sustainability Governance at Higher Education Institutions: Equipped to Transform?

  • University of Vechta
  • Freie Universität Berlin

In this opinion paper, we reflect on selected literature as well as on specific research we have conducted into sustainability governance at German HEIs. We then provide answers to the …

Holistic integration of sustainability at universities: Evidences from Colombia

  • Universidad EAFIT (Antioquia)
  • Universidad de Medellin
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Education for sustainable development in universities provides the university’s community (i.e. students, administrative and academic staff) with the skills and capabilities needed to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. …

Mastering futures literacy in higher education: An evaluation of learning outcomes and instructional design of a faculty development program

  • Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Futures Literacy (FL) is a capability yet to take root within the context of Higher Education (HE). As HE is increasingly addressing complex societal issues, developing FL can be important …

Fostering sustainable businesses: understanding sustainability-driven entrepreneurial intention among university students in Pakistan

  • University of Turbat
  • Institute of Business Management

The purpose of this research paper is to predict sustainability-driven entrepreneurship intention among university students in the developing market (Pakistan).

Materials science community support for teaching sustainability

  • Mountain View Energy (MT)
  • Universidad de la República Uruguay (Montevideo)
  • Institute of Technology Carlow

Materials play a key role in enabling technological and economic development. With growing need to adopt a sustainable development approach across technical fields, it is useful to review the current …

Education for sustainable development in Japan and Malaysia: a comparative study among engineering undergraduates

  • Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Perak Darul Ridzuan)
  • Kanazawa Institute of Technology
  • King Abdulaziz University

This study aims to examine the impacts of education for sustainable development subject(s) offered at University A, Japan and University B, Malaysia on the attitude and perception toward environment, social …

Is the global reporting initiative suitable to account for university social responsibility? Evidence from European institutions

  • University of the Basque Country
  • Loyola Universida Andalucía

Recognising the importance of universities in the achievement of social and global objectives, this paper aims to study the relevance of the global reporting initiative (GRI) methodology for reporting University …

The factors impacting the incorporation of the Sustainable Development Goals into Raw Materials Engineering Curricula

  • National Technical University of Athens

It is widely recognised and acknowledged that the mining industry, if properly operating and managed, has the potential to positively contribute to “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. In this …

Sustainable development competencies and student-centered teaching strategies in higher education institutions: the role of professors as gatekeepers

  • Hochschule Pforzheim
  • Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen

This study aims to investigate the role of professors as gatekeepers for sustainable development competencies (SDC) in disciplinary study programs. It aims to understand which factors are crucial for professors …

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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