Sustainability in higher education
An Emerald mission in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Hundreds of universities worldwide have committed themselves towards sustainability by signing international agreements and conventions such as the Bologna Charter, The Halifax Declaration, the Talloires Declaration and the Copernicus Charter for Sustainable Development. More recently, the "Agenda 2030" agreed by the UN General Assembly in November 2015 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mean that higher education institutions should, more than ever, engage in the implementation of sustainable development across all subject areas. But how does this look in practice? How does sustainability in higher education go beyond campus greening? Is sustainability being fully embedded into curriculum, policies, and programs? Together with some of our partners and authors, we've been exploring this subject.
We’re searching for more authors to publish with us in the field of education, we’d love to hear from you.
This mission supports our Quality education for all goal
Building a more sustainable world through holistic learning and teaching experience in a comprehensive university in Hong Kong
Mr. Adrian LAM Man-Ho discusses a sustainable world through holistic learning and teaching experiences.
Slowly but surely: business schools boost sustainability
Andreas Kaplan from ESCP Business School in France, talks in this blog about business schools turn toward a more sustainable management approach.
Empowering students in university curriculum through Sustainable Development Goals
Mr. Adrian LAM Man-Ho discusses the the inestimable power of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on its potentials to accelerate fundamental and transformative shift in thinking, values, and actions among all stakeholders and individuals.
Rethinking transnational education in light of its social implications – read what's in the infographic
Rethinking transnational education in light of its social implications
Transnational universities have varying impacts on local populations.
A multi-case, qualitative meta-analysis of 6 transnational universities in China to assess and manage their social impacts.
Major social impacts
- Displacement and compensation
- Urbanisation and gentrification
- Livelihood
- Presence of immigrants
- Cultural and inter-generational impacts
- Health impacts
- Additional demand on facilities
- Traffic, safety and tranquillity
Key international principles and human rights standards for effective management
Benefit-sharing and social investment
Create opportunities and share resources
Monitoring and adaptive management
Consider the local context when taking actions
Implement a grievance redress mechanism
Identify, assess and address concerns
Full disclosure of information
Promote inclusivity, honest dialogue and mutual learning
Effective community engagement
Establish trust and create an open campus culture
Appropriate resettlement and livelihood restoration
Ensure proper compensation and monitor relocated individuals
Effective harm reduction procedures
Ensure proper planning to avoid social harm
The concept of campus sustainability must be broadened to encompass a much larger social perspective.
Transnational universities, host communities and local residents: social impacts, university social responsibility and campus sustainability, International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Educations, Chen et al, (2012).
Green information technology and sustainability
In this video, Tomayess Issa talks about teaching sustainability in higher education through an award-winning unit at Curtin University which focuses on sustainability and Green IT aligned directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9 and 12.
Higher education and the Sustainable Development Goals
A series of 17 books that address each of the SDGs in turn specifically through the lens of higher education.
Emerald Open Research – EAUC Collection
This EAUC Collection reflects the growing acknowledgement of the need for a commitment to inclusive partnerships and cooperation built around principles and values, and a shared vision that places people and the planet at the centre. It focuses on how Further and Higher Education Institutions are integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into policies, strategies and practices approached through the lens of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Talk to us about your work
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