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

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 include the commitment for all students to be exposed to the ideas of sustainable development through their programme of study. The challenges experienced whilst undertaking such actions are discussed in the context of organisational leadership and change processes.