An Analysis of the Sustainability of Different Methods of Delivering Higher Education

Abstract

Transforming society and the economy to a more sustainable basis remains one of the most significant challenges of the 21st Century. Higher education institutions are considered key in helping to make the transition to a more sustainable society and low carbon economy. This paper examines the sustainability of different methods of delivering higher education with a special emphasis on carbon emission reduction. Traditional higher education teaching and learning involves students living near campus and attending face to face lectures. The paper reviews the progress on reducing campus carbon emissions in the UK higher education sector as well as the carbon implications of alternative methods of delivery such as online distance learning and transnational education, particularly in the form of overseas branch campuses. With more students opting to study via distance learning and at a time when UK higher education institutions are looking to increase international student numbers both at home and abroad, it is important that the environmental, social and economic impacts of these different forms of delivery are understood.