Showing papers in "International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education in 2005"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a literature review of published and unpublished articles, conference proceedings, university reports, books, and website documents to explore some of the factors that could obstruct the implementation of sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions as a way for assisting key players to improve the effectiveness of their potential or current sustainability initiatives and being ready for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
Abstract: Purpose – To explore some of the factors that could obstruct the implementation of the sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions as a way for assisting key players to improve the effectiveness of their potential or current sustainability initiatives and being ready for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.Design/methodology/approach – It was conducted a literature review of published and unpublished articles, conference proceedings, university reports, books, and website documents. It was not target any specific discipline. However, most of the material was from engineering, economics, sociology, and related sciences. The time frame of the literature review was from 1990 to 2002. Important references prior to 1990 were also analyzed.Findings – The adequate conditions for the successful implementation of sustainability programs do not exist. There are many obstacles preventing the success of sustainability initiatives on campuses around the world. However, su...
419 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a range of published works relating to sustainable development education are critiqued, an introduction to complexity theory is given, and a case study is provided to demonstrate an example of incorporating sustainability into course delivery and to demonstrate problem-based interdisciplinary learning.
Abstract: Purpose – To distinguish sustainable development education from environmental education and stress the importance of problem‐based interdisciplinary learning to sustainable development education.Design/methodology/approach – A range of published works relating to sustainable development education are critiqued, an introduction to complexity theory is given and related to sustainable development education, and a case study is provided to demonstrate an example of incorporating sustainability into course delivery and to demonstrate problem‐based interdisciplinary learning.Findings – Our discussion supports our claim that reconciling sustainability and development requires a complex interdisciplinary approach beyond that found in some areas of traditional environmental education.Research limitations/implications – Our literature search is not exhaustive and focuses on sustainable development education. A much greater body of literature relating to environmental education exists.Practical implications – Our d...
275 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a set of recommendations that will aid universities planning to create sustainability education programs, which are not specific to curriculum or programs but are instead recommendations for academic institutions considering a shift towards sustainability education in the broadest sense.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper describes a set of recommendations that will aid universities planning to create sustainability education programs. These recommendations are not specific to curriculum or programs but are instead recommendations for academic institutions considering a shift towards “sustainability education” in the broadest sense. The purpose of this research was to consider the possible directions for the future of sustainability education at the university level.Design/methodology/approach – Through a series of workshops using a “value focused thinking” framework, a small team of researchers engaged a large number of stakeholders in a dialogue about sustainability education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. Recommendations were compiled from workshop data as well as data from 30 interviews of participants connected with decision‐making and sustainability at UBC.Findings – The recommendations include infusing sustainability into all university decisions, promoting and p...
261 citations
TL;DR: The focus in higher education is now on cost reduction or budget containment initiatives as mentioned in this paper, and although these initiatives were not implemented with the knowledge that they were implementing "lean" practices, their application has often reduced waste, improved operational efficiency, and contributed to sustainability.
Abstract: Purpose – To apply the concepts of lean and sustainability to higher education.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed, administered to 18 public and private universities and analyzed.Findings – The focus in higher education is now on cost reduction or budget containment initiatives. Although these initiatives were not implemented with the knowledge that they were implementing “lean” practices, their application has often reduced waste, improved operational efficiency, and contributed to sustainability.Research limitations/implications – This is a preliminary study with a sample size of 18 universities in the northeastern United States. Future research should include more universities in the United States as well as in other countries.Practical implications – The participating universities in this study shared their beliefs about how “lean” thinking can contribute to the sustainability of higher education. Other universities can “learn from their lessons”.Originality/value – Very littl...
145 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the latest stage in a process of change aimed at introducing concepts of sustainable development into the activities of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University, UK, and observe that the ability to effectively initiate a change process is a vital skill which must be formally developed in those engineers wishing to seek sustainable solutions from within the organisations for which they will work.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to examine the latest stage in a process of change aimed at introducing concepts of sustainable development into the activities of the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University, UK.Design/methodology/approach – The rationale behind defining the skills which future engineers require is discussed and vehicles for change at both undergraduate and postgraduate level are described. Reflections on the paradigms and pedagogy of teaching sustainable development issues to engineers are offered, as well as notes on barriers to progress which have been encountered.Findings – The paper observes that the ability to effectively initiate a change process is a vital skill which must be formally developed in those engineers wishing to seek sustainable solutions from within the organisations for which they will work. Lessons are drawn about managing a change process within a large academic department, so that concepts of sustainable development can be effectively introduced across all area...
141 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the analysis of a student's sustainability comprehension, based on cognitive maps, has been developed, where students are asked to write and connect by arrows all the terms that they associate with the concept of sustainable development, and the assessment of the aforementioned cognitive maps is based on an approach via semantic category.
Abstract: Purpose – Owing to its complexity, sustainable development cannot be simply integrated as a supplementary course within the engineers' curricula. The first point of this paper aims to focalise on how to reflect pedagogically. After dealing with these questions, a tool that can evaluate the student's understanding of sustainable development concepts will be presented.Design/methodology/approach – The analysis of a student's sustainability comprehension, based on cognitive maps, has been developed. The students are asked to write and connect by arrows all the terms that they associate with the concept of sustainable development. The assessment of the aforementioned cognitive maps is based on an approach via semantic category.Findings – This study shows that the students' perception of sustainable development before the training seems mainly focalised on environmental and economical aspects. After the SD course, an increase in the number of words quoted is noted for each category (social and cultural aspects...
72 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider how far UBC has moved in the last six years in the direction of sustainability education, what has been accomplished, what lessons have been learned and what challenges lie ahead.
Abstract: Purpose – In 1997, the University of British Columbia (UBC) adopted a sustainable development policy stating that the campus should adhere to sustainable practices in all of its actions and mandates and that all students who attend UBC will be educated about sustainability. The purpose of the paper is to consider how far UBC has moved in the last six years in the direction of sustainability education, what has been accomplished, what lessons have been learned and what challenges lie ahead.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a collaborative inquiry created by a number of faculty, staff and one doctoral student working on sustainability education issues at UBC.Findings – The shift to sustainability involves: a fundamental thinking‐through of basic issues about the role of the university in society, creating a strong relationship between sustainability principles and the core goals of the university. It also will require a reworking of the design and operation of institutional reward systems, creatin...
68 citations
TL;DR: This study of environment management systems implementation in Swedish universities contributes to the dialogue about the role of management systems as tools in developing sustainability tools.
Abstract: Purpose – This study of environment management systems implementation in Swedish universities contributes to the dialogue about the role of management systems as tools in developing sustainability ...
65 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the institutional structures and demands at many IHEs that make it unlikely that top administrators will make sustainability a priority, and also examine why supporters of sustainability will have to contend with faculty, staff, and students who may not see sustainability as an important issue or who must engage in sustainability efforts within the constrai...
Abstract: Purpose – Institutions of higher education (IHE) should be leaders for demonstrating sustainable building, landscaping, and operational practices. IHEs intensely use resources and are nearly microcosms of the larger world. Yet, relatively few IHEs have assumed a strong leadership role by pursuing sustainability in a comprehensive manner. In particular, few examples exist where top administrators have made sustainability a high‐profile, campus‐wide priority. In the absence of strong administrative leadership, proponents of sustainability need to develop strategies that do not assume a top‐down approach.Design/methodology/approach – This article examines the institutional structures and demands at many IHEs that make it unlikely that top administrators will make sustainability a priority. It also examines why supporters of sustainability will have to contend with faculty, staff, and students who may not see sustainability as an important issue or who must engage in sustainability efforts within the constrai...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an example of how colleges can partner with local EcoVillages to further sustainability curriculum on campus and the educational mission of the ecoVillages, and to strengthen ties with the community.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide an example of how colleges can partner with local EcoVillages to further sustainability curriculum on campus and the educational mission of the EcoVillages, and to strengthen ties with the community.Design/methodology/approach – Describes four structured courses developed for the Environmental Studies Program, including sustainable communities, sustainable land use, sustainable energy and environmental futures. Additionally, independent research opportunities in wind energy, solar photovoltaics, and GIS/GPS developed as part of the curriculum. Describes numerous ancillary activities that have promoted sustainability across campus and the community.Findings – Provides information about how to develop educational partnerships with community groups, foster sustainability education on campus, recruit additional faculty involvement, and influence college operations with respect to sustainability.Practical implications – A very useful source of information for those involved in building sus...
48 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual basis for incorporating development education into engineering studies, a general overview of different activities promoted in Spanish technical universities and practical information about optional courses and classroom case studies.
Abstract: Purpose – To show the key points of a development education program for engineering studies fitted within the framework of the human development paradigm.Design/methodology/approach – The bases of the concept of technology for human development are presented, and the relationship with development education analysed. Special attention is dedicated to the role of case studies in engineering courses. After that, the development education program pushed by the Civil Engineering School of Barcelona and Engineering without Borders is explained, focusing on two major contributions: two optional courses about international aid and development and nine classroom case studies about different technologies used in real co‐operation projects.Findings – This work provides a conceptual basis for incorporating development education into engineering studies, a general overview of different activities promoted in Spanish technical universities and practical information about optional courses and classroom case studies.Rese...
TL;DR: The Global business and sustainability course as discussed by the authors is a course developed around the principles of sustainability in the business curriculum, which is also similar to any other course in the curriculum in that it needs to demonstrate the link between competit...
Abstract: Purpose – To outline the themes, topics and material used in a new course, Global business and sustainability, for business educators interested in integrating this emergingparadigm into their courses.Design/methodology/approach – The structure, design and reference materials for the Global business and sustainability course are reviewed. Specific challenges in designing the course are discussed. Recommendations are provided on how key frameworks developed for this course can aid in the delivery of a business course integrating sustainability concepts.Findings – Compared to a more traditional business course, in a business course integrating sustainability concepts there is greater need for delineating the relationships between institutional, industry and corporate level factors linked to sustainability issues. However, a business course developed around the principles of sustainability is also similar to any other course in the business curriculum in that it needs to demonstrate the link between competit...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of how environmental management systems (EMSs) are becoming sporadically employed within higher educational institutions, focusing specifically on the University of Glamorgan, Wales.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide an overview of how environmental management systems (EMSs) are becoming sporadically employed within higher educational institutions.Design/methodology/approach – An overview of international developments in sustainable education and within UK universities. Focuses specifically on the University of Glamorgan, Wales.Findings – EMSs have been historically perceived as of little importance within most of the UK higher educational sector. Documents how the University of Glamorgan, Wales became the first university in the UK to have all of its operations accredited to ISO 14001.Originality/value – Provides a summary of a higher education institution's path to ISO 14001 accreditation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how universities can adopt sustainability practices that have proven to be successful in business to improve their environmental performance, and they draw on several sources of theory (internationally published literatures in business, sustainability and education) and practice (primarily US business and university practice).
Abstract: Purpose – To explore how universities can adopt sustainability practices that have proven to be successful in business.Design/methodology/approach – Draws on several sources of theory (internationally published literatures in business, sustainability, and education) and practice (primarily US business and university practice) to develop a framework.Findings – Two seemingly divergent trends have created a unique opportunity for universities to significantly improve their environmental performance: the increasing importance to businesses of managing the natural environment and the growing awareness that universities cannot continue to isolate themselves from the community in which they are embedded. The first of these trends has caused a previously untapped source of ideas to become energized into thinking about how to move toward a more sustainable world. The second trend has caused a previously “introspective‐to‐a‐fault” institution to look beyond itself for ways of thinking and acting.Practical implicati...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate how quality management (QM) can be used to advance education for sustainability in the business curriculum and demonstrate how management students can be trained to examine and critique environmentally sustainable practices in organizations.
Abstract: Purpose – To demonstrate how quality management (QM), a widely accepted management paradigm, can be used to advance education for sustainability in the business curriculumDesign/methodology/approach – The assumptions of QM and environmental sustainability are explored A class exercise is developed that uses QM tools – and in particular, Deming's 14 management points – to help management students to examine and critique environmentally sustainable practices in organizationsFindings – QM can be used as a bridge between management theory and environmental sustainability QM can also be used as a framework for teaching environmental sustainability in management classes The class exercise helps students to enhance their critical skills as they examine and assess sustainable practices in organizationsPractical implications – A useful perspective on integrating management theory and environmental sustainability A very useful class exercise for teaching environmental sustainability in management classes, an
TL;DR: The Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program for Engineers Portfolio (ESSP-CL) as discussed by the authors is an initiative of the Institution of Engineers Australia (EA) to address the critical literacy dilemma in engineering education.
Abstract: Purpose – While a number of universities in Australia have embraced concepts such as project/problem‐based learning and design of innovative learning environments for engineering education, there has been a lack of national guidance on including sustainability as a “critical literacy” into all engineering streams. This paper was presented at the 2004 International Conference on Engineering Education in Sustainable Development (EESD) in Barcelona, Spain, outlining a current initiative that is seeking to address the “critical literacy” dilemma.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the positive steps taken by Australia's peak engineering body, the Institution of Engineers Australia (EA), in considering accreditation requirements for university engineering courses and its responsibility to ensure the inclusion of sustainability education material. It then describes a current initiative called the “Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program – Critical Literacies for Engineers Portfolio” (ESSP‐CL), wh...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the challenge of sustainable development, the way in which technology can address that challenge and the task of engineering education to train engineers for it, and the goals for training of engineers are developed.
Abstract: Purpose – To present the challenge of sustainable development, the way in which technology can address that challenge and the task of engineering education to train engineers for it.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes briefly the history of the environmental and sustainability discourse in The Netherlands, as a densely populated country. It argues that technology should play a major role in SD, but that technological innovation is not enough. Technological systems renewal is a transdisciplinary activity involving relevant stakeholders and disciplines. “Needs” is the basic starting‐point to innovate new systems of provision. The paper reviews relevant literature regarding future orientation of technology development. Based on it, goals for training of engineers are developed.Findings – The engineer has to meet a threefold challenge: providing new creative approaches on the one hand, and setting up and executing RD cooperating with other discipline...
TL;DR: In this article, a survey conducted through a partnership between HGCI, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), and Laboratories for the twenty-first century (Labs21) to clarify issues surrounding use of codes and standards in high performance laboratory design and maintenance is introduced.
Abstract: Purpose – Laboratories typically consume 4‐5 times more energy than similarly‐sized commercial space This paper adds to a growing dialogue about how to “green” a laboratory's design and operationsDesign/methodology/approach – The paper is divided into three sections The first section reviews the background and theoretical issues A case is made for sustainable laboratories, introduce the Harvard Green Campus Initiative's (HGCIs) study of potential energy reduction in Harvard's research laboratories and examine other issues including: behavioral change, technical change, and the required codes and suggested standards that influence laboratory design and operations Next, a survey conducted through a partnership between HGCI, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), and Laboratories for the twenty‐first century (Labs21) to clarify issues surrounding use of codes and standards in high‐performance laboratory design and maintenance is introducedFindings – Survey findings highlight the confusion among survey
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present results from a research project on postgraduate and undergraduate students' learning about environmental issues in education and reveal the students' difficulties in differentiating between values and descriptions of phenomena.
Abstract: Purpose – To present results from a research project on postgraduate and undergraduate students' learning about environmental issues in education.Design/methodology/approach – Three cases were carried out with civil engineering students, biology students and postgraduate students. Discussions in classroom were tape‐recorded, as well as discussions while working with assignments, and interviews were carried out.Findings – Shows how differently environmental issues can be interpreted, i.e. scientifically, existentially and politically, and the way values and emotions become an aspect of the learning process and reveal the students' difficulties in differentiating between values and descriptions of phenomena. This is analysed and explained in relation to the students' various projects that come into conflict in the educational setting.Practical implications – The paper can be of use to those who are engaged in environmental education and raises questions regarding the content of today's environmental educati...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider EA educational opportunities at Canadian universities and test a model for the analysis of the state of such education, using a survey of 2001 university course calendars, participant observation and semi-structured interviews.
Abstract: Purpose – Environmental assessment (EA) is a proactive planning tool designed to consider the ecological, cultural, socio‐political and economic impacts of potential projects, making it a major tool for achieving sustainable development. Meaningful EA requires a bridging of the natural sciences with the social sciences to broaden understanding of the overall environmental impacts of development projects on humans, the natural environment and other organisms. As a result of this complexity, education and training needs are great. The purpose of this paper was to consider EA educational opportunities at Canadian universities and to test a model for the analysis of the state of such education.Design/methodology/approach – The research design used a qualitative interactive approach, including a survey of 2001 university course calendars, participant observation and semi‐structured interviews.Findings – Results indicate that the number of universities offering EA courses has tripled to 40 since the mid‐1980 s....
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the link between sustainability education and outdoor education and to encourage outdoor recreation educators to evaluate their programs with regard to sustainability and sustainable living, and present several factors that currently hinder the delivery of sustainability education in outdoor recreation training programs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between sustainability education and outdoor education and to encourage outdoor recreation educators to evaluate their programs with regard to sustainability and sustainable living.Design/methodology/approach – This paper starts by presenting several factors that currently hinder the delivery of sustainability education in outdoor recreation training programs. It then turns to a presentation of Lefebvre's sustainability education framework, which offers a helpful structure for integrating sustainability education into outdoor recreation academic curricula.Findings – Although there are programs that have successfully implemented sustainability training into their curricula, there are many factors that serve to hinder the education of outdoor recreation students in the philosophy and techniques of sustainability and sustainable living. No doubt these impediments pose critical challenges to those offering academic training programs. These challenges ...
TL;DR: In this article, the use of a questionnaire was chosen as the most suitable method to review and record pedagogical students' attitudes towards environmental education in Greece, and the results of this study show that students have not only realized the importance of Environmental education in primary education but have also been sensitized to the environment and the issues involved in this.
Abstract: Purpose – Greek pedagogical students’ attitudes towards environmental education in Greece are very important as these students represent future teachers who will affect the success of environmental education in schools. Therefore, the identification of their views will give us the potentiality to modify the curricula of pedagogical departments accordingly.Design/methodology/approach – The use of a questionnaire was chosen as the most suitable method to review and record pedagogical students’ attitudes towards environmental education.Findings – The results of this study show that pedagogical students have not only realized the importance of environmental education in primary education but have also been sensitized to the environment and the issues involved in this. Attending practical courses on the environment seems to help towards this sensitivity.Originality/value – Results of this research show that an attempt should be made to develop education for sustainability in universities through an interdiscip...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how the teaching and learning approach of a new MBA distance learning program helps to produce promoters and ecopreneurs of sustainable development and entrepreneurship, and demonstrate the need to consider using links to industry and government to transfer sustainable ideas to practice.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe how the teaching and learning approach of a new MBA distance learning program helps to produce promoters and ecopreneurs of sustainable development and entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach – The chosen MBA program is analyzed based on the principles of time flexibility, promotion of initiative, team capability, staff development and transfer to practice.Findings – Provides information about how a study program can bring the team capability and initiative of future ecopreneurs as well as staff learning forward. Recognises the need to consider using links to industry and government to transfer sustainable ideas to practice.Research limitations/implications – The article illustrates concentrated knowledge on a case study and does not compare different distance‐learning programs or other educational programs in these areas.Practical implications – A very useful source of information for target groups of MBA studies, like graduate students or employed people, as well as designers ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the School for Field Studies Center for Coastal Studies (SFS-CCS) study abroad Mexico program, and consider its relative success as a sustainable development education program.
Abstract: Purpose – To present the School for Field Studies‐Centre for Coastal Studies (SFS‐CCS) study abroad Mexico program, and consider its relative success as a sustainable development education program.Design/methodology/approach – The SFS‐CCS academic model and results of its implementation are presented. Program success is discussed by applying sustainable development education criteria found in the literature, and by sharing feedback from SFS‐CCS students, affiliates and clients. Examples of two student projects are also presented to consider program success.Findings – The SFS‐CCS academic model structure, which includes a five‐year research plan, an interdisciplinary and case study approach, and integration of client needs and community projects, have helped the school meet its sustainable development education goals. Student research projects have also resulted in positive sustainable development outcomes for the surrounding community of Puerto San Carlos.Practical implications – A description of the comp...