Sustainable Development and Higher Education Institutions: Acting with a purposeGöran Finnveden, Leendert Verhoef, Julie Newman Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a unique role and responsibility for the future and for driving the development of a sustainable society. HEIs are charged with the task of fostering sustainability in the leaders of tomorrow, developing solutions and methods for addressing a sustainable future and ensuring that knowledge is contributed to society. HEIs must also ensure that their everyday operations and practices are consistent with a sustainable future, and that they work toward holistically integrating sustainability into both the mission of a university and its daily tasks. This Special Issue builds on papers presented during the 2018 International Sustainable Campus Network Conference and also includes other contributions. The articles reflect the many aspects of sustainability in higher education institutions and illustrate innovation in approach, outcomes, and impact. The papers cover a range of perspectives on sustainability both on and around campuses. These include organization and management issues, networking and city partnership themes, and metrics and indicators related to sustainable development goals. The Special Issue also includes papers on education, student involvement, and gender issues. Select articles include results from surveys and desktop research; others depict approaches on experimentation, living labs, and action research. |
Common terms and phrases
academic accessed achieve action activities analysis applied approach areas assessment authors Available online barriers behavior bottles building campus challenges circular climate collaboration considered contribute courses create CrossRef economy emissions energy engagement environment environmental example existing factors faculty field Figure focus framework future global goals governance groups HEIs higher education human identify impact implementation important increase indicators individual initiatives innovation institutions integrated interest inventory involved issues knowledge learning Living methods natural operations opportunities organization PAR-based UREs participants partnerships planning practice present production programs promote questions reduce Report requires responsibility role Science smart social society solutions specific strategies structure survey sustainable development Table teaching Technology transformation transportation University urban values