Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 There is no universal model of ESD and there will be differences based on local contexts, priorities and approaches.  The University has based its understanding on the UNESCO definition which covers four main areas:  social and economic justice  cultural diversity  human rights of future generations  the protection and restoration of the Earth’s ecosystems Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 Students should gain an understanding of the long- term impact they currently have, and will have, in their future personal and professional life, on the environment and how to live within the earth’s limits.  The UNESCO framework also stresses that teaching and learning be:  Interdisciplinary and holistic  Values-driven  Critical thinking and problem solving  Participatory decision-making  Locally relevant Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 Incorporating ESD into the curriculum is not about changing what we do, it is about doing what we do, differently.  It does not require every module to include lectures on sustainability or include elements that are irrelevant to the subject.  It is highly likely that there are already aspects of sustainability taught but not explicitly referenced.  It is up to each faculty to interpret ESD as applicable to their schools. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Sustainability concerns are significant in students’ university choices  80% of respondents believe sustainability skills are going to be important to their future employers  65% of respondents believe that sustainability skills should be delivered throughout the curriculum rather than through a separate module HEA commissioned survey of HE students conducted by NUS/ Student Force Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 Considered the social/environmental ethics, values and experience of university students as part of their graduate recruitment  Said universities should do more to prepare students for working with employers who are socially and environmentally responsible  Needed graduate recruits with specific competencies to support their social and environmental responsibilities.  Wanted more interdisciplinarity in universities as a way of teaching about social and environmental responsibility HEA Report: Employable Graduates for Responsible Employers Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 Meets external demands:  HEA; HEFCE; P&P; other league tables; etc.  Attracts students who are concerned with SD  Meets internal demands:  UoB’s policy and strategy  Students’ interests  Helps the University achieve quality awards (FQATS; ISO; etc.)  Equips graduates for the future  Addresses employers’ demands Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

A healthy and just society Environmental limits and ecological wellbeing Effective and participative governance A strong, stable and viable economy Quality of life Cultural heritage The rural and the urban (conflict and balance) Preparing for the imagined future Ethical questions Human Rights

 Two postgraduate ESD interns are available to assist you with any changes you decide upon, from finding relevant resources to developing strategies tailored to your subject. Contact:  Hannah Tweddell  or Aisling Tierney Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 The mapping tool will help you identify where ESD may already exist in your subject, and clarify possible steps to further develop and incorporate ESD. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 The University’s Policy and Strategy for Sustainability commits the institution to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and aims to:  Integrate environmental and sustainability principles into the University’s operational procedures, educational activities and research endeavours, promoting best practice at every level.  Higher education is uniquely placed to play a leading role in the attainment of sustainable development and HEFCE has stated that:  Sustainable development is central to our strategy for the future development of the HE sector.  The national student organisation People and Planet (for action on world poverty and the environment) league tables. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)