Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Strategies for sustainable development in university education: Breaking barriers and cultivating awareness

  • Published:
Education and Information Technologies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The new era entrusts higher education with the mission of building a strong country, requiring continuous improvement in education quality. This study applies sustainable development (SD) strategies to university education management, addressing existing challenges and analyzing SD methodologies. The methodologies are used to analyze and derive the overall feasibility of SD by using the feedback loop calculation method to strengthen the practical advancement of SD. Utilizing the feedback loop calculation method, the feasibility of SD implementation is assessed, highlighting its significance in institutional reform. The research emphasizes integrating sustainability into teaching and management practices, encouraging a culture of sustainability in higher education. The main result indicates a 30% increase in students’ SD awareness, emphasizing the effectiveness of sustainable education approaches in university management. Additionally, this research introduces the concept of a longitudinal study to further explore the enduring impact of sustainable education initiatives over time. This study’s novelty lies in its exploration of how the university’s educational management industry can receive theoretical support, signifying its deep importance in the sustainable reform of the institution. By proposing a comprehensive approach, the study aims to enhance students’ SD awareness and study habits, meeting societal needs and laying a foundation for sustainable education.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  • Al-Naqbi, A. K., & Alshannag, Q. (2018). The status of education for sustainable development and sustainability knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of UAE University students. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 19(3), 566–588. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-06-2017-0091.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Annala, J. (2023). What knowledge counts—boundaries of knowledge in cross-institutional curricula in higher education. Higher Education, 85(6), 1299–1315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anohah, E. (2017). Paradigm and architecture of computing augmented learning management system for computer science education. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design (IJOPCD), 7(2), 60–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bagoly-Simó, P., & Kriewaldt, J. (2023). Future geography teachers for the planet. Powerful (disciplinary) knowledge and education for sustainable development (ESD) in initial teacher education (ITE). International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 32(1), 1–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baroudi, S. (2023). Exploring Teacher Education for Sustainable Development in the UAE. Sustainability, 15(3), 1981.

  • Borland, H., Bhatti, Y., & Lindgreen, A. (2019). Sustainability and sustainable development strategies in the U.K. plastic electronics industry. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 26(4), 805–818.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Browne, S. (2017). Sustainable development goals and UN goal-setting. Taylor & Francis.

  • Cai, Y., Applegate, S., Yue, W., Cai, J., Wang, X., Liu, G., & Li, C. (2016). A hybrid life cycle and multi-criteria decision analysis approach for identifying sustainable development strategies of Beijing’s taxi fleet. Energy Policy, 100, 314–325.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlbring, P., Magnusson, K., & Andersson, G. (2019). The consequences of ignoring therapist effects in trials with longitudinal data: A simulation study. In 39th Annual Conference of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Chicago, USA, March 27–31, 2019.

  • Carvalho, T. P., Soares, F. A., Vita, R., Francisco, R. D. P., Basto, J. P., & Alcalá, S. G. (2019). A systematic literature review of machine learning methods applied to predictive maintenance. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 137, 106024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cebrián, G., Junyent, M., & Mulà, I. (2020). Competencies in education for sustainable development: Emerging teaching and research developments. Sustainability, 12(2), 579.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Closs, L., Mahat, M., & Imms, W. (2022). Learning environments’ influence on students’ learning experience in an Australian Faculty of Business and Economics. Learning Environments Research, 1–15.

  • Cottafava, D., Cavaglià, G., & Corazza, L. (2019). Education of sustainable development goals through students’ active engagement: A transformative learning experience. Sustainability Accounting Management and Policy Journal, 10(3), 521–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Adamo, I., & Gastaldi, M. (2023). Perspectives and challenges on sustainability: Drivers, opportunities and Policy implications in universities. Sustainability, 15(4), 3564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dan, B., & Lin, K. (2019). Business and morals: Corporate strategies for sustainable development in China. Business and Politics, 21(4), 514–539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dasic, M., & Sjenicic, D. (2016). The group of twenty as a multilateral framework of global governance: Case of sustainable development strategy. Vojnodelo, 68(2), 7–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deroncele-Acosta, A., Jiménez-Chumacero, R. V., Gamarra-Mendoza, S., Brito-Garcías, J. G., Flores-Valdivieso, H. G., Velázquez-Tejeda, M. E., & Goñi-Cruz, F. F. (2023). Trends in Educational Research for Sustainable Development in Postgraduate Education Programs at a University in Peru. Sustainability, 15(6), 5449.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dogan, H. A. (2019). Assessment of the perception of cultural heritage as an adaptive re-use and sustainable development strategy. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management & Sustainable Development, 9(3), 430–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elias Mota, B. A., Carvalho, C. S. G., & Rodrigues Gomes, A. I. A. (2020). M. I., & Ferreira Dias Barbosa-Povoa, A. P. Business strategy for sustainable development: Impact of life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment steps in supply chain design and planning. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(1), 87–117.

  • Emeigh, G. (2018). Industry executives offer sustainable development strategies at second Offshore Leadership Forum. Offshore, 78(2), 24–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guy Felio. (2016). CSCE comments on the proposed 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Canadian Civil Engineer, 33(3), 13–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halmaghi, E. E. (2016). Environmental action programmes of the European Union – Programmes supporting the Sustainable Development Strategy of the European Union. Scientific Bulletin, 21(2), 87–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, K., & Loreau, M. (2023). A model of Sustainable Development Goals: Challenges and opportunities in promoting human well-being and environmental sustainability. Ecological Modelling, 475, 110164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoque, F., Yasin, R. M., & Sopian, K. (2022). Revisiting education for sustainable development: Methods to inspire secondary school students toward renewable energy. Sustainability, 14(14), 8296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, C. C., Li, S. P., Chan, Y. K., Hsieh, M. Y., & Lai, J. C. M. (2023). Empirical research on the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism with Environmental Education concepts. Sustainability, 15(13), 10307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leal Filho, W., Salvia, A. L., Frankenberger, F., Akib, N. A. M., Sen, S. K., Sivapalan, S., & Emblen-Perry, K. (2021). Governance and sustainable development at higher education institutions. Environment Development and Sustainability, 23, 6002–6020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, B., Liu, K., Warnock, T. S., Kim, M. O., & Skett, S. (2023). Students leading students: A qualitative study exploring a student-led model for engagement with the sustainable development goals. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 24(3), 535–552.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, X. (2016). Study on Sustainable Development Strategy of Food Crops Industry. Strategic Study of Chinese Academy of Engineering, 18(1), 22–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R., Barreiro-Gen, M., D’amato, D., Gago‐Cortes, C., Favi, C., Martins, R., & Gladysz, B. (2023). Improving sustainability teaching by grouping and interrelating pedagogical approaches and sustainability competences: Evidence from 15 Worldwide Higher Education Institutions. Sustainable Development, 31(1), 349–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lukowiak, A., Zur, L., Tomala, R., LamTran, T. N., Bouajaj, A., Strek, W., & Ferrari, M. (2020). Rare earth elements and urban mines: Critical strategies for sustainable development - ScienceDirect. Ceramics International, 46(16), 26247–26250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markauskaite, L., Carvalho, L., & Fawns, T. (2023). The role of teachers in a sustainable university: From digital competencies to postdigital capabilities. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71(1), 181–198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClure, K. R. (2017). Arbiters of effectiveness and efficiency: The frames and strategies of management consulting firms in US higher education reform. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 39(5), 575–589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nikonova, E. I., Sharonov, I. A., Sorokoumova, S. N., Suvorova, O. V., & Sorokoumova, E. A. (2016). Modern functions of a Textbook on Social Sciences and Humanities as an Informational Management Tool of University Education. International Journal of Environmental & Science Education, 11(10), 3764–3774.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogunode, N. J., Ahmed, I., & Olugbenga, A. V. (2023). Application of Petrol Subsidy funds to address the problems of Universal Basic Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Web of Scholars: Multidimensional Research Journal, 2(1), 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsson, D., Gericke, N., & Boeve-de Pauw, J. (2022). The effectiveness of education for sustainable development revisited–a longitudinal study on secondary students’ action competence for sustainability. Environmental Education Research, 28(3), 405–429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Omisore, A. G., Babarinde, G. M., Bakare, D. P., & Asekun-Olarinmoye, E. O. (2017). Awareness and knowledge of the sustainable development goals in a University Community in Southwestern Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 27(6), 669–676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polido, A., Pires, S. M., Rodrigues, C., & Teles, F. (2019). Sustainable development discourse in Smart Specialization Strategies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 240, 118224.1-118224.14.

  • Raidimi, E. N., & Kabiti, H. M. (2019). A review of the role of agricultural extension and training in achieving sustainable food security: A case of South Africa. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 47(3), 120–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raza, H., Ali, A., Rafiq, N., Xing, L., Asif, T., & Jing, C. (2023). Comparison of higher education in Pakistan and China: A sustainable development in student’s perspective. Sustainability, 15(5), 4327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saleem, A., Aslam, S., Sang, G., Dare, P. S., & Zhang, T. (2023). Education for sustainable development and sustainability consciousness: Evidence from Malaysian universities. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 24(1), 193–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savelyeva, T., & Douglas, W. (2017). Global consciousness and pillars of sustainable development: A study on self-perceptions of the first-year university students. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 18(2), 218–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sorg, H., Ehlers, J. P., & Sorg, C. G. (2022). Digitalization in Medicine: Are German Medical Students Well prepared for the future? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sulistiarini, E. B., Suparman, S., Santoso, P. B., & Tama, I. P. (2018). A conceptual framework of sustainable development strategy as corporate responsibility in manufacturing industry. Environmental Quality Management, 27(3), 147–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tlili, A., Nascimbeni, F., Burgos, D., Zhang, X., Huang, R., & Chang, T. W. (2023). The evolution of sustainability models for Open Educational resources: Insights from the literature and experts. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(3), 1421–1436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Torabian, J. (2019). Revisiting Global University rankings and their indicators in the age of Sustainable Development. Sustainability: The Journal of Record, 12(3), 167–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tupas, F. P., & Linas-Laguda, M. (2020). Blended Learning–An Approach in Philippine Basic Education Curriculum in New Normal: A review of. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11), 5505–5512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uralovich, K. S., Toshmamatovich, T. U., Kubayevich, K. F., Sapaev, I. B., Saylaubaevna, S. S., Beknazarova, Z. F., & Khurramov, A. (2023). A primary factor in sustainable development and environmental sustainability is environmental education. Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, 21(4), 965–975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veidemane, A. (2022). Education for sustainable development in higher education rankings: Challenges and opportunities for developing internationally comparable indicators. Sustainability, 14(9), 5102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wakkee, I., van der Sijde, P., Vaupell, C., & Ghuman, K. (2019). The university’s role in sustainable development: Activating entrepreneurial scholars as agents of change. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 141, 195–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X. (2016). A study of the Sustainable Development of Rural sports in Gannan. Asian Agricultural Research, 02(80), 82–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yedla, S., & Park, H. S. (2017). Eco-industrial networking for sustainable development: Review of issues and development strategies. Clean Technologies & Environmental Policy, 19(2), 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeroual, A., Harrou, F., Dairi, A., & Sun, Y. (2020). Deep learning methods for forecasting COVID-19 time-series data: A comparative study. Chaos Solitons & Fractals, 140, 110121.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, J. (2017). The 2030 agenda for sustainable development and China’s implementation. Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment, 15(2), 142–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zwolińska, K., Lorenc, S., & Pomykała, R. (2022). Sustainable development in education from students’ perspective—implementation of sustainable development in curricula. Sustainability, 14(6), 3398.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

1. The Ministry of Education of cooperative education project: “the strong convergence” horizon, personnel training mode to explore innovative undertakings and No. 202002153019. 2. 2020 Jiangsu university development of higher education planning research subject: Research on innovative talent training mode based on Jinshan International Talent of Jiangsu University No. G202015.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Affairs Office, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Yiying Xu & Liming Zhang

  2. School of Mathematical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Haili Yu

  3. School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Xuan Wan

Authors
  1. Yiying Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Haili Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xuan Wan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Liming Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yiying Xu.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval

Compliance with ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and animal rights

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xu, Y., Yu, H., Wan, X. et al. Strategies for sustainable development in university education: Breaking barriers and cultivating awareness. Educ Inf Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12727-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12727-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation