Skip to main content
Book cover

Sustainability Assessment Tools in Higher Education Institutions pp 3–27Cite as

Sustainability Science and Education for Sustainable Development in Universities: A Way for Transition

Abstract

The debate about sustainable development (SD) in higher education institutions has expanded over the past decades. It has been recognized that universities play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability principles, contributing to the paradigm shift toward a more sustainable present and future. Campus sustainability—commonly understood in a broad sense that includes the physical, educational (teaching, curricula, research), and institutional dimensions—is an evolving study field, as indicated by the growing number of articles in academic journals, conferences, awards, and books (like the present one) dedicated to the subject. From the academic point of view, the emergent fields of sustainability science and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) have advanced the efforts of mainstreaming sustainability and implementing concrete practices in universities. But despite some progress and good examples, only a few institutions follow a SD implementation process holistically. A one-sided trend of “going green,” driven by market requirements, marketing advantages, and economic benefits, increases the risks of greenwashing. Reductionist models and misconceptions may cause sustainability initiatives to be wrongly reduced to single aspects of SD like environmental initiatives, losing meaning and credibility. This chapter addresses the question of what role the emerging fields of sustainability science and ESD can play within the transition to more sustainable universities. It aims to contribute to a more holistic perception of SD and examines some of the trends being observed in the higher education sector. Universities are challenged to reflect about educational objectives and strategic goals in their sustainability implementation processes, if they aim to educate the academic community beyond eco-efficiency and recycling. ESD and sustainability science are normative academic fields, action-oriented and close to society. Along with universities as democratic institutions, these fields constitute essential vehicles to investigate, test, and develop conditions for truly transformative change.

Keywords

  • Sustainability science
  • Education for sustainable development
  • Higher education institutions
  • Transition
  • Campus sustainability
  • Greenwashing

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-02375-5_1
  • Chapter length: 25 pages
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
eBook
USD   109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-3-319-02375-5
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book
USD   139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions
Fig. 1

Notes

  1. 1.

    The concept of green economy (GE) emerged primarily outside the context of the SD framework and is not built on sustainability principles (Baer et al. 2012). The Rio +20 summit in 2012 can be seen as an attempt to introduce the GE concept into the SD debate, and it was strongly promoted by some global players, whilst at the same time being received sceptically and rejected by others (Brand 2012; Bullard and Mueller 2012). GE is based on pillars like the environmental technology sector and green jobs, and strives for economic measurement beyond GDP. It still adheres basically to the concept of economic growth as a strategy for human well-being while reducing environmental risks and ecological shortages (Jones 2012).

References

  • ACCU. (2009). Tokyo Declaration of HOPE. Paper presented at the Asia-Pacific forum for EDS educators and facilitators, Tokyo. http://www.accu.or.jp/esd/mt-static/news/topics/Tokyo_Declaration_of_HOPE%28English_version%29.pdf.

  • Altbach, P., Education, UNESCO Division of Higher, Reisberg, L., & Rumbley, L. (2009). Trends in global higher education: Tracking an academic revolution: A report prepared for the UNESCO 2009 World Conference on Higher Education. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babbie, E. (2010). The practice of social research. Belmont: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer, H., Werland, S., & Jacob, K. (2012). Green Economy discourses in the run-up to rio 2012. FFU-Report July 2011, Retrieved from http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2023052, Berlin: Environmental Policy Research Centre/Freie Universitaet Berlin.

  • Baker, S. (2006). Sustainable development (1st ed.). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barth, M., Godemann, J., Rieckmann, M., & Stoltenberg, U. (2007). Developing key competencies for sustainable development in higher education. International Journal for Sustainability in Higher Education, 8(4), 416–430.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Barth, M., & Michelsen, G. (2013). Learning for change: An educational contribution to sustainability science. Sustainability Science, 8(1), 103–119. doi:10.1007/s11625-012-0181-5.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Barth, M., & Rieckmann, M. (2012). Academic staff development as a catalyst for curriculum change towards education for sustainable development: An output perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 26(0), 28–36. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.12.011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barth, M., & Rieckmann, M. (2013). Current trends and approaches in research in Higher Education for Sustainable Development—an international literature review from 1992—2012. Paper presented at the ERSCP-EMSU 2013, Istanbul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bekessy, S. A., Samson, K., & Clarkson, R. E. (2007). The failure of non-binding declarations to achieve university sustainability: A need for accountability. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 8(3), 301–316.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Brand, U. (2012). Green economy—the next oxymoron? GAIA, 21(1), 28–32.

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Brundiers, K., & Wiek, A. (2011). Educating students in real-world sustainability research: Vision and implementation. Innovative Higher Education, 36(2), 107–124. doi:10.1007/s10755-010-9161-9.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Bullard, N., & Mueller, T. (2012). Beyond the ‘green economy’: System change, not climate change? Development, 55(1), 54–62. doi:10.1057/dev.2011.100.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, D. (2009). Asses0073ing & planning for environmental sustainability—A framework for institutions of higher education. In L. F. Walter (Ed.), Sustainability at Universities—Opportunities, Challenges and Trends. Frankfurt: Peter Lang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, P., Thrane, M., Herreborg J. T., & Lehmann, M. (2008). Sustainable development. Assessing the gap between preaching and practice at Aalborg University. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 10(1), 4–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, W. C. (2007). Sustainability science: A room for its own. PNAS, 104(6), 1737–1738.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, W. C., & Dickson, N. M. (2003). Sustainability Science: The emerging research program. PNAS, 100(14), 8059–8061. doi: 10.1073/pnas.12313333100.

  • Cohen, L. (Producer). (2013). Noam Chomsky: Public Education and The Common Good. Speech at East Stroudsburg University on February 6, 2013. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/7TLZN92-dZo.

  • COPERNICUS. (1994). Copernicus—The University Charter for Sustainable Development. Retrieved 08 Aug 2010, from http://www.iisd.org/educate/declarat/coper.htm.

  • Copernicus Alliance. (2012a). Copernicus Charta 2.0. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from http://www.copernicus-alliance.org/.

  • Copernicus Alliance. (2012b). People’s sustainability treaty o higher education. Retrieved December 01, 2012, from http://www.copernicus-alliance.org/.

  • Cortese, A. D. (1999). Education for Sustainability. Second Nature Retreived from http://amper.ped.muni.cz/~miler/aktivity/Ecology/possum/humanpersp.pdf (23 Sept 2013).

  • Cortese, A. D. (2003). The critical role of higher education in creating a sustainable future. planning for higher education. Retrieved 02 November 2011, from http://www.aashe.org/documents/resources/pdf/Cortese_PHE.pdf.

  • Council of Europe. (2006). The responsibility of higher education for a democratic culture: Citizenship, human rights and sustainability. Paper presented at the conference on Higher Education and Democratic Culture, Strassbourg. http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/highereducation/democraticculture/Declaration_EN.pdf.

  • Dahle, M., & Neumayer, E. (2001). Overcoming barriers to campus greening—a survey among higher educational institutions in London. International Journal for Sustainability in Higher Education, 2(2), 139–160.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Daly, E. H. (1996). Beyond growth. Boston: Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Haan, G. (2006). The BLK ‘21’ programme in Germany: A ‘Gestaltungskompetenz’-based model for education for sustainable development. Environmental Education Research, 12(1), 19–32.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Disterheft, A., Caeiro, S., Azeiteiro, U., & Leal F. W. (2013). Challenges and opportunities for the assessment of participation processes in sustainable universities—toward the integration of a forgotten dimension. Paper presented at the ERSCP-EMSU 2013, Istanbul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Disterheft, A., Caeiro, S. S., Ramos, M. R., & Azeiteiro, Ulisses M. (2012). Environmental management systems (EMS) implementation processes and practices in European higher education institutions—top-down versus participatory approaches. Journal of Cleaner Production, 31(0), 80–90. [doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.02.034].

  • Earth Charter Initiative. (2010). Earth Charta. Retrieved September 06, 2010, from http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/.

  • Escrigas, C. (2012). Sustainability and knowledge in contemporary society. In GUNI (Ed.), Higher Education in the World 4. Higher Education’s Commitment to Sustainability: From Understanding to Action (Vol. 1, pp. xxv–xxviii), GUNi series on the social commitment of universities 4. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • European University Association. (1988). The magna charta of European universities. Retrieved May 15, 2012, from http://www.magna-charta.org/cms/cmspage.aspx?pageUid=%7Bd4bd2cba-e26b-499e-80d5-b7a2973d5d97}.

  • Fergus, A. H. T., & Rowney, J. I. A. (2005a). Sustainable development: Lost meaning and opportunity? Journal of Business Ethics, 60(1), 17–27. doi:10.1007/s10551-005-2927-9.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Fergus, A., & Rowney, J. (2005b). Sustainable development: Epistemological frameworks & an ethic of choice. Journal of Business Ethics, 57(2), 197–207. doi:10.1007/s10551-004-5093-6.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrer-Balas, D., Buckland, H., & de Mingo, M. (2009). Explorations on the university’s role in society for sustainable development through a system transition approach. Case-study of the technical university of Catalunia (UPC). Journal of Cleaner Production, 17, 1075–1085.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freire, P. (1972). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Harmondsworth: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI). (2012). Higher education in the world 4. Higher education’s commitment to sustainability: From understanding to action. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, J. A., & Lehmann, M. (2006). Agents of change: Universities as development hubs. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(9–11), 820–829.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Hopwood, B., Mellor, M., & O’Brien, G. (2005). Sustainable development: Mapping different approaches. Sustainable Development, 13(1), 38–52. doi:10.1002/sd.244.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Huisingh, D., & Mebratu, D. (2000). “Educating the educators” as a strategy for enhancing education on cleaner production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 8(5), 439–442. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0959-6526(00)00048-2.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Institute for Sustainable Development. (1996). The Halifax Declaration. Retrieved May 15, 2012, from http://www.iisd.org/educate/declarat/halifax.htm.

  • Jackson, T. (2009). Prosperity without growth: Economics for a finite planet (1st edn.). London: Earth Scan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaeger, J. (2009). Sustainability science in Europe. Retrieved from http://seri.at/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Sustainability-Science-in-Europe.pdf.

  • Jerneck, A., Olsson, L., Ness, B., Anderberg, S., Baier, M. & Clark, E., et al. (2011). Structuring sustainability science. Sustainability Science, 6(1), 69–82. doi: 10.1007/s11625-010-0117-x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jickling, B, & Wals, A. (2012). Debating education for sustainable development 20 years after Rio. A conversation between Bob Jickling and Arjen Wals. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 6(1), 49–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butterfield, J., Alice, K., & Soska, T. M. (2005). University-community partnerships. Journal of Community Practice, 12(3–4), 1–11.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, D. R. (2012). Looking through the “greenwashing glass cage” of the green league table towards the sustainability challenge for UK universities. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 25(4), 630–647.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Kates, R. W., Clark, W. C., Corell, R. , Hall, M., Jaeger, C. C., & Lowe, L, (2001). Sustainability Science. Science, 292, 641–642.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kauffman, J. (2009). Advancing sustainability science: Report on the international conference on sustainability science (ICSS) 2009. Sustainability Science, 4(2), 233–242. doi:10.1007/s11625-009-0088-y.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Kirkby, J., O’Keefe, P., & Timberlake, L. (1995). The earthscan reader in sustainable development (1st ed.). London: Earthscan Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Læssøe, J., Schnack, K., Breiting, S., & Rolls, S. (Eds.). (2009). Climate change and sustainable development. The response from education. Aarhus: Cross-national reports.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang, D. J., Wiek, A., Bergmann, M., Stauffacher, M., Martens, P., Moll, P., et al. (2012). Transdisciplinary research in sustainability science: Practice, principles, and challenges. Sustainability Science, 7(1), 25–43.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Leal Filho, W. (Ed.). (2009). Sustainability at universities—opportunities, challenges and trends (Vol. 31). Frankfurt: Peter Lang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leal, F. W. (2000). Dealing with misconceptions on the concept of sustainability. International Journal for Sustainability in Higher Education, 1(1), 9–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leal, F. W. (2011). About the role of universities and their contribution to sustainable development. Higher Education Policy, 24, 427–438. doi: 10.1057/hep.2011.16.

  • Leal, F. W. (2012). Future challenges for sustainable development, university world news. Retrieved from June 17, 2012 http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20120613184239690.

  • Leal, F. W., Manolas, E., & Pace, P. (2009). Education for sustainable development: Current discourses and practices and their relevance to technology education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 19(2), 149–165. doi: 10.1007/s10798-008-9079-z.

  • Lidgren, A., Rodhe, H., & Huisingh, D. (2006). A systemic approach to incorporate sustainability into university courses and curricula. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(9–11), 797–809. [doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.12.011].

    Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R. (2006). Incorporation and institutionalization of SD into universities: Breaking through barriers to change. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(9–11), 787–796.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R. (2008). Envisioning sustainability three-dimensionally. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(17), 1838–1846. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2008.02.008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R. (2011). The state of sustainability reporting in universities. International Journal for Sustainability in Higher Education, 12(1), 67–78.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R., Lozano, F. J., Mulder, K., Huisingh, D., & Waas, T. (2013a). Advancing higher education for sustainable development: International insights and critical reflections. Journal of Cleaner Production, 48, 3–9. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.03.034.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lozano, R., Lukman, R., Lozano, F. J., Huisingh, D., & Lambrechts, W. (2013b). Declarations for sustainability in higher education: Becoming better leaders, through addressing the university system. Journal of Cleaner Production, 48(0), 10–19. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.10.006.

  • Lukman, R., Krajnc, D., & Glavic, P. (2010). University ranking using research, educational and environmental indicators. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(7), 619–628. [doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.09.015].

    Google Scholar 

  • McKeown, R., Hopkins, C. A., Rizzi, R., & Chrystalbridge, M. (2006). Education for sustainable development toolkit. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meadows, D.H., Club of Rome, & Potomac Associates. (1972). The limits to growth: A report for the club of rome’s project on the predicament of mankind. New York: Universe Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mebratu, D. (1998). Sustainability and sustainable development: Historical and conceptual review. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 18(6), 493–520. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0195-9255(98)00019-5.

  • Miller, T. R. (2013). Constructing sustainability science: Emerging perspectives and research trajectories. Sustainability Science, 8(2), 279–293. doi:10.1007/s11625-012-0180-6.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Mochizuki, Y., & Fadeeva, Z. (2010). Competences for sustainable development and sustainability: Significance and challenges for ESD. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 11(4), 391–403. doi:10.1108/14676371011077603.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Neumayer, E. (2010). Weak versus strong sustainability: Exploring the limits of two opposing paradigms (3rd ed.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien, K., Reams, J., Caspari, A., Dugmore, A., Faghihimani, M., & Fazey, I., et al. (2013). You say you want a revolution? Transforming education and capacity building in response to global change. Environmental Science & Policy, 28, 48–59. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2012.11.011.

  • Orr, D. W. (2004). Earth in mind (10th ed.) (anniversary ed.). Washington: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmer, P. J., Zajonc, A., Scribner, M., & Nepo, M. (2010). The heart of higher education: A call to renewal. San Francisco: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, Jenneth. (2010). Competencies for interdisciplinarity in higher education. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 11(4), 325–338.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Posch, A., & Steiner, G. (2006). Integrating research and teaching on innovation for sustainable development. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 7(2), 1467–6370. doi:10.1108/14676370610677847.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rapport, D. J. (2007). Sustainability science: An ecohealth perspective. Sustainability Science, 2(1), 77–84. doi:10.1007/s11625-006-0016-3.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Raskin, P. D. (2012). Higher education in an unsettled century: Handmaiden or pathmaker? In GUNI (Ed.), Higher Education in the World 4. Higher Education’s Commitment to Sustainability: From Understanding to Action (Vol. 1, pp. 18–28), GUNi series on the social commitment of universities 4. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Research & Degrowth. (2013a). Definition of degrowth. Retrieved February 11, 2013, from http://www.degrowth.org/definition-2.

  • Research & Degrowth. (2013b). Research & degrowth. Retrieved February 11, 2013, from http://www.degrowth.org.

  • Rieckmann, M. (2012). Future-oriented higher education: Which key competencies should be fostered through university teaching and learning? Futures, 44(2), 127–135. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2011.09.005.

  • Saechsische Carlowitz-Gesellschaft. (2013). Die Erfindung der Nachhaltigkeit. Leben, Werk und Wirkung des Hans Carl von Carlowitz. Muenchen: Oekom Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, F., Kallis, G., & Martinez-Alier, J. (2010). Crisis or opportunity? Economic degrowth for social equity and ecological sustainability. Introduction to this special issue. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(6), 511–518. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.01.014.

  • Schoolman, E. D., Guest, J. S., Bush, K. F., & Bell, A. R. (2012). How interdisciplinary is sustainability research? Analyzing the structure of an emerging scientific field. Sustainability Science, 7(1), 67–80. doi:10.1007/s11625-011-0139-z.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Schwarzin, L., Wals, A. W., & Ateljevic, I. (2012). Collaborative curriculum innovation as a key to sprouting transformative higher education for sustainability. In GUNI (Ed.), Higher Education in the world 4. HIgher Education’s Commitment to Sustainability: From Understanding to Action (Vol. 1, pp. 230–234), GUNi series on the social commitment of universities 4. Hampshire: GUNI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharp, L. (2002). Green campuses: The road from little victories to systemic transformation. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 3(2), 128–145.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Shriberg, M. (2002). Institutional assessment tools for sustainability in higher education—Strengths, weaknesses, and implications for practice and theory. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 3(2), 254–270. doi:10.1108/14676370210434714.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Steiner, G., & Posch, A. (2006). Higher education for sustainability by means of transdisciplinary case studies: An innovative approach for solving complex, real-world problems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(9‚Äì11), 877–890. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.11.054.

  • Stephens, J. C., & Graham, A. C. (2010). Toward an empirical research agenda for sustainability in higher education: Exploring the transition management framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(7), 611–618. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.07.009.

  • The New York Times’ Room for Debate. (2013). When ‘growth’ Is not a good goal, the New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/16/when-growth-is-not-a-good-goal.

  • Tilbury, D. (2011). Education for sustainable development. An expert review of processes and learning. Retrieved from http://www.desd.org/Expert_Revie_of_processes_and_learning_for_ESD.pdf, Paris: UNESCO.

  • Tilbury, D. (2012). Higher education for sustainability. A global review of commitment and progress. In GUNI (Ed.), Higher education in the world 4. higher education’s commitment to sustainability: From understanding to action (Vol. 1, pp. 18–22), GUNi series on the social commitment of universities 4. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • ULSF. (2008). Talloires Declaration. Retrieved February 19, 2011, from http://www.ulsf.org/about.html.

  • UNCED. (1992). Agenda 21, Ch. 36: Promoting education and public awareness and training. Rio de Janeiro: United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNEP. (1972). Declaration of the United Nations conference on the human environment. Paper presented at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNEP. (1992). Rio Declaration on environment and development. Retrieved July 02, 2013, from http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentID=78&articleID=1163.

  • UNESCO. (1977). Tbilisi Declaration—Final Report. Paper presented at the Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education, Tbilisi.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO. (1997a). Declaration of Thessaloniki. Paper presented at the International Conference on Environment and Society: Education and Public Awareness, Thessaloniki.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO. (1997b). Education for a sustainable future: A transdisciplinary vision for concerted action. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO. (1998). World Declaration on higher education for the twenty-first century: Vision and Action, Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO. (2001). Lueneburg Declaration. Paper presented at the Higher Education for Sustainability—Towards the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio + 10), Lueneburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO. (2010). UN Decade of education for sustainable development education. Retrieved February 20, 2011, from http://www.unesco.org/en/education-for-sustainable-development/decade-of-esd/.

  • UNESCO. (2011). Definition of ESD. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://www.unescobkk.org/education/esd-unit/definition-of-esd/.

  • United Nations. (2002). Press conference about the ubuntu declaration. Retrieved 06-09-2010, from http://www.un.org/events/wssd/pressconf/020901conf1.htm.

  • United Nations. (2012). Higher education sustainability initiative. Retrieved May 12, 2012, from http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&type=12&nr=341&menu=23.

  • van Weenen, H. (2000). Towards a vision of a sustainable university. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 1(1), 20–34.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Vare, P., & Scott, W. (2007). Learning for a change: Exploring the relationship between education and sustainable development. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 1(2), 191–198. doi:10.1177/097340820700100209.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Waas, T., Verbruggen, A., & Wright, T. (2010). University research for sustainable development: Definition and characteristics explored. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(7), 629–636. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.09.017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waas, T., Hugé, J., Verbruggen, A., & Wright, T. (2011). Sustainable development: A bird’s eye view. Sustainability, 3, 1637–1661. doi:10.3390/su3101637.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wals, A. (2009). Review of contexts and structures for education for sustainable development 2009. Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wals, A. (2010). Mirroring, Gestaltswitching and transformative social learning. Stepping stone for developing sustainability competence. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 11(4), 380–390.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wals, A. E. J. (2013). Sustainability in higher education in the context of the UN DESD: A review of learning and institutionalization processes. Journal of Cleaner Production, in press. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.06.007.

  • Wals, A., & Nolan, C. (2012). Shaping the education of tomorrow: 2012. Report on the UN decade of education for sustainable development, abriged retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002166/216606e.pdf, Paris: UNESCO.

  • Wiek, A., Farioli, F., Fukushi, K., & Yarime, M. (2012). Sustainability science: Bridging the gap between science and society. Sustainability Science, 7(1), 1–4. doi:10.1007/s11625-011-0154-0.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wiek, A., Withycombe, L., & Redman, C. L. (2011). Key competencies in sustainability: A reference framework for academic program development. Sustainability Science, 6(2), 203–218. doi:10.1007/s11625-011-0132-6.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). (1987). Our common future. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, T. S. A. (2002). Definitions and frameworks for environmental sustainability in higher education. International Journal for Sustainability in Higher Education, 3(3), 203–220.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, T. S. A. (2006). Giving “teeth” to an enviornmental policy: A delphi study at Dalhousie university. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(9–11), 761–768.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarime, M., Trencher, G., Mino, T., Scholz, R., Olsson, L., Ness, B., et al. (2012). Establishing sustainability science in higher education institutions: Towards an integration of academic development, institutionalization, and stakeholder collaborations. Sustainability Science, 7, 101–113. doi:10.1007/s11625-012-0157-5.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Zilahy, G., & Huisingh, D. (2009). The roles of academia in regional sustainability initiatives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 17, 1057–1066.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Derek Moench for his valuable and constructive comments on this chapter.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Science and Technology, Universidade Aberta, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 141, 1269-001, Lisbon, Portugal

    Antje Disterheft

  2. Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Universidade de Coimbra, 3001-401, Coimbra, Portugal

    Antje Disterheft

  3. Department of Science and Technology, Universidade Aberta/Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

    Sandra Caeiro

  4. Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Aberta/Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, 3001-401, Coimbra, Portugal

    Ulisses Miranda Azeiteiro

  5. Research and Transfer Centre for Applied Sciences (FTZ-ALS), University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Lohbruegger Kirchstr. 65, 21033, Hamburg, Germany

    Walter Leal Filho

Authors
  1. Antje Disterheft
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sandra Caeiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ulisses Miranda Azeiteiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Walter Leal Filho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Antje Disterheft .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Aberta (UAb), Lisbon, Portugal

    Sandra Caeiro

  2. Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Walter Leal Filho

  3. Brazilian National Council of Research, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Charbel Jabbour

  4. Universidade Aberta, Lisbon, Portugal

    Ulisses M. Azeiteiro

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Disterheft, A., Caeiro, S., Azeiteiro, U.M., Leal Filho, W. (2013). Sustainability Science and Education for Sustainable Development in Universities: A Way for Transition. In: Caeiro, S., Filho, W., Jabbour, C., Azeiteiro, U. (eds) Sustainability Assessment Tools in Higher Education Institutions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02375-5_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02375-5_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-02374-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-02375-5

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)