Sustainability is an ideal state where human activity does not degrade the environment, but maintains natural systems and resources for future generations.
Sustainable development is the process that moves us closer to sustainability.
Since the publication of the Stern Review by the Treasury (2006), which outlined the economic case for acting on climate change, the business case for sustainable development cannot have been clearer:
‘No-one can predict the consequences of climate change with complete certainty; but we now know enough to understand the risks. Mitigation - taking strong action to reduce emissions - must be viewed as an investment, a cost incurred now and in the coming few decades to avoid the risks of very severe consequences in the future. If these investments are made wisely, the costs will be manageable, and there will be a wide range of opportunities for growth and development along the way’.
For FE institutions as businesses, it makes sense to make the operations of buildings and estate more efficient, and to invest in carbon reduction. With the expectation that carbon emissions will be heavily taxed and capped and that energy prices will continue to rise in the future, it is important to start to take action sooner rather than later.
For FE institutions as educators, it makes sense to introduce sustainable development into the curriculum to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to mitigate the effects of climate change. Students in FE need to be aware of and understand issues around sustainability, which are already important in the workplace, but will increasingly be so in the future. Students with the skills and competences gained through education in sustainability will have increased employment prospects and greater potential for career progression. Additionally, colleges have an important role to play in supporting local businesses and the wider community in their journey towards a more sustainable way of living.
Understanding the “business case” for sustainability is vital to ensuring that programmes are sustainable in themselves. This will not only help to ensure projects are well supported from the senior team, but also make them more resilient if budgets are cut. Be prepared to express and demonstrate the benefits of initiatives with indicators such as cost savings, legal compliance, staff development, student involvement or positive marketing achieved. Being able to demonstrate achievements will also ensure it is possible to celebrate successes. Applying for awards is a great way to gain recognition and garner further support from colleagues, and in particular from senior leadership teams!
What makes sustainability particularly relevant for the Learning and Skills sector?
The new Sustainable Development Goals were agreed in September 2015 by the UN’s 193 Member States. The aim is to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. “The seventeen Sustainable Development Goals are our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the people” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “They are a to-do list for people and planet, and a blueprint for success.”
Education plays a big part in achieving these goals, and the FE sector is in a pivotal role to contribute, having contact and communications with so many learners.
The Sustainable Development Goals would be a great resource to focus a cross-organisational learning day on.
Click on the Sustainable Development Goals image to see what they all are.
Myerscough College present their 2014/15 Sustainability Report.
On Thursday 10th December 2015, the EAUC-Scotland Sustainable Construction and Education for Sustainable Development in Further Education Topic Support Networks met at South...
The collective voice of the world’s universities, colleges and students must be heard at COP21 when the United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Paris,...
Edinburgh College has built up two thriving community gardens at opposite ends of the city of Edinburgh, and is also in the process of developing four community orchards
South West Energy Centre (SWEC) is an award winning, unique facility providing advice, guidance and training to industry and consumers in all matters relating to the Low Carbon...
Sustainability is about making changes and inspiring a new approach to the way we live in the world, use its resources and interact with the rest of the ecosystem.
Edinburgh College is adopting a holistic approach to sustainability and carbon reduction. The college developed its first Carbon Management Plan in 2014
Saving the planet, saving cash, shrinking the College’s carbon footprint whilst, at the same time, stimulating staff and learners’ imagination in terms of...
The “Let’s Green SWC” initiative takes a holistic approach to sustainability across the institution by seeking to identify and address the impacts of...
Seen to be Green champions a Living Curriculum that is delivered in and beyond the classroom, using gallery and outdoor space and the café
In November 2014 Fife College opened its doors to the nation’s very first vented ‘green’ salon. A new and innovative approach to hairdressing, using all...
Energy efficiency and carbon saving advice for the further and higher education sector.
In this EAUC Member Spotlight, see how South Devon College has fully embraced the Sustainable and Renewable Energy agenda.
In this EAUC Member Spotlight, see how Blackpool and The Fylde College are actively engaging students on sustainability.
North Hertfordshire College approached d+b facades with regard to cladding an old 1960’s building. From the first contact to completion they worked with the...
The refurbishment of Nescot College included the addition of a dramatic raked gable end
This biomass project is the second ever cooperatively funded biomass project in the country, the first of this type in the education sector
This presentation was the Keynote for the Further Education Summit, part of the “Challenging Connections” EAUC Annual Conference 2015, presented by Leeds College of...
A list of benefits of an on-board computing system and how having the right information can improve recycling at your university or college.
This Exchange presentation is from the “Challenging Connections” EAUC Annual Conference 2015, presented by Pam Reynolds from Blackpool and The Fylde College.