HEFCE's 2008 consultation on Sustainable Development in Higher Education noted that: "The greatest contribution HE can make to sustainable development is by enabling students to acquire the skills and knowledge that allow them to make a lasting difference. What they learn and what they are taught are therefore critical."
Today's students are tomorrows
professionals and business leaders. During their time at university students must be exposed to the concept of sustainable
development both in their lives and university careers.
Requirements are that they receive teaching about the wider and more fundamental issues of society's relationship to the environment, including complex social, economic and ethical questions as well as some understanding of technical issues. This will not only make the student experience richer and deeper but will also equip students with sustainability knowledge that is becoming increasingly important in today's society.
The University's General Educational Aims of Programmes of Study state that "the educational aims of the University are to foster in students an ability to view the subjects they have studied in a broad intellectual context including, for example, ethical, economic, social, environmental and professional issues;"
Current Education for Sustainable Developments include:
- Sustainability Project Shop
- Several departments now have sustainable curriculum
- Linking with professional bodies
- Delivering bespoke lectures
Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Hertfordshire
