Academic Journal
Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions of the QualEnv Consortium: A Focus on Teaching, Research and Outreach
| Title: | Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions of the QualEnv Consortium: A Focus on Teaching, Research and Outreach |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Paulo Guilherme Fuchs, Gisleine Aver, Valdemiro da Rocha Junior, Priscila Cembranel, Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas, Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra |
| Source: | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2025 26(7):1677-1696. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 20 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Sustainable Development, Higher Education, Consortia, Educational Strategies, Universities, College Planning, Strategic Planning |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-11-2023-0531 |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study explores the strategies for promoting sustainable development (SD) adopted by the higher education institutions (HEIs) associated with the QualEnv University Consortium (QualEnv). The research examines actions in three main domains: teaching, research and outreach. This study aims to understand better how these strategies are applied and their impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of this study can potentially contribute to the effectiveness of action plans for SD in HEIs and provide valuable insights for other institutions and stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach: The study was based on institutionalizing sustainability research and practices in QualEnv HEIs. In this process, the research used participant observation for data collection. Data was collected through documentary research and a literature review. The data were analyzed qualitatively. Findings: The results allowed understanding sustainability in all three areas. In teaching, most attention was paid to implementing the SDGs in the curricula and various courses at the institutions. Strategies for qualifying publications and greater dissemination and involvement of research initiatives with the SDGs were sought in research. In outreach, the means and activities the HEIs adopt to reach out to the internal and external (surrounding) communities concerning the SDGs and the search for their propagation and implementation were notable. Many of the actions result from changes to existing processes, which have been given a close look by the institutions with a view to improvement. Originality/value: This study discusses the practical implications for HEIs to plan and implement SD in their teaching, research and outreach activities. It also demonstrates the effort to improve initiatives to work on education for sustainability, as it shows how the institutions belonging to the QualEnv consortium have planned their strategies to contribute to SD. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 20260101 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1497210 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
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| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-11-2023-0531 |