Handbook of Best Practices in Sustainable Development at University Level

The "Handbook of Best Practices in Sustainable Development at University Level" is a comprehensive resource that highlights innovative approaches, methods, initiatives, and projects from universities, stakeholders, organizations, and civil society worldwide. It emphasizes the need for mobilizing stakeholders to promote sustainability in higher education and showcases best practices that can inspire further initiatives. The book is produced by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR) through the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) and includes contributions from authors across all geographical regions. It provides practical experiences, partnerships, networks, and training schemes for building capacity in sustainable development, making it a valuable contribution to the literature on this topic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book offers a unique perspective on cutting-edge descriptions of approaches, methods, initiatives, and projects from universities, stakeholders, organizations, and civil society around the world, focusing on cross-cutting issues in sustainable development. There is a perceived need to mobilize the various stakeholders when attempting to promote sustainability in higher education and to promote best practices, which may inspire further initiatives. However, despite this need, there are few publications that handle this matter in a coherent way. To address the pressing need for publications that may document and disseminate examples of best practice on sustainable development at university level, the "Handbook of Best Practices in Sustainable Development at University Level" is being published. This book is produced by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR), through the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP), and contains inputs from authors across all geographical regions. The book also discusses examples of initiatives coordinated by universities but involving civil society, the private sector, and public sector (including local, national, and intergovernmental bodies). In particular, it describes practical experiences, partnerships, networks, and training schemes for building capacity aimed at fostering the cause of sustainable development at institutions of higher education. Thanks to its design and the contributions by experts from various areas, it provides a welcome contribution to the literature on sustainable development, and it may inspire further works in this field.

Introduction:
The pursuit of sustainability has become an increasingly important goal in today's world, as we face the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. Higher education institutions play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, as they are responsible for educating future generations and shaping the future of our society. This handbook aims to provide a comprehensive guide to best practices in sustainable development at university level, drawing on insights and experiences from experts across the globe education sector.

Chapter 1: Setting the Scene:
In this chapter, we will explore the importance of sustainable development in higher education and the role that universities can play in promoting it. We will discuss the global context of sustainable development, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We will also examine the challenges and opportunities that universities face in promoting sustainable development, including the need to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of the institution's operations, the need to engage with stakeholders, and the need to develop a culture of sustainability.

Chapter 2: Approaches to Sustainable Development:
In this chapter, we will explore different approaches to sustainable development in higher education, including the triple bottom line education, the sustainable development goals, and the circular economy. We will examine the benefits and challenges of each approach and discuss how universities can implement them effectively. We will also explore the role education sector's role in promoting sustainable development, including the need to develop sustainable curricula education programs, the need to promote research and innovation in sustainable development, and the need to engage with policymakers and stakeholders.

Chapter 3: Case Studies:
In this chapter, we will present case studies of successful sustainable development initiatives at university level, including examples from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. We will examine the strategies and approaches used by these institutions to promote sustainable development, including the use of renewable energy sources, the reduction of waste and carbon emissions, and the promotion of sustainable food systems. We will also discuss the challenges and successes of these initiatives and how they can be replicated in other institutions.

Chapter 4: Conclusion:
In this chapter, we will conclude our handbook, summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the handbook. We will discuss the importance of sustainable development in higher education and the role that universities can play in promoting it. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities that universities face in promoting sustainable development, including the need to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of the institution's operations, the need to engage with stakeholders, and the need to develop a culture of sustainability. We will also explore the potential for collaboration between universities and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development, including the need to develop sustainable education programs, the need to promote research and innovation in sustainable development, and the need to engage with policymakers and stakeholders.

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Weight: 934g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031047633
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022