Conceptualization of sustainable higher education institutions, roles, barriers, and challenges for sustainability: An exploratory study in Portugal

Aleixo, Ana Marta; Leal, Susana; Azeiteiro, Ulisses Miranda

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.010

Cited by 298 publications

(273 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…The recent study from Aleixo et al (2017a) confirms that this perception seems to be correct. Regarding SD in the curriculum (BSc, MSc or PhD courses), only two universities (Aveiro and Minho) incorporate this theme in their courses.…”

Section: Page 16 Of 33 International Journal Of Sustainability In Higmentioning

confidence: 65%

“…Nevertheless, the application of a SD policy is still far from realised. Aleixo et al, , 2017a as is also the case of the five universities enrolled in this study. This information is explicit in the university webpages and available documentation (see Aleixo et al, , 2017b.…”

Section: Page 14 Of 33 International Journal Of Sustainability In Higmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…However some recent studies have shown indications of how this could happen (e.g. Aleixo et al, 2017a;Disterheft et al, 2015 a,b) and again the recent study from Aleixo et al (2017a) confirms that this perception seems to be correct.…”

Section: Page 16 Of 33 International Journal Of Sustainability In Higmentioning

confidence: 77%

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Sustainable development policies as indicators and pre-conditions for sustainability efforts at universities

Filho

Brandli

Becker

et al. 2018

IJSHE

124

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Purpose -There is a widely held belief that Sustainable Development (SD) policies are essential for universities to successfully engage in matters related to sustainability, and are an indicator of the extent to which they are active in this field. This paper examines the evidence which currently exists to support this assumption. It surveys a sample of universities in Brazil, Germany, Greece, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA) to ascertain the extent to which universities that are active in the field of sustainable development have formal policies on sustainable development, and whether such policies are a pre-condition for successful sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach -The study involved 35 universities in these seven countries (five universities respectively). A mixed-methods approach has been used, ranging from document analysis, website analysis, questionnaires and interviewing. Findings -Although only 60% of the sampled universities had a policy that specifically addressed SD, this cannot be regarded as an indicator that the remaining 40% are not engaged with substantial actions that address SD. Indeed, all of the universities in the sample, regardless of the existence of a SD formal policy, demonstrated engagement with environmental sustainability policies or procedures in some form or another. This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Despite this, it is one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed. Originality/value -Our findings provide some valuable insights about the connections between SD policies on the one hand, and the practice of SD in higher education institutions on the other.

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Section: Page 16 Of 33 International Journal Of Sustainability In Higmentioning

confidence: 65%

Section: Page 14 Of 33 International Journal Of Sustainability In Higmentioning

confidence: 72%

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Sustainable development policies as indicators and pre-conditions for sustainability efforts at universities

Filho

Brandli

Becker

et al. 2018

IJSHE

124

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“…Progress has been noticeable specifically regarding participation processes (Disterheft et al 2015a(Disterheft et al , 2015b, and barriers to this intervention and to sustainability practices implementation are being addressed by HEIs (e.g. Aleixo et al 2016Aleixo et al , 2017aAleixo et al , 2017bÁvila et al 2017). Verhulst and Lambrechts (2015) provided extensive information and discussion about these barriers, and more recently, Aleixo et al (in press, 2017b) have provided an overview of these barriers.…”

Section: New Opportunities Created By the Sustainable Development Goamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, conscience and concern also constitute important obstacles, as demonstrated in our research results. In the process of practicing sustainability, the shared assumptions and beliefs of internal stakeholders in HEIs will be influenced, and their self-awareness and environmental consciousness must therefore be enhanced (Ferreira et al 2006).The issues concerning stakeholders (leaders, faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders) were addressed by Aleixo et al (2017b), thus reinforcing their role and contribution for overcoming the barriers, challenges and obstacles to implementing sustainable initiatives in HEIs. The environmental committee, structured and responsible to put in practice the policies adopted by the Institution is an obstacle important.…”

Section: Terms Obtained From Content Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying and overcoming obstacles to the implementation of sustainable development at universities

Filho

Brandli

et al. 2017

Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences

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Factors that Hinder the Implementation of Sustainability Initiatives in Higher Education Institutions

Quintana¹,

Esquer²,

Munguía³

2022

The Wiley Handbook of Sustainability in Higher Education Learning and Teaching

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Conceptualization of sustainable higher education institutions, roles, barriers, and challenges for sustainability: An exploratory study in Portugal

Cited by 298 publications

References 47 publications

Sustainable development policies as indicators and pre-conditions for sustainability efforts at universities

Sustainable development policies as indicators and pre-conditions for sustainability efforts at universities

Identifying and overcoming obstacles to the implementation of sustainable development at universities

Factors that Hinder the Implementation of Sustainability Initiatives in Higher Education Institutions

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