Deterring sustainability in higher education institutions

Abstract

Purpose -To explore some of the factors that could obstruct the implementation of the sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions as a way for assisting key players to improve the effectiveness of their potential or current sustainability initiatives and being ready for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Design/methodology/approach -It was conducted a literature review of published and unpublished articles, conference proceedings, university reports, books, and website documents. It was not target any specific discipline. However, most of the material was from engineering, economics, sociology, and related sciences. The time frame of the literature review was from 1990 to 2002. Important references prior to 1990 were also analyzed. Findings -The adequate conditions for the successful implementation of sustainability programs do not exist. There are many obstacles preventing the success of sustainability initiatives on campuses around the world. However, sustainability initiatives on campuses are flourishing despite these difficulties. Originality/value -Usually, literature about sustainability on campus is focused most on good experiences, paying little or no attention to describe the issues hampering their evolution. What went wrong is mentioned without sufficient consideration or given a secondary status making it impossible to learn from bad experiences. This paper reveals several failures as a way to anticipate solutions for overcoming institutional barriers confronted in particular situations.

Engaging sustainability good practice within the curriculum design and property portfolio in the Australian higher education sector

“…However, the research focusing on sustainability of campus buildings has not progressed as fast as expected (Velazquez et al, 2005). Despite some research on sustainability of campus buildings, the focus has been in South-east Asian countries and has mostly been in relation to new buildings rather than sustainable refurbishment and management of existing properties (Niu et al, 2010;Su and Chang, 2010).…”

“…If the lecturers attempt to re-orient that course to engage with sustainability issues, the students may perceive it as deviating from the focus of the course and have objections to this arrangement (Down, 2006). Velazquez et al (2005) also highlighted the impact of resistance from administrative staff with regard to the implementation of sustainability development by stating 'obtaining the support from university top management {on sustainable education development} should not be difficult. However, opposition from decision-making and administrative inertia are obstacles that come in the way of instituting solid programmes' (p.386).…”

“…The second challenge is the lack of support from stakeholders and their resistance to change (Down, 2006;Littledyke et al, 2013;Velazquez et al, 2005;Wright, 2010). Down (2006) stated that in order to implement any change in a curriculum it requires the direct or indirect co-operation of a number of key stakeholders from the relevant educational institutions, particularly academic staff and students.…”

“…Velazquez et al (2005) discussed the importance of policy leading the aims, objectives and procedures in fulfilling the goals. They also highlighted the need for more rigorous regulations for fostering education for sustainable development and they emphasize the need to have more enforcement of those regulations in order to effectively promote sustainability.…”

“…The first challenge for a successful implementation of sustainability is the lack of rigorous regulations and policy within an organization (Down, 2006;Littledyke et al, 2013;Velazquez et al, 2005;Wright, 2010). Velazquez et al (2005) discussed the importance of policy leading the aims, objectives and procedures in fulfilling the goals.…”