Towards a vision of a sustainable university

Abstract

Sustainable development is the biggest challenge to universities in the twenty-first century. As many different definitions and interpretations of the concept exist, it is not surprising that the strategies of the universities that are beginning to strive for sustainability show some differences. Various universities have already become engaged in the process of integrating sustainable development in their activities. Some examples of such universities are presented, including the experiences of the University of Amsterdam. The diverging strategies of sustainable universities are classified to clarify the differences and to stimulate and advance the debate. Inevitably, management, research, education, communication and operation of any university with a genuine interest in sustainable development will have to change. However, if, as it seems, universities are deeply involved in current worldwide patterns of unsustainability, could it perhaps be that existing university structures need to be replaced by a completely new type of`u niversal knowledge network'' which is derived from a totally different paradigm of their role and function? In this article some clear indications are given about the meaning of sustainable development in this context in order to provide directions and guidelines for university strategies and practices. The consequences of the concept for universities are indicated and, finally, a possible model for a sustainable university is proposed.

Formação profissional e prática sustentável

“…Para Weenen (2000), algumas mudanças são inevitáveis. O autor acredita que áreas como administração, pesquisa, educação, comunicação e operações de qualquer universidade com um interesse genuíno em desenvolvimento sustentável terão que mudar.…”

Essence of, Approaches to and Transformation Process in Higher Education for Sustainable Development: A Critical Review

“…The direction of these researches related to speculation of different higher education organizations with different cultures, environments, geographical boarders and policies. For instance, Waterloo University focuses on awareness, efficiency, equality, cooperation and natural system (Weenen, 2000). In Fachhochschule Alan in Germany, it is more on usage of paper, heating, lighting, water and procurement.…”

“…The goal of education is to urge humankind being ethical, responsible, better informed and more knowledgeable (Weenen, 2000). Higher education institutions like universities have all the expertise necessary to develop the conceptual framework for sustainability.…”

“…(Cited in Reunamo & Pipere, 2010) They intended to explore the route of embedding environmental literacy, into every segment of operations or curricula as the main attempts of sustainability. These researches, aim to point on policy, considering environmental issues in the context of economy, equity, health and safety (Weenen, 2000). The direction of these researches related to speculation of different higher education organizations with different cultures, environments, geographical boarders and policies.…”

Evaluating the engagement of universities in capacity building for sustainable development in local communities

“…As early as 1999 for instance, the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF) indicated a variety of areas in which universities could be involved in sustainable development (e.g. management, planning, development, research, operations, purchasing, transportation, design, new construction, renovation, community service and outreach education, or capacity building) (ULSF, 1999in van Weenen, 2000. Today, capacity building activities are focused on two main areas: activities towards building capacity among students and staff towards a more sustainable university and campus (with training on matters such as energy efficiency, the reduction of waste and CO2 emissions) and externally-oriented activities aimed at building capacity within a local community, to promote sustainable development amongst a wider group of stakeholders.…”