Education for sustainable development for employees - a route to behavioural change

Abstract

In this paper the results of a centrally mandated, systematic and institution-wide policy to embed sustainability across all aspects of a university’s life is described. Using a descriptive case study approach, this paper provides evidence that it is both feasible and beneficial to embed sustainability within an institution at a time of organisational change using a structured top-down approach. The Institute of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was established in January 2012. INSPIRE is a virtual institute which provides a focus for sustainable development activities across UWTSD. INSPIRE’s role is to work across academic and support structures to deliver on the University’s strategic priorities and embed sustainable development through its learning, teaching, curricula, campus, community and culture. In this paper key initiatives delivered through the INSPIRE model are presented using both primary and secondary data collection methods. By sharing UWTSD’s whole-institution approach and in particular the work of INSPIRE to deliver on the University’s strategic plan for embedding sustainability, it is hoped that other institutions will feel empowered to make changes to embed sustainability strategically.