Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report

Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report provides a comprehensive overview of how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is currently embedded across the Irish higher education sector. Prepared by Dr Mark Kelly on behalf of the Higher Education Authority, the report reviews institutional ESD activity through analysis of HEA Performance Agreements 2024–2028, strategic plans, climate action roadmaps, sustainability strategies, and institutions’ most recent ‘ESD to 2030’ reports. It is structured as a series of case studies from all public higher education institutions in Ireland, showcasing their commitments, initiatives, and approaches to integrating ESD across teaching and learning, research, engagement, and whole-institution practice. The report aims to support benchmarking, encourage sector-wide collaboration, and identify opportunities for strengthening transformative ESD practice that aligns with national and international sustainability goals. (Prepared in consultation with each Irish HEI; includes hyperlinks to strategies, roadmaps, and resources.)