Mapping and building capacity in education for sustainable development in Trinity College Dublin

This case study outlines Trinity College Dublin’s institution-wide initiative to map and build capacity in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Led by the Centre for Academic Practice, the project employs a three-pronged methodology: a co-designed student survey to capture perceptions of ESD embeddedness; a student–academic dyad “deep dive” analysis of selected programmes; and the use of a bespoke closed AI model to analyse module descriptors for SDG themes, UNESCO competencies, and pedagogical approaches. Preliminary findings from survey responses (220 students) and deep dives indicate broad alignment in identifying ESD presence, with most ESD content embedded in early years of study. The initiative emphasises rigour through data triangulation and aims to develop sustainable, scalable approaches for ongoing ESD mapping and enhancement.