HEA Enablers for Whole-of-Institution Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Higher Education

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is central to the role of higher education in responding to climate, biodiversity, social, cultural and economic challenges. Through their public-good mission, higher education institutions are well placed to support learners to contribute to a sustainable and just society, while demonstrating leadership through institutional practice, partnerships and the use of the campus as a learning environment.

The HEA ESD Framework for Higher Education brings together the HEA’s policy, evidence and enhancement supports for the sector. Within this Framework, the Enablers set out the key conditions that can support whole-of-institution ESD across the higher education system.

The Enablers provide shared language, direction and practical prompts to help institutions translate national and international ESD commitments into action. They support the implementation of Ireland’s Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, ESD to 2030, and align with UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 framework.

This document identifies five strategic enablers for whole-of-institution ESD implementation. These are 1) collaboration and commitment, 2) holistic and transformational practice, scholarship and leadership, 3) capacitybuilding and professional development, 4) student partnership, engagement and leadership, and 5) reciprocal learning communities.

The development process was informed by policy review, sector evidence and stakeholder engagement. It draws on national and international ESD policy, national ESD to 2030 progress reports, the HEA ESD Landscape Report, the HEA ESD Spotlight Series and the ESD Spotlight Series Case Studies Compendium. It was also informed by two sector workshops and public feedback on the HEA ESD Self-Evaluation Tool.

The Enablers are intended to support institutional reflection, planning and enhancement. They can be used to review current practice, identify priorities, strengthen cross-functional collaboration and support progress over time through existing governance, quality, planning and performance processes.

This document is intended to be read as part of the HEA ESD Framework for Higher Education, alongside the HEA ESD Landscape Report, the HEA ESD Insights Series, the HEA ESD Spotlight Series and Case Studies Compendium, and the HEA ESD Self-Evaluation Tool.

DOI: 10.82110/5df6-ts71