Sustainability in Education at SUND
A shared language, concrete examples, and hands-on work
How can we work concretely with sustainability in our study programmes – across disciplines, study boards, and teaching formats? And how do we develop a shared language and framework that is both academically meaningful and applicable in teaching?
These were central questions at a workshop on 21 November 2025, organised by the Working Group on Climate and Sustainability in Education at SUND. The event brought together course leaders and study board representatives and was facilitated by COBL.
From strategy to teaching practice
Embedding sustainability in education is a central part of SUND’s strategy, with a clear milestone for 2026–2027:
“Integrate sustainability into all SUND study programmes in academically relevant ways.”
The workshop followed the working group’s visits to all study boards, where existing sustainability initiatives were mapped, and barriers and challenges identified. A 2024 mapping showed that sustainability-related elements are already included or planned in over 100 courses across SUND, with varying scope and formats.
A new platform – and a shared point of departure
A key request from study boards was access to teaching resources on sustainability. At the workshop, a new platform was presented that consolidates resources, inspiration, and examples from SUND teachers. The platform is built around the EU competence framework for sustainability, GreenComp, and will support various disciplinary contexts.
From reflection to action
The day began by exploring participants’ own views on sustainability in education. The diversity of perspectives – from climate change to disciplinary relevance – was used to stimulate discussion and further work.
Short academic inputs and examples linked sustainability to global challenges and health-related practice. Participants explored how sustainability is already integrated into teaching at SUND, and worked across programmes to develop ideas and actionable drafts for their own teaching.
The day was characterised by open dialogue and active knowledge sharing. Many participants highlighted the value of cross-programme collaboration as both inspiring and reassuring.
What happens next?
The working group is reviewing the material from the workshop and, together with disciplinary communities, is developing content for the shared sustainability platform. Stay tuned.