It’s Contagious! Developing Sustainability Perspectives in Academic Life at a UK University

Abstract

Finding ways to bring sustainability into the curriculum in meaningful ways is a challenge faced by universities worldwide. This paper explores how one UK university is responding by developing a futures perspective which can be applied both within and across disciplines. A variety of small scale projects have been initiated across the university including course innovation, one-off conferences, community engagement and international links. This approach is underpinned by clearly articulated principles and aims to build the capacity of staff and students. The examples presented illustrate the richness of the responses from different discipline areas. It is argued that building relationships has a key role in promoting long term institutional change and that staff development is crucial in initiating change. Deeper analysis using ideas drawn from social learning theory suggest that structures need to be able to embrace multiple perspectives and be organically responsive. This paper will be of particular interest to those who are interested in understanding processes which have the potential to embed sustainability thinking on a lasting level, rather than simply meeting short term targets and outcomes.