UNIVERSITIES AS THE SUSTAINABILITY CENTERS: EVIDENCES FROM THE STUDENTS’ SURVEY DATA

Abstract

Summary. The study was conducted within the framework of The German-Ukrainian University Technology Transfer Internship Program 2021 (GUTT.INUP 2021). The GUTT. INUP 2021 program was aimed at the exchange of pedagogical and research experience between universities in Germany and Ukraine, as well as at mutual acquaintance with the latest scientific achievements of German and Ukrainian scientists, including in the field of sustainable development. The University of Würzburg (Germany) has extensive experience in joining new member universities to the existing Bavarian Network for Sustainability in Higher Education, as well as in organizing and managing student activities in areas related to the implementation of a sustainable development strategy. At present, environmental education, the cultivation of an environmental outlook, and the involvement of students in the activities of universities aimed at implementing the basic principles of environmental sustainability as an important component of a sustainable development strategy are very relevant in the context of global climate change. Using the experience of the University of Würzburg, as well as the practice of other European universities in this field, our team conducted a survey among students from different faculties to collect their perceptions and opinions on sustainable development in higher education and environmental sustainability issues. Based on the results of the survey, we proposed a roadmap for the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv as a future center for sustainable development, including activities aimed at achieving environmental sustainability goals in the context of the sustainable development strategy. Keywords: universities, environmental education, students’ activities, environmental sustainability, sustainable development