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A Holistic Approach to Integrate and Evaluate Sustainable Development in Higher Education. The Case Study of the University of the Basque Country

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  • Estibaliz Sáez de Cámara

    (Vice-Rectorate of Innovation, Social Commitment and Cultural Action of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain)

  • Idoia Fernández

    (Vice-Rectorate of Innovation, Social Commitment and Cultural Action of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain)

  • Nekane Castillo-Eguskitza

    (Vice-Rectorate of Innovation, Social Commitment and Cultural Action of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain)

Abstract

Since the United Nations (UN) approved the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, higher education institutions have increasingly demonstrated their commitment by supporting several initiatives. Although a great deal of progress has been made, there is still a lack of integrative approaches to truly implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education. This paper presents a practical case that illustrates how to design and articulate SDGs within an institutional setting adopting a holistic approach: EHUagenda 2030 plan of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). It is based on empirical inquiry into global and holistic sustainable transformation and a real experience to move towards a verifiable and pragmatic contribution to sustainability. This plan describes the contribution to 12 of the 17 SDGs, along with three sectorial plans (Equality Campus, Inclusion Campus and Planet Campus), as well as the refocus of the UPV/EHU’s Educational Model and the panel of sustainable development indicators, which addresses the technical aspects of monitoring the SDGs. The methodology (mapping; mainstreaming; diagnosis and definition and, finally, estimation) is systematic and replicable in other universities yet to embark upon this integration. This case study makes a contribution towards the understanding of the complexity of the changes in Higher Education and the ways to approach it.

Suggested Citation

  • Estibaliz Sáez de Cámara & Idoia Fernández & Nekane Castillo-Eguskitza, 2021. "A Holistic Approach to Integrate and Evaluate Sustainable Development in Higher Education. The Case Study of the University of the Basque Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:1:p:392-:d:474549
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    1. Alexander Martín-Garin & José Antonio Millán-García & Iñigo Leon & Xabat Oregi & Julian Estevez & Cristina Marieta, 2021. "Pedagogical Approaches for Sustainable Development in Building in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.
    2. Matteo Trane & Luisa Marelli & Alice Siragusa & Riccardo Pollo & Patrizia Lombardi, 2023. "Progress by Research to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the EU: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-37, April.

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