2 Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Academy

Context and Purpose

The ATU Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Academy supports ATU’s vision of becoming an internationally renowned university that enhances the quality of life in the region and creates a sustainable future for all. The Academy advances this vision through the guiding principles of enabling education, engaged research, a connected ecosystem, and sustainability for the future.

Aims and Objectives

• Demonstrate ESD leadership by embedding sustainability, the SDGs, climate action, and justice holistically across the curriculum, cultivating transformative learning as sustainability.
• Promote and foster a sustainable and circular ‘living labs’ educational approach across each campus, demonstrating operational excellence in sustainability and progression towards zero carbon emissions.
• Promote and nurture community education initiatives that focus on capacity building and learning by doing through genuine reciprocal relationships to learn from, with, and as a community.
• Establish ESD as a recognised research theme across teaching and learning, research, community and industry engagement, and campus management and operations.

Initiative Overview

The ATU ESD Academy demonstrates leadership through a whole-of-university approach to embedding sustainability, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and climate action and justice at the core of the curriculum. Its work is framed by the 6Cs of Curriculum, Campus, Community, Collaborative Research, Culture, and Care, ensuring an integrated and values-driven approach to education for sustainability.

Assessment and Evaluation

Impact and progress are evaluated through participation data, engagement metrics, and feedback from staff, students, and community partners. Activities are reviewed in relation to their contribution to curriculum development, staff capacity building, student engagement, and community impact.

Outcomes and Impact

Since its launch, the ATU ESD Academy has demonstrated tangible impact across teaching, learning, staff development, and community engagement. Activities delivered to date include:

• Co-hosting an ESD Retreat with TU Dublin for staff (n=20) (May 2025).
• Providing Carbon Literacy training to ATU staff (n=10) (June 2025).
• Facilitating the Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Sustainability for ATU staff (n=8) (June 2025).
• Facilitating the ‘SDGs to 2030’ game with ATU staff (n=10) (June 2025).
• Delivering Carbon Literacy training and the ‘SDGs to 2030’ game with Year 2 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship students (n=37) (September 2025).
• Facilitating the ‘SDGs to 2030’ game with EU Green Alliance students and staff (n=40) (September 2025).
• Providing Carbon Literacy training to Year 2 Building and Civil Engineering students (n=150) (October–November 2025).
• Facilitating the ‘SDGs to 2030’ game with the One Westport community group (n=8) (October 2025).

Future Directions and Sustainability

The ATU ESD Academy will undertake an SDGs Roadshow across ATU’s nine campuses to promote CPD opportunities, training, digital badges, and engagement activities. The Climate Club initiative will be expanded to support local communities and schools, and a staff mentorship and community of practice will launch in January 2026. Academy offerings will be embedded within the Teaching and Learning Staff Development calendar, and ATU’s participation in the SOS-UK Responsible Futures Programme will be coordinated.

Alignment and Policy Context

• 2nd National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) – ESD to 2030 and Implementation Plan
• Climate Action Plan and mandates
• Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy
• National SDGs Implementation Plan
• National Forum Professional Development Framework for all staff who teach in Higher Education
• Green Skills 2030
• ATU Strategic Plan 2024–2028; HEA Performance Framework Agreement 2024–2028; Climate Action Roadmap; Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Strategy

Resources and Supporting Information

• https://www.atu.ie/about/teaching-and-learning/education-for-sustainability
• https://www.atu.ie/news/atu-launches-education-for-sustainable-development-academy

Funding & Acknowledgements Details

The ATU ESD Academy is partly funded by SATLE.