21 Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Dr Noëlle O’Connor; Mr Sean Connell; and Ms Nicola Ryan
Initiative at a Glance
- Institution(s) & Partners: Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS); TUS Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Community of Practice
- Contributors: Dr Noëlle O’Connor; Mr Sean Connell; Ms Nicola Ryan (Editors), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
- Timeframe: Published on 24 September 2025
- Levels Affected: Module level; Across multiple modules; Programme level; Across multiple programmes; Academic unit/school/faculty level; Across multiple units/schools/faculties; Institutional level; Across multiple institutions; Outreach / Community / Industry engagement
- Focus: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
- Disciplines: Cross-disciplinary (Agriculture Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary; Arts and Humanities; Business, Administration and Law; Education; Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction; Generic programmes and qualifications; Health and Welfare; Information and Communication Technologies; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics; Services; Social Sciences, Journalism and Information; Teaching and Learning)
- Keywords: Education for Sustainable Development; TUS; Compendium
Aims and Objectives
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment exemplifies the university’s commitment to embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across teaching and learning. It showcases how TUS integrates research-informed practices into programme design, teaching, and assessment, equipping students to tackle global sustainability challenges. Specifically, the compendium highlights innovative approaches aligned with the ESD for 2030 Priority Action Areas, focusing on policy advancement, learning environment transformation, educator capacity building, youth empowerment, and local level action.
Initiative Overview
Education for Sustainable Development through Funded Research Projects
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a key driver of systemic change, equipping individuals and institutions with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address global sustainability challenges. Funded research projects play a critical role in accelerating ESD implementation, fostering innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact within education
systems. This section explores how funded research supports policy advancement, educator capacity-building, learning environment transformation, youth empowerment, and local-level sustainability actions. Through secured funding, universities can develop evidence-based solutions, integrate ESD principles into curricula, and enhance international, national and community
engagement. These projects not only shape higher education strategies but also contribute to the broader sustainability agenda, ensuring that ESD remains at the forefront of teaching, research, and educational development.
Education for Sustainable Development through Programme and Module Design
ESD is not only a set of principles but also a transformative approach to teaching and learning that prepares students to address global sustainability challenges. This section examines how ESD can be effectively embedded into programme and module design. By integrating sustainability across course content, learning outcomes, and teaching methodologies, universities can create educational environments that foster critical thinking, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. This approach supports policy advancement, capacity building for educators, and the development of learning experiences that empower students to become active agents of change in their communities and beyond.
Education for Sustainable Development through Student and Staff Extra Curricular Activities
ESD extends beyond the classroom, thriving through the vibrant landscape of extra-curricular activities that involve both students and staff. These initiatives, from clubs and workshops to competitions and community projects, offer dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. By engaging in extra-curricular activities, participants develop practical skills in sustainability and additionally build leadership and collaborative networks that enhance the overall educational experience. This section explores how integrating ESD into extra-curricular activities can support policy advancement, capacity building, and the promotion of sustainable practices at local and university level. By providing spaces where students and staff can experiment with sustainable solutions, share insights, and engage with broader community challenges, these activities help embed sustainability into the very fabric of the university. Ultimately, such efforts empower all participants to become active agents of change, driving forward the sustainability agenda both on campus and within their communities.
Education for Sustainable Development through Teaching and Assessment Strategies
In today’s evolving educational landscape, embedding ESD within teaching and assessment strategies is crucial for preparing learners to address global sustainability challenges. This section explores how innovative instructional methods ranging from active and problem-based learning to authentic, formative assessments can effectively integrate sustainability principles into our teaching and assessment. By aligning teaching practices with robust assessment techniques, educators can ensure that students not only acquire essential knowledge but also develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle real-world issues. Ultimately, this approach empowers students to become proactive, sustainability-focused leaders while advancing the broader goals of sustainable development.
Impact and Evidence of Success
This compendium serves as a practical guide for educators, students, and stakeholders, presenting best practices, case studies, and insights into how ESD can be meaningfully embedded within higher education. By sharing these approaches, TUS aims to inspire and support a university-wide culture of sustainability, ensuring that all students are equipped to contribute to a more sustainable world.
Future Directions and Sustainability
As this compendium is the first of its kind in an Irish Higher Education Institution, it has been a highly successful initiative for TUS.
TUS hosted the HEA ESD Spotlight Series in October 2025, and the Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment was the focus of this webinar.
TUS is working with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada, in the development of their Compendium of Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Teaching, Learning and Assessment.
Top Tips
- Secure adequate funding — it is essential to the successful development and publication of a compendium.
- Allow sufficient time for both the submission of case studies and the design process to ensure quality and consistency.
- Assemble an experienced Editorial Team with a proven track record of delivering high-quality outputs.
Alignment and Policy Context
- ESD for 2030 Priority Action Areas
- TUS Strategic Plan 2023–2026
- TUS Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2022–2025
Resources and Supporting Information
Images
Funding and Acknowledgements
Funding: The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, supported through the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) funding, which enabled the development and publication of this compendium.
Media Attributions
- 16971245801081
- 20250924_133002
