Identifying and overcoming obstacles to the implementation of sustainable development at universities

Leal Filho, W, Wu, Y-CJ, Brandli, LL, Avila, LV, Azeiteiro, UM, Caeiro, S and da Rosa Gama Madruga, LR (2017) Identifying and overcoming obstacles to the implementation of sustainable development at universities. Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences, 14 (1). pp. 93-108. ISSN 1943-815X

Preview

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Although there have been proven and successful developments in the field of Higher Education for Sustainable Development over the past 15 years or so, there are still numerous challenges to be overcome. Among these challenges is the need for Higher Education Institutions to improve the integration of sustainability in the curriculum and in research, and most importantly, to integrate it holistically in their systems. This paper presents an analysis of the fundamental obstacles to the incorporation of sustainable development in universities. It reports on an empirical study performed with universities across the world, where some of the main barriers are identified. It is recommended that these barriers are viewed as obstacles and entrepreneurial opportunities, and addressed accordingly.