Sustainable development policies

Governmental Policies could provide useful leverage and context to introduce new policies for sustainability at a college. A range of organisations such as the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF, formerly DfES) and the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) have provided guidelines and policies for sustainable development at educational institutions. These policies apply to buildings as well as teaching and learning.

LSC Policy

The LSC Strategy for Sustainable Development - From Here to Sustainability (2005) also makes a strong case for sustainable development being at the heart of all learning. It stresses ‘the importance of all learners acquiring sustainable development skills – skills that will equip them to lead their lives and work in a sustainable way and to influence others to do the same’. The LSC identifies three ways in which the FE system can contribute to sustainable development:

• Through its management of resources
• Through the learning opportunities it delivers
• Through its engagement with communities

Other Policies

The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) regularly assesses progress towards implementing sustainable development within the government estate.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has been working with partners to provide core materials to help embed sustainable development into all areas of school life and has published a Sustainable Schools strategy.

Help and advice

CEL, with London South Back University and Forum for the Future, have recently undertaken a piece of joint research: (September 2007) Leadership for sustainability: Making sustainable development a reality for leaders (It is recommended that you read the full report).

Case studies

Sustainable Development in Government (PDF)
The Sustainable Development Commission's report on the sustainable development operations within government.

Continue the journey

More information and case studies about Sustainable Development Policies can be found in Leadership and Management and Teaching and Learning sections.