Core elements of sustainability

What is it?

Scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have stated that humans are responsible for the rapid rate of warming occurring across the planet, with global temperatures at 1.1 degrees above pre-industrial levels (IPCC, 2023). Nature – in terms of all the species we share this planet with – is also facing a crisis due to human-related activities, with up to three-quarters of the Earth’s land surface changed (Winkler et al, 2021). Considering these issues through a sustainability or climate justice lens means connections can be made between the environment and issues of social justice affecting people’s everyday lives, including ongoing legacies of colonialism, inequality and racism. In their Sixth Assessment of the impacts of climate change, the IPCC have for the first time acknowledged the impact that “ongoing patterns of inequity such as colonialism” have on people’s vulnerability to climate change (IPCC, 2022).

Why is it important?

Research shows that students increasingly want their universities to prioritise sustainability, with 80% of students in favour of their university doing more (SOS, 2023). The university is committed to tackling climate change and has set a target of becoming net zero by 2040 and a zero-waste university by 2030. Teaching forms a key part of this ambition given the impact our graduates can have on the world.

To find out more about what the university is doing to tackle environmental sustainability challenges, visit the Sustainability homepages. These pages have been put together in recognition of the multiple crises that we face, and to support educators to consider how best to embed teaching related to nature, climate and sustainability. There are multiple possible entry points, but a useful starting place is to consider the role of sustainability frameworks.

Sustainability frameworks

Sustainability frameworks are overlapping but distinctive pathways aimed at achieving sustainable futures. Below are a few of the most common examples, but they are not exclusive. We encourage you to review the frameworks and reflect on which of these may best align with your worldview in relation to sustainability, and in the context of your discipline.

You can access the frameworks below, and we have also summarised them briefly in a Sustainability Frameworks Summary - two-page pdf. If you would like this in an alternative format, please get in touch via our feedback form.

• Doughnut Economics (16 mins): Designed by economist Kate Raworth and focused on planetary boundaries and social foundations.
• Planetary Health: This education framework recognises the interconnections between human and environmental health and calls for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration.
• Principles of Environmental Justice (1 page): Adopted at the First National People of Color Environmental Summit in 1991, these 17 Principles serve as a defining document for many grassroots movements.
• Sustainable Development Goals: The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 Goals that countries around the world have signed up to achieving, ranging from climate action to gender equality to responsible consumption and production. These 17 goals are outlined in the below diagram (and also written out in the list that follows.)

United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

Next steps

Learn more about embedding sustainability in your practice

Read, watch and listen to a range of additional resources about sustainability