Supporting colleges to embed Learning for Sustainability: a new guide rooted in practitioner needs

Today, EAUC launches new guidance on embedding Learning for Sustainability (LfS) in colleges.  

Developed in collaboration with Qualifications Scotland, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the College Development Network, the guidance has been co-designed by and for colleagues working in teaching, supporting learning and curriculum development.  

It aims to support college practitioners to embed Learning for Sustainability, a whole-setting approach which embraces global citizenship, sustainable development and outdoor learning. Delivering transformational learning on issues such as social justice, climate change, nature and inequality, LfS empowers learners to build a sustainable future for themselves and others. 

The comprehensive resource comes with a short and simple development tool for curriculum teams to support benchmarking and action planning. 

This guide was produced as part of EAUC Scotland's step change for sustainability programme, funded by the Scottish Funding Council. While it focuses on the Scottish college context, its content will be relevant to colleges across the UK and Ireland.   

Key highlights 

A collaborative approach 

As well as the partner organisations, the guide was shaped by a group of college practitioners and sector reviewers across a range of roles to ensure we captured a diversity of perspectives.    

Myth busters 

We unravel the six most persistent myths about LfS, dispelling the common misconceptions that sustainability is only relevant to STEM subjects or LfS is difficult to practice. 

Frameworks for delivery and development 

The guidance introduces five key principles to support practitioners in delivering LfS, as well as mapping these against a framework for professional development, enabling you to benchmark your journey. 

Real world examples 

Case studies from colleges highlight how practitioners have been embedding LfS across various subjects and principles. 

Drivers of LfS 

We explore the drivers that have taken LfS from a “nice to have” to a core part of what Scottish colleges are expected, or even required, to deliver by policies, standards and employers. 

At the heart of communities 

We explore the role of colleges in delivering LfS to ensure that learners from all backgrounds and communities have access to the opportunities of Scotland's sustainable future. 

Partner perspectives 

Kathrin Möbius, Senior Sustainability in Learning and Teaching Lead at EAUC said: 

"Working with colleges is inspiring. They are such a critical part of the post-16 education system, delivering learning to a large and incredibly diverse audience. Yet, there is little to no guidance for colleges on how to meet increasingly emerging standards and requirements around Learning for Sustainability – until today. This guide is a significant milestone in closing this gap for colleges. Thanks to the collaboration, openness and honesty of our partners, reviewers and practitioner focus group, the sector now has a set of resources that truly aligns with college staff needs, combining well-founded theory with simple language and a framework to put LfS into practice. We’re already working on further resources to accompany the guide and are excited to continue supporting colleges to contribute to a better future for all."

Fiona Craig, Learning for Sustainability Co-ordinator at Qualifications Scotland said: 

"Collaboration has been key to creating a guide which meets the needs of the college sector. It’s important that we work together to support colleges in their critical role of embedding Learning for Sustainability into teaching and learning. Everyone involved in this project brought diverse perspectives, and we’re particularly grateful for the key insights and invaluable expertise provided by college lecturers.  At Qualifications Scotland we look forward to further collaboration as we continue to explore how to embed Learning for Sustainability into our qualifications and assessments, as part of our reform programme."

Cecilia Mañosa Nyblon, Development Manager with Learning for Sustainability Scotland said: 

"Education is a lifelong process, and colleges are a key part of this, so supporting them to embed an ethos of Learning for Sustainability across their learning and teaching is vital. Educators across all sectors have a key role to play in supporting learners to develop the skills, knowledge, values, and agency they need to thrive in a rapidly-changing and increasingly complex world. The partnership approach used to create this guide has been invaluable, with the advice and guidance of college-based staff at its heart. At Learning for Sustainability Scotland, we look forward to hearing more about how college-based colleagues are using this guide to inform their practice. We also look forward to continuing these collaborative conversations and exploring new ways to support further education practitioners to weave LfS across their everyday practice."

Gordon Hunt, Head of Insight, Planning and Impact at CDN, said: 

"CDN is delighted to support the publication of this timely guide, which provides a vital resource for colleges across Scotland. Learning for Sustainability is a core expectation in Scottish education and this guidance will enable colleges to meet this by bringing together clear definitions, curated resources, and the practical RISE framework to build practitioner confidence. It will empower colleges to integrate sustainability across curriculum, campus, and community, preparing students to make decisions that create a fairer, greener future. We look forward to supporting our colleges and their networks to make best use of this new resource."

Lynne Raeside, Interim Co-Director of Corporate Services at SFC said:

"Learning for Sustainability has an increasingly important role to play in preparing learners for the opportunities and challenges of a changing world. This new guide provides colleges with practical tools and evidence-based approaches to embed sustainability across learning, teaching and curriculum development.

SFC is pleased to support EAUC Scotland's work through our investment in national sustainability and climate action programmes. By helping colleges strengthen Learning for Sustainability, this resource will support progress towards our shared ambitions to tackle the climate emergency as well as, equality, diversity and inclusion, while enhancing the quality of the student experience."

Next steps 

We’re keen to hear your feedback on this guide – how you are using it to begin or progress your LfS journey. We’ll use your feedback to evolve the guide over time and develop further resources. To provide feedback, or for more information on the guide, please email kmobius@eauc.org.uk.