Abstract:

There is currently widespread concern that the present model of development in the world is unsustainable, creating an urgent need to distance our way of life from the unsustainable consumption of resources, degradation of ecosystems and exploitation of people. To this end, education must play an important role, empowering people to live in ways that contribute to sustainable development. In this context, universities are fundamental agents of change that can directly contribute to achieving the core competences in education for sustainable development (ESD).

Within the University of the Basque Country´s (UPV/EHU) education for sustainability, the Campus Bizia Lab (CBL) projects aim to promote a collaborative process between all the members of the University in order to respond to sustainability challenges within the University itself. The main objective of this research work, which is within the framework of a CBL project, was to advance towards a more sustainable university campus, with the added incentive of involving both employees (teaching and administrative staff and as well as service personnel) and students in this transition. The involvement of students is especially interesting, since their participation in a research project with these characteristics contributes significantly to their training and allows them to acquire 21st century skills and competences in ESD.

The present research work is directly related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) outlined by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, goal 12: “responsible production and consumption”, and was carried out at the Faculty of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz (UPV/EHU). Specifically, it aimed to have an impact on two of the most worrying environmental aspects worldwide: minimizing the amount of domestic and hazardous waste (HW), and reducing the consumption of electricity, gas and water. Thus, the study consisted of analyzing the data on both waste generation and the consumption of electricity, gas and water during the last six academic years (period 2013-2019), and proposing actions which will lead to their reduction.

In addition to the environmental benefits derived from the project, its development had a positive impact on the students’ acquisition of competences in ESD. One aspect to highlight is that being part of a research project was invaluable and helped them develop skills highly valued by employers, such as pursuing a holistic approach, employing comprehensive thinking and practices, learning to work independently, understanding how knowledge is constructed, self-confidence, improving their communication skills, developing creativity, etc. Furthermore, the students and staff that participated in this project will be able to envisage change, explore alternative futures, learn from the past and inspire engagement in the present, all fundamental aspects embraced by ESD.

Keywords:

Education for sustainable development, waste minimization, energy and water consumption, sustainable campus.