The survey assessed how sustainable development was being addressed in four key areas:

The survey was conducted by the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and in response to the LSC Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development – From here to sustainability1, published in September 2005.

The survey questionnaire was sent to 1244 institutions, and 151 were returned. In addition, 10 institutions or organisations were selected for follow-up visits. The visits were largely in proportion to the responses received by category of institution and aimed to achieve a geographic spread. The selection process entailed analysing the returned questionnaires using key words to indicate a range of emerging good practice.

The following key findings were reported:

Leadership and management
Over half of the providers responding have a policy for sustainable development, and many more carry out audits of resource use.

Buildings and estates
Most providers are attempting to incorporate more environmental features into new build and refurbishment projects although cost remains a major challenge.

Teaching and learning
Almost 70% of respondents say that they are embedding sustainable development into teaching and learning programmes.

Community and business
Few of the respondents are collaborating with environmentally and socially responsible employers in their areas.

The Learning and Skills Council
Phone: +44 (0) 870 900 6800
info@lsc.gov.uk

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Learning and Skills Development Agency

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