Sustainability & ESG: Local News 2025

Ling X, Gill-Simmen L, Mehta A. (Dec 2025). The quantum shift: achieving education for sustainability development through a transformative teaching and learning approach. World Development Sustainability, v7.  [ScienceDirect]

This paper proposes a teaching and learning approach grounded in transformative learning theory to advance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). As a universal framework, this approach encourages critical thinking and reflection, enabling learners to confront their assumptions and beliefs and to develop new perspectives that drive transformative change. 

Del Gesso C, Parravicini P.  (Sep - Oct 2025). Sustainability-focused business curricula educating corporate sustainability professionals: A knowledge-based view from Italian universities. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(5). [ScienceDirect]

Addressing key research gaps and building on the knowledge-based view (KBV), this study examines trends in the implementation of sustainability-focused business degree programs across Italian universities, offering insights into the role of business education in facilitating corporate sustainability knowledge acquisition.

Garg H, Mittal S, Garg A.(Aug 2025). Investigating the role of education, renewable energy and governance in sustainable economic development: Empirical insight from ASEAN economies. Renewable Energy, 249.  [ScienceDirect]

This study endeavors to explore the determinants of sustainable economic development for ASEAN economies by examining the roles of governance, renewable energy and education in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The results assert that education and effective governance will serve as potent catalysts for attaining the goal of sustainable development around the globe.

Laporte J, Román-Collado R, Cansino J. (Aug 2025). Enhancing sustainability in higher education: Energy consumption patterns in UK universities. Journal of Cleaner Production. [ScienceDirect]

This study investigates energy consumption in 105 UK universities from the 2008/09 to 2021/22 academic years, employing Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition. Results reveal a 3.5 % increase overall, predominantly driven by rising student enrolment. By analysing core drivers of energy consumption, the study emphasizes strategic planning and policy roles in mitigating environmental impacts without compromising academic quality. It provides a replicable analytical framework to assess university energy use and recommends actionable strategies, including developing energy-efficient laboratories, conducting comprehensive energy audits, retrofitting existing buildings, and upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 

Giurea R, Tulbure A, Popescu LG, Adami L, Ragazzi M, Rada EC. (Jun 2025). Fostering sustainability: Integrating circular economy practices to manage plastic waste in universities. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. [ProQuest SciTech Premium Collection]  

This article examines how universities can incorporate waste-reduction strategies rooted in circular economy principles to manage plastic waste. A comprehensive literature review and analysis of 31 case studies from universities across Europe, North America, and Asia showcase innovative practices and strategies for reducing plastic use, improving recycling, and promoting sustainability among students and staff. The findings emphasize the importance of collaboration, education, and community involvement in creating a sustainable framework for plastic management that could inspire other sectors.