Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) supports learners to develop the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to contribute to a more sustainable future. In higher education, ESD plays a key role in embedding sustainability across teaching, learning, research, and institutional practice. This page brings together HEA resources, sector initiatives, and national and international policy contexts that support the development of ESD across higher education.
Latest Resources
Framework
2026ESD Maturity Framework for Higher Education
The HEA is engaging with stakeholders across the higher education sector to inform the development of an ESD Maturity Framework for higher education. Feedback is invited until 13 February 2026.
Report
2026ESD in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report
A sector-wide overview of Education for Sustainable Development in Irish higher education, mapping current activity, strengths, and opportunities for further development.
Campaign
2025ESD Spotlight Series
A series showcasing Education for Sustainable Development practice, initiatives, and innovations across the higher education sector.
Strategic Alignment for Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE)
Education for Sustainable Development is a focus area within SATLE, supporting strategic enhancement of teaching and learning across the higher education sector. As part of their funding commitments, institutions contribute to sector-wide knowledge sharing. A wide variety of open educational resources, including SATLE-funded initiatives on ESD, are available through the National Resource Hub.
Open courses for professional development
Open Courses are flexible professional development opportunities, co-designed by the higher education community and the HEA, aligned to the National Professional Development Framework.
Education for Sustainability
A 25-hour facilitated open course introducing key concepts and practical approaches to embedding sustainability across the curriculum. Developed by the HEA, in partnership in partnership with ATU, TU Dublin, and SETU. Completion leads to a digital badge aligned with the National Professional Development Framework.
Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum
A 25-hour facilitated follow-on open course exploring how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be embedded holistically across higher and further education curricula. Developed by the HEA, in partnership with ATU, University of Galway, TU Dublin, and UCC. Completion leads to a digital badge aligned with the National Professional Development Framework.
National and International Context
Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development – ESD to 2030
Ireland’s national strategy providing a long-term framework for Education for Sustainable Development through to 2030.
UNESCO: Education for Sustainable Development and ESD for 2030
UNESCO’s global leadership on Education for Sustainable Development, including international frameworks, guidance, and resources.
EU Council Recommendation on Learning for the Green Transition and Sustainable Development
This 2022 EU Council Recommendation encourages Member States to equip learners and educators with sustainability knowledge and skills and embed sustainability across education and training systems as part of the green transition.
Previous Publications
HEA ESD Consultation Report (2021)
Findings from a national consultation exploring the role and development of Education for Sustainable Development in Irish higher education.