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 includes HEA resources, sector initiatives, and national and international policy contexts that support the development of ESD across higher education.
HEA ESD Framework for Higher Education
Overview Document
2026HEA ESD Framework for Higher Education
Explains what the Framework is, why it matters, how its component parts relate to one another and how institutions and partners can use it across planning, quality and enhancement processes.
Guidance Document
2026HEA Enablers for Whole-of-Institution ESD in Higher Education
Sets out five strategic enablers to support whole-of-institution ESD, supporting institutional planning, coordination and implementation in line with national and UNESCO priorities.
Tool
2026HEA Education for Sustainable Development Self-Evaluation Tool
Developmental tool supporting institutions to reflect on their ESD strengths, gaps and progression over time.
Digital Tool Coming Soon
Report
2026ESD in Higher Education in Ireland: A Landscape Report
A sector-wide overview of ESD in Irish higher education, mapping current activity, strengths and opportunities for further development.
Compendium
2026ESD Case Studies
Institutional initiatives, examples and peer learning shared across the sector through the ESD case studies compendium.
Campaign
2025ESD Spotlight Series
A series showcasing ESD 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.
Leading from Within: Capacity Building for ESD Leadership
A 25-hour facilitated follow-on open course supporting higher and further education staff to develop leadership capacity in ESD. Through reflective, creative and collaborative activities, participants explore leadership, advocacy and practical action within their professional contexts. Developed by the HEA, in partnership with ATU, UL, TU Dublin, SETU and IADT.
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
ESD Maturity Framework for Higher Education (2025)
Stakeholder consultation informing the development of an ESD Maturity Framework for higher education. Feedback closed February 2026.
HEA ESD Consultation Report (2021)
Findings from a national consultation exploring the role and development of Education for Sustainable Development in Irish higher education.
Upcoming Webinar
On 10 September 2026 (1pm – 2pm), The HEA will host a sector webinar introducing the Framework, the five strategic enablers and the new Self-Evaluation Tool. Register your interest below.
Further details to follow