GCSE INNOVATION LABS · GLOBAL
Sustainability
Education Lab
Shaping the global standard for sustainability education by defining the competencies and frameworks needed to train future leaders.
SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Dynamic, Context-Sensitive
Guidance for Every Program
PROGRAM PURPOSE
"The purpose of GCSE's Sustainability Education program is to provide dynamic, context-sensitive guidance for a diversity of programs."
This lab focuses on strengthening sustainability education as a recognized and actionable field, addressing the lack of standardized competencies and evaluation frameworks across programs. It works with global partners to define what students and professionals need to effectively address complex environmental challenges.
Through research, stakeholder engagement, and convenings, the lab develops key competency frameworks, accreditation pathways, and program evaluation guidance, while building a global Community of Practice to align education with real-world impact.
This page provides a transparent record of this work and notice of upcoming opportunities to engage.
LAB OUTPUTS
Competency frameworks
Accreditation pathways
Program evaluation guidance
Global Community of Practice
PARTNERS
NASEM
AASHE
National Sustainability Society
UNESCO Initiatives
Arizona State University
Sustainable Earth
FUNDING
Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
FOCUS AREAS
Four Areas of Initiative
This initiative addresses sustainability education across four interconnected areas, each grounded in inclusive participation from diverse stakeholders.
01
Inclusive Participation (Stakeholders)
Stakeholder engagement and ways to participate across sectors — students, faculty, program directors, and employers.
03
Resources
Additional resources on sustainability education organized by stakeholder perspectives: students, faculty and program directors, employers.
02
Key Competencies in Sustainability
A Convergence Statement and related scholarship defining what sustainability graduates must know and be able to do.
04
Transformative Program Evaluation & Pathways towards Accreditation
Guidance for program evaluation and pathways towards accreditation for sustainability degrees.
PROGRAM EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
8 Grounded Areas for Program Evaluation
The GCSE Sustainability Education Community of Practice provides input on emergent standards for Sustainability Degree programs across eight grounded areas. Faculty and program directors network and discuss barriers and best practices for achieving these standards.
01
Leadership & Mission
05
Teaching & Learning
02
Curriculum & Content
06
Assessment & Evaluation
03
Campus & Community
07
Student Support
04
Faculty Support
08
Program Evaluation
RESOURCES
Learn More
View the Spring 2024 Update from Program Director Dr. Krista Hiser:
This video provides a briefing and retrospectivereview of the Pathways towards Accreditationof Sustainability Programs initiative, whichseeks to support sustainability-related teachingand learning in higher education programs.
A GCSE Proposal Statement on Key Competencies in Sustainability Guidance on the Accreditation of Sustainability and Sustainability-Related Programs in Higher Education. Authored by Katja Brundiers, Jordan King, Krista Hiser, Rod Parnell, Michelle Wyman, and Ryan Johnson.
COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS
Lab Partners
UN Agency
UNESCO Initiatives
Networks
Global Academic & Professional Networks
Scientific Academy
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
NASEM
GET INVOLVED
Interested in this lab or similar work?
Explore membership, partnership opportunities, or learn about GCSE's Senior Fellows Program to lead your own Innovation Lab