Best Practices Repository

Discover innovative approaches to integrating sustainability into higher
education curriculum

Community Submissions

Community Best Practices

Peer-reviewed practices submitted by educators and institutions worldwide. 7 approved practices in the collection.

Future Proef Award

UCLL (University College Leuven-Limburg) Belgium Duurzaam Educatiepunt & Stichting voor Toekomstige Generaties

Annual competition open to final-year student projects demonstrating a contribution to sustainability. Includes three award levels, a regional shortlist, an independent jury, a €3…

Learning Engagement Action

award competition thesis sustainability compass

4 13 17

UCLL (University College Leuven-Limburg) Belgium Duurzaam Educatiepunt & Stichting voor Toekomstige Generaties 2025

Abstract

Annual competition open to final-year student projects demonstrating a contribution to sustainability. Includes three award levels, a regional shortlist, an independent jury, a €3,000 top prize, a public ceremony, and wider publicity through press and social media.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Learning Engagement Action

Keywords

award competition thesis sustainability compass flanders

SDG Alignment

SDG 4 n SDG 13 n SDG 17 s

License: CC BY 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Curriculum Design 2023

Circular Economy Design Thinking

Politecnico di Milano Italy Prof. Giulia Moretti

A project-based course where engineering students redesign products and systems using circular economy principles and design thinking methodology. Final projects are prototyped wi…

Learning Action

engineering design thinking circular economy prototyping

9 12

Politecnico di Milano Italy Prof. Giulia Moretti 2023

Abstract

A project-based course where engineering students redesign products and systems using circular economy principles and design thinking methodology. Final projects are prototyped with industry partners.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Learning Action

Keywords

engineering design thinking circular economy prototyping

SDG Alignment

SDG 9 e SDG 12 n

License: CC BY 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Community Engagement 2023

Community-University Sustainability Partnerships

University College Cork Ireland Dr. Siobhán O'Connell

Collaborative projects where students work directly with local organizations to address real sustainability challenges in their communities, co-designing solutions with residents …

Engagement Action

service learning community impact partnerships co-design

10 11 17

University College Cork Ireland Dr. Siobhán O'Connell 2023

Abstract

Collaborative projects where students work directly with local organizations to address real sustainability challenges in their communities, co-designing solutions with residents rather than for them.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Engagement Action

Keywords

service learning community impact partnerships co-design

SDG Alignment

SDG 10 y SDG 11 s SDG 17 s

License: CC BY 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Teaching & Learning 2024

Virtual Reality Climate Simulations

KTH Royal Institute of Technology Sweden Dr. Erik Lindqvist

Immersive VR experiences that allow students to visualize climate change impacts and test mitigation strategies in virtual environments. Scenarios span coastal flooding, urban hea…

Learning Engagement

VR AR climate science simulation

4 13 14

KTH Royal Institute of Technology Sweden Dr. Erik Lindqvist 2024

Abstract

Immersive VR experiences that allow students to visualize climate change impacts and test mitigation strategies in virtual environments. Scenarios span coastal flooding, urban heat, and agricultural stress.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Learning Engagement

Keywords

VR AR climate science simulation immersive learning

SDG Alignment

SDG 4 n SDG 13 n SDG 14 r

License: CC BY-NC 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Assessment & Evaluation 2022

Sustainability Competency Framework

Leuphana University Lüneburg Germany Dr. Hannah Richter

A structured framework for assessing student development in sustainability thinking, systems analysis, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Aligns with the UNESCO key compete…

Learning

competencies rubrics portfolio assessment

4 17

Leuphana University Lüneburg Germany Dr. Hannah Richter 2022

Abstract

A structured framework for assessing student development in sustainability thinking, systems analysis, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Aligns with the UNESCO key competencies.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Learning

Keywords

competencies rubrics portfolio assessment

SDG Alignment

SDG 4 n SDG 17 s

License: CC BY 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Campus Operations 2024

Green Campus Living Lab

University of Coimbra Portugal Prof. João Ribeiro

Students conduct real sustainability research on campus infrastructure, creating actionable recommendations while gaining hands-on experience. Projects feed directly into faciliti…

Engagement Action

experiential research campus operations living lab

7 11 13

University of Coimbra Portugal Prof. João Ribeiro 2024

Abstract

Students conduct real sustainability research on campus infrastructure, creating actionable recommendations while gaining hands-on experience. Projects feed directly into facilities-management decisions.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Engagement Action

Keywords

experiential research campus operations living lab

SDG Alignment

SDG 7 y SDG 11 s SDG 13 n

License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Curriculum Design 2023

Sustainability-Integrated Business Curriculum

Rotterdam School of Management Netherlands Dr. Marta van der Veen

A comprehensive approach to weaving sustainability principles throughout all business courses, from accounting to marketing, creating interconnected learning experiences that prep…

Learning Engagement

business interdisciplinary case studies curriculum

4 8 12

Rotterdam School of Management Netherlands Dr. Marta van der Veen 2023

Abstract

A comprehensive approach to weaving sustainability principles throughout all business courses, from accounting to marketing, creating interconnected learning experiences that prepare students for a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Classification & Engagement

LEAF Pillars

Learning Engagement

Keywords

business interdisciplinary case studies curriculum

SDG Alignment

SDG 4 n SDG 8 h SDG 12 n

License: CC BY 4.0 Access: Open (CC)

Have a Best Practice to share?

Join the community and contribute to the global sustainability education network.

Submit a Practice

Address

123 Street, New York, USA

+012 345 67890

info@example.com

Quick Link

The LEAF Guidebook Digital Catalogue of Best Practices Ambassador Toolkit Institutional Action Plans

Gallery

Newsletter

Stay updated on emerging sustainability challenges and new pedagogical tools. Join the LEAF community newsletter to keep the framework alive and adaptive.