The sustainability monitor can be used to map and discuss how sustainability is currently anchored in the curriculum of the study programme. It is a conversation tool and diagnostic for internal use.
You’ll learn from each other by analysing the curriculum in detail together with colleagues, inspiring each other with examples and discussing which level of development this involves. The outcome provides insight into where you stand in relation to the set goals and can be used to create an improvement plan. The monitor can be used regularly (e.g., annually) and is supportive of the PDCA cycle and part of the study programme’s/institute’s quality management. Around sustainability, perhaps not everything can be captured in numbers because it also involves a growth in awareness and attitude around the theme. The sustainability monitor is primarily a conversation tool.
The sustainability monitor is inspired by a working method, which has been in use at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences for some time. In addition, the design is grafted onto the Sustainable Higher Education (SHE) framework of Hobeon, which can result in the attribute of sustainable education in accreditation. From this framework, the stages of development were taken, including the part of the goals related to the study programme, curriculum and students. If a study programme would want to obtain the SHE label (1 x every 6 years), the sustainability monitor is a good preparation.
The following study programmes have helped develop the monitor by participating in pilots: Oral Care Study Programme, Communication Study Programme, Communication & Multimedia Design Study Programme and the Archimedes Institute.
Getting started with the sustainability monitor
The sustainability monitor is worked out by lecturers of a study programme, under the guidance of a fellow lecturer who prepares and leads this session. This lecturer will prepare a final report with which the conversation within the study programme can be continued.
Various materials have been developed to get started with the sustainability monitor:
- HU Sustainability Monitor Education with Development Stages (see below). A fill-in sheet (A3) with goals and development stages with 4 tabs: coherence between the SDGs (Cake), coherence for education (SDG house), curriculum, students and training.
- Presentation of the sustainability monitor for the session with the study programme.
- Instruction sustainability monitor for the facilitators of the session with the study programme.
- Explanation of purpose, background info, different options for your session.
- Reporting format to report to management
- Reporting student surveys SDGs.
A report in PowerBI of the new questions about sustainability in the 100 days monitor of the HU and the HBO monitor. This report can be used to include the expectations of our new students and the experiences of the graduates of the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in the conversation. Go to: The sustainability monitor (for students) for the data.
The above-mentioned sections of the sustainability monitor can be downloaded at the bottom of the page. The documents are only available in Dutch.
For more information on how to participate in the monitor or for support with implementation, please contact us: sdg-huis@hu.nl
The stages of development measured with a 6-point scale
In the sustainability monitor, the progress of sustainability in the programme is built up in 6 stages: from non-applicable (1) to impactful (6), indicated by a letter, as with a sustainability label for a clear and recognisable representation of the results.
A. Impactful
The programme profiles itself on sustainability and the associated social issues, its ambitions in this area reach across borders, and crucial partners recognise that the programme plays an exemplary role in both areas. Together with partners, the programme has a positive impact on the sustainability problems facing society.
All three levels of sustainability are discussed (in conjunction). In all parts of the training.
B. Systematic and partner-oriented
Crucial partners in the field and knowledge institutions work together and are actively involved in the integration and evaluation of sustainability in the study programme, i.e. in the entire PDCA cycle.
All three levels of sustainability are discussed, in conjunction, including how they are connected. In all parts of the programme, AND at crucial partners in the field and knowledge institutions.
C. Systematic (important element)
The topic of sustainability is systematically anchored in the programme. The PDCA cycle is demonstrably complete: the programme evaluates, initiates follow-up activities, and achieves concrete results.
All three levels of sustainability are discussed, in conjunction, including how the perspectives are connected.
In all parts of the programme.
D. Coherent (partly at issue)
The activities related to sustainability form a planned, coherent whole. The related activities are considered as a rule: every student and lecturer pays attention to sustainability in the programme.
All three levels of sustainability are discussed, in conjunction, including how the levels are connected.
Only in certain parts of the programme.
E. Incidentally
Sustainability is incidentally represented in the training and is based on the actions of individuals, these are one-off activities
Not all levels (environmental, social and economic) of sustainability are represented. Or all three levels are discussed, without being aware of the interaction, how the levels can be connected.
F. Not (yet) applicable
Sustainability is missing from the relevant part of the programme.