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Education for Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development

A member of Cardiff Met staff hosts a sustainability meeting in a lecture hall A member of Cardiff Met staff hosts a sustainability meeting in a lecture hall
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Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across learning, teaching, research, and engagement activities, ensuring that all graduates develop the knowledge, skills, values, and confidence required to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.


A member of Cardiff Met staff presents a presentation in front of a digital whiteboard
Embedding ESD

ESD is integrated throughout the University's strategic commitment to sustainability and its whole-institution approach, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the University's wider civic mission.

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ESD Within the Curriculum

ESD is embedded within the curriculum design and delivery across academic schools through interdisciplinary learning, real-world problem solving, and applied sustainability projects.

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Outdoor Learning

The Outdoor Learning Centre offers a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities, including day courses and workshops, and is also an accredited Forest School. The facility remains a focus of academic research into the benefits of outdoor learning.

A young man analyses a computer screen and accompanying architecture plans at a desk A young man analyses a computer screen and accompanying architecture plans at a desk

Living Labs

Cardiff Met's Living Lab approach enables students to engage directly with sustainability challenges on campus and within the wider community, using the University estate, operations, and partnerships as a testbed for innovation and experiential learning. Students work alongside academic staff, professional services, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations to develop practical solutions to environmental and social sustainability outcomes.

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A lecturer points to the laptop of a student sat at a row of desks during a seminar A lecturer points to the laptop of a student sat at a row of desks during a seminar

Carbon Literacy Training

In 2025 and 2026, MSc International Business Management students completed Carbon Literacy Training which was run by course leaders, providing them with the foundational knowledge of climate change and how it can be incorporated into their studies and future careers.

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Case Studies

During the last few years, the Sustainability team have collaborated with Learning and Teaching to complete a number of engagement initiatives, real-world learning and course-specific briefs.

Two work placements were held by the Climate Action team during the spring term of 2026 as part of the Cardiff School of Art and Design Level 5 optional work placement module. Two Graphic and Design Communication students spent four weeks with the team researching Fairtrade and best marketing practices, and creating innovative promotional materials, which will help to communicate Fairtrade values and initiatives to students. Their outcomes will also contribute to the SOS UK Fairtrade University 2028 award.

A student from BA (Hons) Architecture undertook a month-long placement with the Estates team to conceptually transform a large area of campus to better support local biodiversity, as well as provide a space for staff and students to better connect with nature. Their outcomes will be considered within Estates' larger plans to improve campus, and will in smaller parts be implemented by the Sustainability team in order to mee the Nature Friendly Grounds award criteria.

The Sustainability team provided an in-person brief for the Level 5 BA Business and Management cohort's 'Business in Action' module, during which students were tasked with creating a behaviour change campaign for energy reduction on campus. The context for this project aligned with the University's ambition to reduce Scope 3 emissions, following a drastic reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions as a result of our Halve the Half Environment & Estates project. The outcome for this project was to be a feasible, evidence-based campaign plan that is being considered by the Sustainability team for application.

In collaboration with the BA International Business Management programme, the Sustainability team asked students to create a feasibility study assessing the best alternative to single-use coffee cups on campus by analysing nationwide initiatives. The proposed initiatives are under review by the Catering and Sustainability departments.

As part of the BA Business and Management 'Business in Action' module, the Sustainability team oversaw a project for which students explored the implementation of a plant-based catering outlet at Llandaff campus, including all realistic aspects such as cost, staffing needs, and location for consideration as a business strategy.

A young woman sits at a desk with a laptop computer and selection of fabric swatches. Behind her is a mannequin and wall of clothing designs. A young woman sits at a desk with a laptop computer and selection of fabric swatches. Behind her is a mannequin and wall of clothing designs.

ESD within the EMS

At Cardiff Metropolitan University, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is embedded within our Environmental Management System (EMS) under the Learning and Teaching framework, where it is monitored and reviewed as part of our structured reporting processes. Progress in integrating ESD into the curriculum is tracked and reported through the EMS to ensure continuous improvement. Oversight is led by the Executive Lead for Sustainability Bethan Gordon, working alongside the Climate Action Team, providing clear responsibility for implementation, review, and ongoing development across the University.

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