ESD Action Group

The Education for Sustainable Development Action Group - Meeting Information

Chair: Dr Tom Ritchie (Chemistry Department)

Deputy Chair: Dr Jo Lee (School of Modern Languages and Culture)

Secretary: Claire Atkins

Meeting Schedule: The subgroup typically meets twice per term.

Terms of Reference: These can be found here.

2024-2025 Meeting Dates:

• 17th June 2025, 10:00-12:00 (R1.03)
• 8th May 2025, 10:00-12:00 (FAB 5.01)
• 1st April 2025, 10:00-12:00 (UH CRM1.1)
• 4th February 2025, 09:00-11:00 (H0.02)
• 10th December 2024, 10:00-12:00 (FAB2.48 and via Teams)]
• 28th October 2024, 10:00-12:00 (R0.03)

Contact: For more information about the ESD Action Subgroup or to get involved, please contact the Chair ( ) or the Secretary ( ).

The Way to Sustainable

"Warwick’s Strategy 2030 presents a vision for the University as we build into the future, committing us to excellence with purpose; to having a positive impact on society.

If we are to be credible global citizens and leaders, we need to be prepared to roll up our sleeves, get involved and prove that change can happen. We’re calling Warwick’s approach to sustainability ‘the Way to Sustainable’, a name that reflects our collective journey of continuous improvement and the important elements of curiosity, learning, engagement, collaborative planning, and action needed to achieve the most effective outcomes."

- Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor at the University of Warwick.

"Leading a university towards sustainability means committing to the long-term wellbeing of our planet, our people, and our purpose. Through responsible practices, innovative research, and community collaboration, we aim to shape a future where education empowers generations to drive sustainable change."

- Professor Stéphanie Panichelli-Batalla, Academic Director (Sustainability)

About the Group

The ESD Action Group is a multidisciplinary group at the University of Warwick dedicated to embedding sustainability across university education. We bring together academic staff, professional services colleagues, and student representatives to drive meaningful change in how sustainability is taught and practiced at Warwick.

What We Do

• Strategic Development: Develop KPIs for Warwick's new Sustainability Strategy and create frameworks for monitoring ESD integration.
• Curriculum Integration: Support departments in embedding sustainability into teaching, develop practical guidance like our "Six Tips" resource, and conduct SDG mapping exercises.
• Training: Design sustainability training for staff and collaborate on professional development initiatives.
• Events & Engagement: Organise sustainability events and run Education Conference sessions.
• Student Voice: Ensure student perspectives are central to ESD initiatives and support student-led sustainability projects.
• Research: Support evaluation of ESD awareness and pilot innovative approaches to sustainability education.

Our Impact

We work to ensure every Warwick student graduates with understanding of sustainability challenges and the skills to contribute to solutions, making sustainability education accessible and inspiring across all disciplines.

'Six Tips' for Embedding ESD into Teaching

The ESD Action Group have developed a practical guide for academic staff offering actionable strategies to integrate Education for Sustainable Development into any discipline. The tips cover connecting subjects to real-world impact, engaging with community partners, fostering critical thinking, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, centring diverse voices, and balancing hope with action. It also includes specific examples and links to additional resources for personalised support, including a custom SustainGPT.

Warwick ESD Spotlight

Our ESD Spotlights showcase innovative projects and initiatives led by our departments, demonstrating how we are integrating sustainability into teaching, research, and operations. Learn how Warwick is making a positive impact on our campus, community, and the world.

Ready to make a difference?

Learn how your everyday actions can help combat climate change. This comprehensive training will equip you with the knowledge and tools to reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a sustainable future today

Discover the Warwick Sustainability Challenge

Click here to explore how our students tackled e-waste through an innovative behavioural marathon—a collaborative initiative funded by Warwick Innovation and delivered alongside Hubbub. Hear directly from the participants, external partners who worked with our students, and gain valuable insights from sustainability expert Bret Willers.

Got an idea?

Want to be part of something bigger?

Share your ideas for enhancing our ESD work. We're always looking for fresh perspectives and collaborative opportunities to create a more sustainable future.