Combining Management, Education and Participation for the Transformation of Universities towards Sustainability: The Trébol Programme

Antonio Gomera, Ana de Toro, José Emilio Aguilar, Clara Guijarro, Miguel Antúnez and Manuel Vaquero-Abellán
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Antonio Gomera: Environmental Protection Office (SEPA), Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Ana de Toro: Environmental Protection Office (SEPA), Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
José Emilio Aguilar: Environmental Protection Office (SEPA), Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Clara Guijarro: Environmental Protection Office (SEPA), Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Miguel Antúnez: Sustainability Office, Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Manuel Vaquero-Abellán: Environmental Protection Office (SEPA), Campus Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: This article presents the design and development of the ‘Trébol (Clover) Programme’, a tool which allows us to improve environmental sustainability in the university environment by reinforcing the education, awareness, and training of its members. The system for certifying ‘good practice’ is divided into four progressive levels, and a certificate is awarded in order to demonstrate the environmental commitment acquired to third parties. The aim of the whole process is to create a practical forum for participation, communication, motivation and competence, which is necessary to foster effective pro-environmental behaviour. The study took place at the University of Córdoba (Spain), and, since it began in the 2013/2014 academic year, over 50 groups a wide range of areas have taken part, making a total of nearly 600 participants. The results show that the Trébol Programme enables environmental commitment to be put into practice, through continuous, systematised, participative and well-organised improvements in environmental performance. Its potential as an educational resource for environmental improvement should also be noted, by boosting environmental awareness and establishing new norms. It fits in well with the principles and areas of action of Education for Sustainable Development, and can be applied to universities and other settings to bring about a shift towards sustainability in the fields of teaching, research and management.

Keywords: environmental management; environmental education; education for sustainable development; universities; participation; communication; good practices; certificate; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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