Bringing the UNSDGs to Life at KPU: Why It Matters and How We’re Doing It 

When it comes to making a difference in the world, higher education institutions like KPU are in a prime position to lead the way. By embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) into our teaching and learning, we’re preparing students to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. And at KPU, this isn’t just talk, it’s action. 

A successful local example relates to the University of British Columbia (UBC) integrating SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) into its operations and curriculum. Through its UBC Living Lab Initiative, students and researchers collaborate with campus planners to test climate resilience strategies, green building technologies, and renewable energy solutions in real-world settings.

A standout project is UBC’s District Energy System, which reduces GHG emissions by 30%, making it one of North America’s most sustainable campuses. UBC also offers interdisciplinary courses where students apply sustainability solutions to real-world challenges, reinforcing hands-on learning aligned with the UN SDGs.

Let me walk you through why the UNSDGs are a game-changer for universities, how we’re helping KPU faculty and instructional staff integrate them into their classrooms, and the amazing team behind it all. 

Why the UNSDGs Matter for Higher Education 

The UNSDGs are17 interconnected goals designed to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and education. These are more than just a global framework. They are a call to action for institutions of higher learning to align with societal needs and contribute to positive change in the world. 

For universities, embracing the UNSDGs offers a clear value proposition: 

• Relevance and Impact: Embedding the UNSDGs into academic programs ensures students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle real-world challenges, making their education relevant to today’s societal needs. 
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities: The goals encourage cross-departmental collaboration, integrating diverse perspectives to address complex issues, from sustainable business models to renewable energy innovation. 
• Enhanced Reputation: Universities that prioritize sustainability not only attract socially conscious students and educators but also stand out as leaders in the academic and global community. 
• Empowering Graduates: By aligning curricula with the UNSDGs, we prepare graduates to be thoughtful, adaptable, and action-oriented global citizens capable of driving sustainable practices across industries. 

At KPU, we recognize that embracing the UNSDGs is not just an aspiration but a responsibility. By embedding these goals into our school community, we are leveraging education into action and creating real change, starting in our classrooms. 

Ready-to-Go: Practical Tools for Faculty to Advance UNSDGs in their Teaching Practice

We have exciting news for educators! We’re launching a new UN SDGs Teaching Resource—a one-stop hub designed to help faculty seamlessly integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their teaching. Whether you’re looking for case studies, lesson plans, or innovative strategies to integrate the UNSDGs into your course learning outcomes, this resource equips you with the tools to bring sustainability into every classroom.

Visit the UNSDG Teaching Resource Site https://dev.wordpress.kpu.ca/unsdgsteachingresource/.

To make the integration of the UNSDGs as seamless and impactful as possible, we’ve developed a series of practical, ready-to-go assessments tailored for use across departments. These tools are designed to help faculty incorporate sustainability themes into their courses without the need for extensive preparation or reworking of existing content.

From accounting to nursing, engineering to fashion marketing, these sample assessments provide faculty with: 

• Ease of Use: Fully developed assignments that align with specific UNSDGs, complete with learning outcomes and assessment criteria. 
• Interdisciplinary Flexibility: Tools designed to be adapted across various disciplines, ensuring accessibility for educators in all departments. 
• Engagement for Students: Assignments that challenge students to think critically about sustainability, fostering a deeper understanding of how their field of study intersects with global goals. 

These resources are meant to spark lively discussions, inspire creative projects, and deepen students’ connection to sustainability principles. Educators no longer need to start from scratch, these assessments are a starting point to meaningfully integrate the UNSDGs into teaching practices. 

Explore these practical, research-backed materials that will empower your students to become responsible global leaders. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future—visit the site today and start transforming your teaching!

Visit the UNSDG Teaching Resource Site https://dev.wordpress.kpu.ca/unsdgsteachingresource/

Looking Ahead: A Journey of Progress and Purpose 

At KPU, our journey to integrate and embed the UNSDGs is far from over, but the progress we’ve made so far is something to celebrate. By signing the SDG Accord in 2023, embracing the UNSDGs at the institutional level, developing practical resources for faculty, and fostering a culture of collaboration, we’re not just preparing students for the future; we’re preparing them to create it.  

Whether you’re a KPU educator who is ready to implement the UNSDGs into your classroom, a student eager to engage with sustainability principles, or a member of our broader community inspired by the possibilities, there’s a place for you in this journey. Together, we can continue to make strides toward a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. 

Let’s keep moving forward, KPU. ? 

Celebrating the UNSDG Week at KPU

Join us as we celebrate UN SDG Week throughout the entire month of March! This is a time to explore innovative ways to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our school community. Don’t miss our events, workshops, and resources as we work together to drive meaningful change! Explore the SDG Month@KPU website here!

One Final Note: The Team Behind the Success 

None of this would have been possible without the support of KPU’s brilliant Teaching and Learning team. This exceptional group of supporters has worked tirelessly to bring the UNSDGs to life in our teaching and learning resources, exemplifying the power of collaboration and innovation. 

Their dedication, expertise, and willingness to take ownership of this initiative have been instrumental in our progress. By fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation, they’ve not only equipped faculty with the tools to integrate the UNSDGs but have also inspired a university-wide commitment to sustainability. 

This effort is a testament to the incredible work being done across the KPU community. From providing several time releases to launching and taking ownership of the UNSDG Community of Practice, the Teaching and Learning team has set a gold standard for what it means to champion sustainability in education. Their leadership underscores how much we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.