Exploring a systems approach to mainstreaming sustainability in universities: a case study of Rhodes University in South Africa

This study was done while the corresponding author was still at Rhodes University

Abstract

This paper explores the use of systems theory to inform the mainstreaming of sustainability in a university’s functions as it responds to sustainable development challenges in its local context. Offering a case study of Rhodes University, the paper shows how the use of systems models and concepts, underpinned by a critical realist ontology and an understanding of morphogenetic change processes, have the potential to enable universities to mobilise their operations to respond to local sustainability challenges. In this instance, the success of such an approach is shown to depend on commitments from the university community and the availability of enabling inputs, such as financial and human resources. The paper concludes with reflections and recommendations to inform further development of a newly emerging systems approach in sustainability mainstreaming at Rhodes University, and other institutions pursuing similar approaches and goals.

Keywords:

• education for sustainable development
• systems thinking
• sustainability mainstreaming
• university sustainability
• systems thinking and critical realism

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express great appreciation to the Murray and Roberts Chair of Environmental Education and the Education Department, Rhodes University; and Canon Collins Trust for financial support during the course of the research and the writing of this paper.

Notes

This study was done while the corresponding author was still at Rhodes University

1. In the context of this paper, sustainability refers to sustainable development and the two terms are used interchangeably.

2. The expression ‘flat ontology’ was coined by Manuel Delanda and suggests that no entity is ontologically more fundamental than anything else (see Delanda 2004). Some authors however argue that not all systems have a flat ontology. Mingers (2010) in particular, argue that the hierarchy of systems or a nesting of systems is a stratification of reality which is similar to Bhaskar’s levels of reality (for levels of reality, see Sayer 2000).

3. The USAT uses a unit-based framework which allows for sustainability assessments to be done per division, unit, department or faculty within universities. It facilitates a quick assessment of the level of integration of sustainability issues in university functions and operations. Collectively, these unit-based assessments provide for development of an institution wide picture of university sustainability.

4. The Talloires Declaration (1990) was a statement by university administrators of commitment to sustainability (Wright 2002; UNEP 2006). It stated that university heads must provide leadership and support to mobilise resources in institutions so as to respond to sustainability challenges (UNESCO, cited in Wright 2002).

5. LEAPs were developed as an Environmental Management tool for the improvement of degraded local environments especially where serious environmental challenges are faced and central government has no capacity to address those challenges. The LEAP model was considered an important tool to help improve the local environment in South Africa (Makana Municipality LEAP 2004).

6. At Rhodes University, there is an opportunity to do this as part of staff development through the Post-graduate Diploma in Higher Education offered by the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL).

7. At Rhodes University, the existing Environmental Committee could be strengthened for this role.