Abstract
This paper explores a particular contemporary instance of the implementation of central government policy linking higher education and sustainable development. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)’s strategic plan for Citation2006–2011 (HEFCE Citation2006) includes a commitment to establish a baseline assessment of the contribution of the higher education sector to sustainable development by 2008 and to make progress in this respect by 2011. Research in respect of teaching/learning commissioned and conducted in consequence is reported.