From insights to action: a showcase of how data can drive meaningful integration of sustainability in learning

In celebration of the fifteenth year of research into students’ experiences of teaching and learning for sustainable development, Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS UK) facilitated a webinar to showcase the findings of the Sustainability Skills Survey 2024-25, alongside the brilliant work of Responsible Futures participating institutions, The Open University (UK) and Mohawk College (Canada).

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The webinar began with an introduction to SOS UK’s Sustainability Skills Survey. The survey started in 2010, originally commissioned by Advance HE (then the Higher Education Academy) and, since then, has received over 111,200 responses from higher and further education students.

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A big thank you to everyone on the call who’s helped with the promotion [of the Sustainability Skills Survey] over the years. It wouldn’t be a successful piece of research and we certainly wouldn’t have reached that total of over 100,000 responses without your help. – Rachel Drayson, SOS UK – Head of Research and Impact

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Key findings from 2024-25

In 2024-25, the survey received 9973 responses. The findings from higher education student respondents’ included:

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• ‍86% of respondents agree that their place of study should teach skills and understanding that positively impact society and the environment
• 77% agree that sustainable development is something which all courses should actively incorporate and promote
• ‍71% would accept a salary £1000 lower than average to work in a company with a good social and environmental record‍
• 62% say being a student at my place of study encourages them to think and act to help the environment, and other people.

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Read the 2024-25 report for more insights.

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Case studies‍

After launching the report, two Responsible Futures institutions presented their work on understanding students’ attitudes and expectations for learning and sustainability and demonstrated how these insights are helping them to embed sustainable development across their institution.

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The Open University’s Teresa Cox and James Warren presented the results of their institution’s Sustainability Skills Survey, demonstrating both student and University commitment to sustainable development, in which students really want to see more sustainability consistently embedded within the curriculum.

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In terms of Responsible Futures, this really helps as a lever to have those conversations in the university because we know the embedding [of sustainability] is inconsistent. Having this evidence [from the Sustainability Skills Survey] is really key for us to say we need to do something about it. –Teresa Cox, Open University - Senior Manager

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Mohawk College’s Allison Maxted and Nair Lacruz, while unable to participate in the Sustainability Skills Survey (as it is for UK institutions only), discussed the findings of their student survey. 2,000 students took part in the survey, which is based upon SOS UK’s survey. Mohawk’s results showed students’ strong interest in embedding sustainability in operations and teaching, and their future careers. View Mohawk College’s survey report to find out more.

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The survey results [of Mohawk College’s student survey] are already shaping how we’re moving forward… It’s become a way to keep ourselves accountable to make sure that the sustainability work that we’re doing really reflects what our students want and not just institutional assumptions. – Nair Lacruz, Mohawk College - Associate Dean, School of Climate Action

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Interested in taking part in the Sustainability Skills Survey 2025-26?

The survey this year will be open between 27 October till 16 November 2025. Any students based in the UK can complete the survey.

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Each institution that receives 100 responses or more will receive their anonymised students data. There are promotional templates and resources available to help you reach as many students as possible. Information will be shared via SOS UK and EAUC communications.

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Please contact research@sos-uk.org if you have any questions.

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Missed the webinar? Watch the recording or view our slides.

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Many thanks to Teresa Cox and James Warren (Open University), and Allison Maxted and Nair Lacruz (Mohawk College) for sharing your valuable insights of embedding sustainability in learning at your institution.