trends and future of sustainable development - TransEco

to understand the nature of sustainability and the concept of ES will remain until we develop a set ofbelief and promote attitudes which will be in favor of a sustainable society. The concept of sustainabilitycalls on the kind of educational philosophy that trains human resources to optimize productivity byobtaining accurate technical progress. In addition it has to promote the cultural conditions conducive tosocial and economical change which consent to obtain the desired growth with elimination of harmfulimpact on the environment (Pidlisnyuk,2009). Thus the change has to be created within philosophicalframework of current system and eventually distributes the culture of sustainability within itsorganizational and institutional life as well as the whole society. I shall add here that although SD anddeveloping curriculum are theoretically separated but empirically they are interweaved. Thomas 2009,compare these concepts and numbers their common points. He expresses that they both include timespan and promote change as well as leading to beneficial results. Therefore the appropriately designedcurriculum means that implementing SD in schools and HEIs is achievable in a closer era.However the new approach in curriculum provides better study opportunities and understanding inline with SD and particularly ES but the technical operation of universities have to be according to ESstandards and criteria as well. Thus we should build up whole picture of process based on thecombination of various dimension of HEIs operations. Without a doubt, environmental knowledge andpublic awareness are important factors which influence environmental policy and management in asociety. Therefore to have a successful environmental sustainability in a country in general and at highereducation institutions particularly, there is a need for capacity building and raising awareness. Howeverone can claim that raising awareness, capacity building and behavioral change are what expected to takeplace at and within these institutions.One of the main factors for stepping up level of commitment to ES in HEIs in some studies isNational policy. Although I agree on essential role of state in promoting sustainability and facilitatingthis process for organization including universities but studies show that governments are one of theactors. Janicke 1997 referring to OECD Report 1992 argues that failure or slow progress inenvironmental policy cannot be explained solely by the wrong choice of instrument or strategy bygovernment. Culture and the value system in a country are also highlighted in studies on environmentalpolicy. Moreover the level of freedom that university governance system for instance in Norway obtainsis by far more than many other centralized systems. Therefore if environmental sustainability beintroduced or appreciated by university leadership as well as academic staff and students a change ininstitution level might be very likely. Carraro, 1999 argues that the performance of voluntary agreementcan be analyzed across several dimensions. He introduced several factors such as environmentaleffectiveness, implementation effectiveness, cost effectiveness, stimulation of innovation, feasibility andcompetition. The University of Oslo as another example which has stepped up its environmentalsustainability levels. Environmental effectiveness, cost effectiveness and competition to achieve a higherstatus among other universities are some important factors which have motivated UiO in this process.To conclude the argument, the combination of state support, legitimate policy, cultural awareness andvoluntary approach can be consider as an effective solution to elevate the current position ofEnvironmental Sustainability to a better place among HEIs and particularly Norwegian HigherEducation Institutions. Furthermore students should feel empowered and demand their right for havingGreener universities. However let us remember that for every right that human claim, they should takeresponsibility as well.261