Higher Education Institutions as Drivers of Sustainable Communities: A Case Study of the University of Southern Santa Catarina Empowering the Community (original) (raw)

World Sustainability Series, 2019

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a key role in creating change in communities and societies as a whole. As a result of the emergence of new challenges, mainly related to the management of resources (food, water and energy), the promotion of well-being, security, equality and education, universities are pressured to become responsible for promoting sustainable development in communities. In this sense, this study presents the case of a Brazilian Community University, the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul), which implements numerous practices aimed at the community, carrying out training, education, research, outreach, academic events, consulting on business, legal assistance and medical clinics, as well as promoting sustainability within campuses’ infrastructure, inspiring local communities to incorporate the University’s sustainable values. In addition to the many benefits obtained through actions taken by HEIs and living labs, it is hoped that such actions will cooperate with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. With this study, it was concluded that Unisul, besides promoting innovations for sustainable development in each level and sector of the university, operates the learning environments to the students and the communities surrounding its campuses, bringing solutions to the existing local and global challenges.

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