GreenVET pathway

Original language

English

Original title of the resource

Whole-school sustainability at the core of quality education: Wished for by principals but requiring collective and structural action

English translation of the title

Organization

Journal of Cleaner Production

Year of the publication

2025

Keyword

Whole Institution Approach / Whole School Approach

Keyword

SDG 4: Quality education

Keyword

Format

Scientific paper

Vocational/professional sector

 

Sector

Not specified

What is the resource about?

The paper investigates how school principals in Germany perceive the current state and future role of sustainability in education. Based on interviews and a large-scale survey, it finds that while most principals want sustainability to be central to schooling, they see it as currently marginal, fragmented, or poorly integrated. The study highlights key barriers such as lack of resources, rigid school structures, and performance-focused systems, and argues for a stronger, system-wide integration of sustainability in education.

What is the resource about? (in English)

Why is the resource useful for VET actors?

This paper is relevant for vocational education and training because it shows that sustainability is still often treated as an “add-on” rather than a core part of education systems, a challenge that also exists in many VET institutions. Since VET is closely linked to labour markets and institutional structures, the findings highlight the need to embed sustainability more systematically into training organisations, curricula, and governance. It also underlines the importance of leadership in VET schools and training centres to prioritise sustainability and drive organisational change.

Why is the resource useful for VET actors? (in English)

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