Citation
Leal Filho, W. (2006), "Editorial", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 7 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe.2006.24907baa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
Welcome to your latest issue of IJSHE where you will find again a set of interesting papers on sustainability issues in a higher education context.
In this editorial, I would like to report on a trend, namely the shifting towards sustainable consumption in Europe. Within the European Union (EU) such a shifting is a difficult challenge as differences in cultural and social behaviours across Europe make it difficult to agree on common principles.
The problem has been looked at by the European Environment Agency, which has issued a report which analyses four sectors of domestic consumption believed to have the greatest environmental impact: food and drink, housing, transport and tourism[1]. It cites examples of effective policy measures that can be taken to “bend the trend” towards sustainability, including eco-labelling, water pricing and road pricing. The factors that determine consumption trends are complex, the report says. It also argues that, even though the EU recognises the need for sustainable consumption policies, a common framework for action is being impeded by divergent consumer behaviours between member states.
It is likely that the European trends are also similar to what happens in North America, Oceania, Asia or even in Africa. One fact is, however clear: public authorities, businesses and consumers must work collectively to shift consumption trends. In addition, businesses must further increase the efficiency of their products and use fewer materials, and consumers should be encouraged to buy more environmentally friendly goods and services. Universities are in a unique position to encourage such a shift and the more institutions of higher education are involved in this process, the better. Enjoy your reading!
Walter Leal Filho
Note1. Available at: http://reports.eea.eu.int/eea_report_2005_11/en/tab_abstract_RLR