Sustainability literacy in higher education: an international study examining sustainability knowledge

The Sustainability Literacy Test is a means of measuring basic knowledge of sustainability. This test is used by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to measure overall, international and regional knowledge of topics related to sustainability including (1) principles of sustainable development, (2) environmental trends, (3) social trends, (4) economic trends, (5) organizational governance, (6) human rights/community, (7) environment, (8) fair operating practices and consumer issues. The test was launched in 2014, with the goal of 100,000 global participants within the first year. At present, the test has been completed by participating HEIs in more than 29 countries. In Ireland, The University of Limerick (UL) pioneered this study with the testing of the 2013/14 cohort of postgraduate scholars. All postgraduates had the opportunity to participate over the summer of 2014, resulting in a 100- participant representative sample. From this sample, trends across program types (taught and research-based studies) and faculties (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Education and Health Sciences; Kemmy Business School; Science and Engineering) were assessed. Furthermore, specific trends in topical knowledge of the Sustainability Literacy Test were evaluated. This study seeks to be a launching pad for Sustainability Literacy at UL. While the data displays a great deal of insight in to Sustainability Literacy at UL, it is important to remember that this is a global survey, and the results are only a small piece of a greater story.