The Open University Learning Design Sustainability Group developed Sustainability Skills Cards (SSCs - available freely here) to help curriculum teams embed sustainability competencies into module design in meaningful and measurable ways. The cards were created to address growing student demand for sustainability to be integrated into learning experiences and to help colleagues navigate the wide range of existing sustainability frameworks. The resource supports the development of sustainability competencies linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while connecting them to existing institutional frameworks for employability and digital information literacy.

The SSCs were designed as a practical learning design resource based on UNESCO sustainability competencies and structured using Mann's Learning Outcomes model. This approach encourages colleagues to focus on what students will be able to achieve rather than simply identifying where sustainability might already exist within a curriculum. Student feedback from the Curriculum Design Student Panel informed the development of the cards, including guidance on how sustainability should be communicated and contextualised within specific subject areas. The cards provide actionable prompts, examples and connections to learning outcomes, making it easier for module teams to embed sustainability in authentic and non-tokenistic ways.

The SSCs have supported the embedding of sustainability competencies across two qualification routes and eleven individual modules, benefiting more than 3,800 students. They have also been used in professional development activities involving approximately 250 colleagues. Beyond the Open University, the resources have been shared openly, generating significant engagement through downloads, social media activity, conference presentations, publications and podcasts. The initiative received external recognition through a Highly Commended award in the Green Gown Awards and demonstrated how learning design, informed by student voice, can drive sustainable curriculum change at scale.

Authors: Paul Astles and Catriona Matthews

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4 Quality Education - embedding sustainability competencies into curriculum. The Cards support learners to to gain knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
• SDG 8 Decent work and Economic Growth - cards connect sustainability with institutional employment frameworks
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals -cards developed in collaboration with students and academics and resources shared widely for more engagement beyond the Open University

Inner Development Goals (IDGs) addressed

• Collaborating - Focuses on communication, co-creation and building trust 
• Acting - Focuses on enabling change through creativity and showing how skills can lead to practical application in future employment 

References: Astles, P and Matthews, C. (2025). Communicating Sustainability Competencies: A Case Study of Sustainability and Learning Design. In: Leal Filho, W., Trevisan, L.V., Pace, P.J., Mifsud, M. (eds) Education for Sustainable Development: The Contribution of Universities. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-86985-3_6 or https://oro.open.ac.uk/105104/

Calder, K., Astles P., Matthews, C and Crook, T (2026) Supporting sustainability competencies through learning design, ICDE GAC Europe Toolkit for Inclusivity, Sustainability and Scalability. Available online at https://gaceurope.weebly.com/sustainability.html