ACUVEG (Curricular Environmentalisation at University of Valencia-General Studies) is a research, multidisciplinary and multidepartmental group. ACUVEG began its research in 2003 with its first project entitled “Curricular Environmentalisation at University of Valencia (ACUVEG)” which was subsidised by the Generalitat Valenciana (Regional Valencian Government) in 2004-05. Presently, ACUVEG is undertaking the project entitled “Curricular Environmentalisation in Master’s Degrees in Early Years and Primary Education at University of Valencia” (2007-2010)” which is subsidised by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.
We now offer some definitions to clarify certain concepts: we understand “Curricular Environmentalisation” as an introduction to the sustainability criteria in the contents of university programmes. This implies incorporating the concepts and procedures from social and moral solidarity references, both intra- and intergenerational, which provide an understanding of the complex interactions between human activity and the natural, economic and socio-cultural environment, into the study programmes. It also involves integrating the environmental factor into the professional activity using ethical criteria for environmental responsibility. The overall objective is to contribute to sustainability by preparing professionals to be able to face the challenge that sustainable development represents. Although we initially referred to Curricular Environmentalisation, this term has recently changed to Curricular Sustainability, a term which also includes social and economic aspects, apart from the environmental aspects.
On the one hand, we understand “Sustainable Development” as the existing relationship among the dynamic systems of human economy, the interactions among different people, groups and countries, and the natural environment in which, on the other hand, human life may continue indefinitely, human beings may prosper and cultures may develop. Furthermore, the effects of human activity may be maintained within certain limits so as not to destroy the biodiversity and the ecological system that sustains life (Goodland, R. 1997).
The process to implement the new study programmes and the educational innovation process linked to the European Higher Education Convergence Model is an ideal situation to develop the principles contained in the document entitled “Copernicus Guidelines for Sustainable Development in the European Higher Education Area: how to incorporate the principles of sustainable development into the Bologna Process”, just as the European Copernicus University Campus Network does, this being the reference used to include sustainable development in various university degrees by including basic sustainability-related competences.
