Sustainable Development (SD) is a term that many will have heard of, yet few fully understand. In part, this is due to the fact that no single, universally accepted definition of Sustainable Development exists. The UK government's definition of SD therefore forms the basis of a good starting point in trying to define it.

‘Sustainable Development means meeting four objectives at the same time, in the UK and the world as a whole:

• Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;
• Effective protection of the environment;
• Prudent use of natural resources;
• Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment'.
  

When Sustainable Development is applied within the context of Higher Education research, teaching & learning, it is often called Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Once again, there is no one single definition for ESD, however, the widely accepted definition from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is one that is often quoted:

‘Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vision of education that seeks to balance human and economic well-being with cultural traditions and respect for the earth's natural resources. ESD applies transdisciplinary educational methods and approaches to develop an ethic for lifelong learning; fosters respect for human needs that are compatible with sustainable use of natural resources and the needs of the planet; and nurtures a sense of global solidarity'.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recognises in its SD Strategy/Action Plan [HEFCE, 2005, 11, §52] that Sustainable Development will have different meanings for different institutions, and that, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each institution to define exactly what it means to them. Clearly, SD and ESD will have different meanings to different disciplines as well. This study, being conducted by the Higher Education Academy seeks to define what SD & ESD means to not only different institutions, but also what it means to different disciplines as well. In doing so, it will further assist HEFCE in taking their SD & ESD strategy forward.