As Japan advances its commitment to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), this presentation introduces the Funding vs. Environmental Accountability Scale (FEAS)—a fresh lens on how higher education can turn sustainability goals into measurable impact.

Presentation 1

From Recycling to Responsibility: How Can Japanese Higher Education Advance Environmental Accountability?

The global push for sustainability has had a large impact on how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) focus on education and research in sustainable development. To promote these efforts, the government of Japan has been working to boost Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by encouraging collaboration across various ministries, institutions, universities, and other stakeholders. In addition to direct government funding, support involves helping with the development of learning materials, providing information on best practices, and engaging in policy discussions. As a result, several Japanese universities have launched sustainability initiatives and dedicated offices. Questions remain about how well these policies are implemented and to what extent staff and faculty are incentivized to be better stewards of funds and other resources.

Stewart Markel is an instructor with Konan University’s Center for Education in General Studies. He holds a Master of Education in TESOL from Seattle University and has taught at Cornell University, the University of Notre Dame, and Kwansei Gakuin University. He is currently researching best practices in teaching short-term, intensive courses.

Presentation 2

Rethinking Critical Thinking: The NCT Model and Sustainable Language Classrooms

With a focus on the areas of research, outreach, and campus operations this paper introduces a scale entitled, ‘The Funding Vs. Environmental accountability Scale (FEAS)’ to better illustrate universities’ access to resources in relation to their contributions to environmental accountability. The authors offer a selective sampling of sustainability efforts by HEIs and their environmental accountability, highlighting specific examples from the North American and Japan context. The paper will conclude with recommendations for Japanese Higher Education institutions for improving their environmental accountability going forward. Keywords: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Environmental Accountability (EA), Climate Crisis (CC), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

 Dr. Joshua John Jodoin is an Associate Professor at Konan University’s Hirao School of Management. His research explores Language Education for Sustainable Development (LESD), with a focus on critical thinking, curriculum design, and student engagement. He is currently developing the New Critical Thinking (NCT) Model as part of his forthcoming book.

Venue: Kobe Co-Creation Center Room A (website)