STRATEGIC PLANNING AND WHOLE-INSTITUTION APPROACHES: A FRAMEWORK FOR MAINSTREAMING SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Mainstreaming sustainability within educational institutions requires a systemic transformation that extends beyond curriculum reform toward a whole-institution orientation that integrates governance, operations, pedagogy, culture, and community relationships. This paper develops an evidence-based framework for embedding sustainability across school systems by combining strategic planning principles with established whole-school approaches to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Drawing on global research, competency frameworks, and implementation models, the paper conceptualises sustainability mainstreaming through eight domains: vision and leadership, curriculum and pedagogy, campus operations, staff capacity, student agency, governance and accountability, community partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation. The article also provides a staged implementation pathway and highlights the conditions necessary for institutionalisation. The proposed framework seeks to support practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in designing sustainable, equitable, and measurable ESD initiatives.