Addressing the challenges of mainstreaming education for sustainable development in higher education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address research on major challenges faced in attempting to mainstream education for sustainable development (ESD). Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a project for infusing ESD in a teachers' college programme in Jamaica. Findings Challenges include colleagues' scepticism, students' expectations of course, content vs the actuality of an “expanded” course with ESD input, an absence of policy, syllabus constraints, and ways in which these were addressed. Originality/value In analysing the ways in which these challenges were addressed, important principles are uncovered that can guide the introduction of ESD in higher education: how “threats” can become opportunities, how constraints can make for creativity.