Enhancing sustainability education in higher education through simulation-based learning: integrating sustainable development goals

Purpose This study aims to explore the application of simulation-based learning (SBL) to enhance sustainability education in higher education. It integrates experiential learning principles and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to prepare students as leaders capable of addressing sustainability challenges. The objective is to design and describe an educational tool that provides a practical approach to understanding and applying sustainable development concepts. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a design-based research methodology to develop and refine an SBL tool. This iterative process combines theoretical structuring with feedback cycles from educators and doctoral students. The simulation replicates real-world sustainability challenges, facilitating decision-making in environmental management, economic planning and policy development. Findings The SBL tool bridges the gap between theoretical and practical learning by engaging students in dynamic decision-making processes. Its low cost and adaptability make it accessible to institutions with limited resources, while supporting interdisciplinary teaching strategies and the integration of SDGs into education. Aligned with Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the simulator enhances understanding of sustainability complexities and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These features position the tool as a scalable solution for promoting equitable sustainability education. Originality/value This study provides an innovative contribution by uniquely combining experiential learning with simulation methodologies to address critical gaps in sustainability education. By immersing students in realistic scenarios where decisions directly influence environmental, economic and social dimensions, the proposed SBL tool equips future leaders with essential skills for addressing global challenges.