Abstract
The study highlights how higher education institutions could be proactive leaders in promoting societal change for sustainable development. In total, 30 researchers and teachers of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) from universities in the Baltic Sea Region participated in the development of a model on learning for sustainable development by introducing educational cases and developing the important factors of ESD, based on these cases, their own experience and theoretical knowledge. The critical factors of ESD were re-developed and categorised into contextual (integrative approach, time perspective and spatiality), mental (value clarification, systemic thinking, critical reflection and motivation building) and activity (partnership, cooperation, communication and participation) related aspects. By using these critical factors in higher education, teachers can more likely ensure that the outcome of the learning process will increase competences for sustainability. The development of the model was based on a constructive research approach rarely used in pedagogical research. Therefore, the study increased the understanding of participants about this qualitative research tradition.