Integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals into Campus Planning: Pathways for Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This research article explores the significant role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by analyzing their sustainability initiatives through the lens of the GreenMetric University Sustainability Rating. It scrutinizes the commitment of prominent universities across various continents to environmental stewardship, focusing on essential areas such as infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and sustainable transportation. The study examines the sustainability practices at notable institutions including the University of Indonesia (UI), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the American University in Cairo (AUC), Lincoln University, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), and the University of São Paulo (USP). It organizes these efforts into six main domains: Campus and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste Management, Water Conservation, Transportation, and Education and Research, providing a detailed analysis and recommendations for enhancing campus sustainability. Through a comparative analysis, presented in a structured format, the article highlights exemplary practices and aims to serve as a blueprint for other universities seeking to integrate sustainability into their operations. This research underscores the pivotal role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in driving sustainable solutions and aligning with global environmental objectives, advocating for a systematic and scientific integration of sustainability principles across university operations and curricula. It offers an in-depth analysis of current sustainability trends in higher education, stressing the critical need to motivate institutions towards greater sustainability commitments and to foster the development of leaders and innovative approaches for a sustainable future.