Evaluating and Reporting Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: Identification of Factors and Indicators
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the types of sustainability strategies in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) reported in the literature, as well as the factors and indicators they use to measure their sustainable performance. Theoretical Framework: Sustainable HEIs use resources to satisfy current needs without compromising future ones, addressing environmental, economic, and social aspects. These institutions promote sustainability through curricula and learning communities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method: A systematic literature mapping was conducted based on the Brereton et al. protocol, consulting databases such as SCOPUS, Emerald Insight, Springer, and Google Scholar, selecting articles between 2019-2024 on sustainability analysis strategies in HEIs. Results and Discussion: The results obtained allowed identifying three types of strategies: methodologies (57.5%), models (22.5%), and frameworks (20%), with 50 different factors related to sustainability. The UI Green Metrics ranking was the most used (22.5%), followed by STARS and THE-IR (5%). Rankings provide an objective reference framework that facilitates identifying areas for improvement and promoting transparency. Research Implications: The results provide inputs to build information systems that drive the progress of HEIs toward sustainability, allowing them to establish goals aligned with the SDGs. Originality/Value: This study systematizes strategies, factors, and indicators to measure sustainability in HEIs, proposing the development of information systems that comprehensively evaluate institutional performance.
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4408661334