Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to demonstrate how universities can act as catalysts for sustainable development, with a particular focus on Széchenyi István University (SZE). It examines the alignment of the institution’s initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifies both the drivers and barriers to creating a sustainable university environment. Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology is applied. The university’s sustainability initiatives are evaluated across five dimensions: education, research, infrastructure, operations, and stakeholder engagement. These initiatives are benchmarked against international best practices and indicators from the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Findings – SZE has developed a comprehensive and multidimensional sustainability strategy encompassing quality education, environmental protection, zero-carbon objectives, and partnerships. Despite these achievements, several challenges persist that may hinder further progress. Originality – The study introduces a holistic and adaptable framework for evaluating and improving university sustainability strategies. By aligning institutional development with global SDGs and incorporating a detailed barrier analysis, it provides practical recommendations for higher education institutions seeking to enhance their contribution to the sustainability transition.
Authors: Péter Németh, András Torma
Institution: Széchenyi István University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414511607
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