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

Year 2024, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 47 - 69, 31.03.2024

Cansu Ada , Ahmet Fatih Karakaya

Abstract

This article examines the pivotal role of university campuses in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the GreenMetric University Sustainability Rating lens. The research focuses on analyzing sustainability initiatives across prominent universities in various continents, emphasizing their commitment to environmental stewardship in areas such as infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and sustainable transportation. By investigating the sustainability practices at the University of Indonesia, Wageningen University & Research, the American University in Cairo, Lincoln University, the University of California, Davis, and the University of São Paulo, the article identifies and discusses key strategies for enhancing campus sustainability. Recommendations are provided in six main categories: Campus and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste Management, Water Conservation, Transportation, and Education and Research. The article culminates in a comparative analysis, presented in a tabular format, to highlight best practices and foster a model for other universities seeking to integrate sustainability into their operations. The study underscores the importance of universities as forerunners in implementing sustainable solutions and shaping a sustainable future, aligning with global environmental goals.

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), University Campus, Sustainability, GreenMetric University Sustainability Rating, Higher Education and Sustainability

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