The Sustainable University: Creating Societal Impact, the Next Step!
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| Title: | The Sustainable University: Creating Societal Impact, the Next Step! |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Wasif Minhas (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 2026 18(2):462-477. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Universities, Higher Education, Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, Educational Strategies, Transfer of Training |
| Geographic Terms: | United Arab Emirates |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-01-2025-0047 |
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide are increasingly committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is widespread agreement on the importance of establishing a sustainability focus within HEIs. Many have integrated sustainability into the curriculum, hoping future graduates and leaders will develop sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. Some HEIs have gone further by adopting a Green Campus strategy. Although some initiatives have succeeded, approaches to achieving SDGs often lack strong evidence. Design/methodology/approach: Using a case study approach, this paper focuses on the journey of a large HEI campus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reporting on an applied sustainability project, the study outlines organizational inputs, artifacts and initiatives that together enabled a cultural shift toward sustainability. These actions laid the groundwork for the HEI to reposition itself and create measurable sustainable impact. Findings: This paper argues that HEIs can become truly sustainable universities only by adopting a comprehensive sustainability strategy, not one limited to isolated efforts in curriculum or procurement. A sustainable university must lead by example, serving as a model of solutions that can transfer to industry and society. Originality/value: Therefore, this paper proposes merging the strategic constructs of sustainability and entrepreneurship to help HEIs showcase best practices and deliver sustainable solutions to the market. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504541 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide are increasingly committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is widespread agreement on the importance of establishing a sustainability focus within HEIs. Many have integrated sustainability into the curriculum, hoping future graduates and leaders will develop sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. Some HEIs have gone further by adopting a Green Campus strategy. Although some initiatives have succeeded, approaches to achieving SDGs often lack strong evidence. Design/methodology/approach: Using a case study approach, this paper focuses on the journey of a large HEI campus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reporting on an applied sustainability project, the study outlines organizational inputs, artifacts and initiatives that together enabled a cultural shift toward sustainability. These actions laid the groundwork for the HEI to reposition itself and create measurable sustainable impact. Findings: This paper argues that HEIs can become truly sustainable universities only by adopting a comprehensive sustainability strategy, not one limited to isolated efforts in curriculum or procurement. A sustainable university must lead by example, serving as a model of solutions that can transfer to industry and society. Originality/value: Therefore, this paper proposes merging the strategic constructs of sustainability and entrepreneurship to help HEIs showcase best practices and deliver sustainable solutions to the market. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-01-2025-0047 |
