University engagement for sustainability and greening has intensified in the first half of this decade.

The results of the European University Association’s 2025 survey on sustainability and greening captures a wide range of perceptions and approaches among the 400 higher education institutions that participated from 43 countries.

Higher education institutions are key actors in reaching the objectives of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. They address sustainability across all missions, including education, research and innovation and the third mission, as well as in their campus organisation and management. And as this report shows, European universities have become increasingly strategic in this area, with many taking a comprehensive approach regarding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, that goes beyond climate and environmental issues.

Furthermore, European universities actively seek partnership opportunities on sustainability and greening with their local communities, but also internationally. In addition to individual collaboration activities, networks play an important role, and the report includes an overview of dedicated networks at European and national levels.

Sustainability and greening in European higher education

Henriette Stoeber, Michael Gaebel

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