Co-authored by Alexandra Fransen and Lucy Blakemore.
Measuring and evaluating sustainability in higher education is on the rise. Whether you’re looking at the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, or the multitude of student surveys with new questions about sustainability, the sector is more interested than ever in how we’re doing against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and where sustainability fits into university operations. But when the results are in, who actually cares? And what does it mean for our students, industry, and educators?
Students care that their uni is engaged
77% of students thought the university’s commitment to teaching the knowledge, skills, practices and values of sustainability across all programmes was an important or very important determinant on deciding which university to apply to.
(THE International Student Survey, 2022)
Globally, prospective international students are ‘actively seeking’ information regarding environmental sustainability, suggesting that impact and influence on sustainability is emerging as a key factor in student decision-making. In 2022, 79% of international students felt it was very important that universities reduce their environmental impact (QS International Student Survey 2022). In 2023, analysis indicated that over half of students interested in studying in the UK were actively researching their sustainability strategies and efforts as part of their decision-making (QS International Student Survey 2023).
Students also care about more than just environmental issues. The same survey data indicated that over 80% of prospective students consider a university’s track record on social issues when applying. Students want to see universities facilitating community participation, creating diverse cohorts, and supporting underrepresented groups.
Employers care about sustainable skills
Australian employers have among the highest demand for green skills among their employees
QS World Future Skills Index – Australia Spotlight Report, 2025
Employers are reporting a key skills gap related to sustainability skills and as part of this landscape, universities have a role to play in ensuring students are acquiring these skills and relevant industry experience (QS World Future Skills Index – Australia Spotlight Report, 2025). It’s not just in ‘green’ industries, either; infrastructure, engineering, finance, marketing and many other professions are sprinting to keep up with changing legislation, regulation, and the need for sustainable innovation that aligns with demand from customers, investors and public expectations.
One way universities can support these skills is to facilitate student involvement with environmental and socially sustainable projects and initiatives as part of curriculum and assessment. Examples include UTS Shopfront, who along with UTS BUILD were recent finalists in this year’s Green Gown Awards Australasia. As part of the Shopfront program, students take on the role of external ‘consultants’ working in small teams to respond to project briefs, providing expertise and skills to address organisational capability gaps. The benefits are reciprocal, with students gaining opportunities to apply their skills in authentic workplace contexts, and community organisations able to implement work in areas where their funding and resources are lacking.
Educators care about sustainable learning
UTS is partnering with industry to solve the world’s challenges around energy, international development, the circular economy… we’re focused not just on how the world is, but how the world could be.
Professor Stuart White, Director UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures
The UTS Sustainability Report 2024 highlights some of the ways in which institutions can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through wide-ranging initiatives from student wellbeing and support programs, to curriculum and learning integrations, research partnerships and more. Academic engagement in sustainability is brought to life in examples such as healthcare simulations for climate emergencies and learning design that works closely with industry needs in areas such as business and built environment.
There are many more examples deep within courses and curriculum, prompting students to consider impacts and alternative ways of thinking about long-established norms in their discipline. For those looking for more specific learning opportunities, online courses on sustainability cover energy and technologies, but also practice and leadership in sustainability.
If you’re working on sustainability through your course curriculum or other initiatives for students and industry, we’d love to hear about it. If you’re keen to stay engaged and learn more, Global Goals Month is just around the corner – have a look at what we did last year and keep an eye out for updates as we get ready for September 2025!