Sustainability and Higher Education

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Higher education has a substantial role to play in sustainable development as it has the means and ability to proliferate knowledge.  It provides many pathways to how students are trained and educated, making them socially responsible, critical, and sensitive towards sustainability issues. 

While applying for jobs in the field of higher education, most job seekers prefer organizations that follow sustainable practices themselves. A growing body of work suggests that most employees want to work with sustainable companies, and the following are some reasons why:

  • Source of employee pride: Sustainable practices often lift the organization’s reputations and status, leading many job seekers within the higher education field to feel proud to work for a prestigious organization that is admired for its sustainability practices. 
  • It implies that the company cares about its employees: Sustainability initiatives suggest that if an organization genuinely cares about the well-being of the planet, it will therefore likely treat its employees well.
  • Connects organizational values to job seekers’ personal values: The match a potential employee feels with an organization is a major driver of job choice decisions, and therefore if your sustainability initiatives match those of the organization, it would clearly be a good fit. 

Here are some general guidelines and tips/questions to consider if you are applying for a job in a higher education institution:

  • Awards and recognition: Do you see any evidence that the company has received recent accolades from the media, industry, or other organizations for innovative initiatives in sustainability? 
  • Affiliation with recognizable organizations: Does the organization have a green business certification or membership with an association known for sustainability or social responsibility? For example, is your college/university of interest affiliated to AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education). If not, during the interview process, open a dialogue on the topic and ask questions regarding considering a membership with such organizations. 
  • Ratings on sites that evaluate performance: Many organizations offer services to help rate companies in terms of their sustainability initiatives and offer services to help increase their rating. For example, Climate Counts offers a score card on companies’ efforts to address climate action. If you don’t see your organization there, read up on other organizations that in the same league or genre and see what actions they are taking to become more sustainable. 

Here are some guidelines to consider when looking to work in a ‘sustainable university’ and/or potential questions you ask in an interview when applying for a position at a higher education institution:  

  • Education: 
    • Does your university want students to become obedient citizens or passive consumers? Does the teaching at your university aim to educate global citizens for sustainable development? Does the curriculum address topics from a social, economic, and environmental perspective? Do students explore real-life questions through hands-on projects and case studies? 
  • Research: 
    • Do academic conduct research and help find solutions to large social issues such as world hunger, economic inequality, or climate change? Are research methods ethical and research projects run in an environmentally friendly way? To what extent does research lead to new policies, technologies and patents that positively impact society? 
  • Sustainable Operations: 
    • Are the buildings equipped with solar cells, good insulation, waste separation or energy efficient lighting? Are the buildings certified with recognized sustainability standards such as LEED or BREEAM? Does the university have a sustainable procurement policy, such as the University of Reading’s Guide to Sustainable Procurement
  • Community Empowerment: 
    • Are student groups actively promoting sustainability? Do they try to make their events and promotional materials environmentally friendly? Are there extra-curriculars offered at the campus on sustainability? Can students and staff attend lectures or get involved as volunteers to promote sustainability initiatives? Are there opportunities for staff to get involved in sustainability next to their jobs?   
  • Governance: 
    • Is sustainability a core component of the university’s strategic program? Is there a separate sustainability policy, vision or plan that has been implemented? Does the university have a separate organizational unit or Green Office or sustainability coordinator to manage sustainability? Are there mechanisms in place to monitor whether the university is making progress towards its sustainability goals? Does the university publish a sustainability report?