Strategic Sustainability Plans: How Do Global Universities Communicate Environmental Sustainability?

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Analysis of University Statements and Responses to Politically Charged Topics (Table 13)

Abstract

Organizations often write strategic sustainability plans meant to both address public concerns and describe organizational sustainability values, goals, and progress. Yet, to date, no studies have evaluated these plans from global universities to explore how these large organizations, sometimes containing tens of thousands of stakeholders, address sustainability actions and beliefs. This study engages with the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings system to evaluate whether the top 218 ranked global universities compose sustainability strategic plans, and what these statements and plans contain. Results suggest there are considerable differences between continents regarding the content and focus of the sustainability strategic plans, including a universal avoidance of planned divestment from fossil fuel industries. Implications for research, practice, and policy are addressed.

Author

• Zach Taylor, John Burton Advocates for Youth