Sustainability in higher education institutions: a case study of project FUCAPE 120% sustainable

• Published in: International journal of sustainability in higher education 2022-11, Vol.23 (7), p.1604-1627
• Main Authors: Laurett, Rozelia, Paço, Arminda, Mainardes, Emerson Wagner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Barriers; Business Schools; Case studies; Climate action; Conservation (Environment); Curricula; Education; Educational Quality; Environmental effects; Environmental impact; Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Higher education institutions; Program Development; Program Effectiveness; Qualitative analysis; Qualitative research; Students; Sustainability; Sustainability reporting; Sustainable Development; Teaching; Triple Bottom Line
• ISSN: 1467-6370; 1758-6739; 1467-6370
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-02-2021-0053

Purpose This paper aims to understand how the FUCAPE 120% Sustainable project promotes sustainable development in higher education. The project was conceived and implemented by FUCAPE Business School, a private higher education institution (HEI) specialised in business, located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The approach of the study was qualitative research based on a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders involved in FUCAPE 120% Sustainable. Findings The results indicate that FUCAPE 120% Sustainable is a project formed from 18 sustainable actions incorporated on the campus of FUCAPE Business School. Most of the project’s actions are connected to the triple bottom line (TBL) and linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG13 (climate action) and SDG17 (partnerships for the goals). Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature by extending information on sustainability in HEIs, focusing specifically on a business HEI. Practical implications This is an innovative project that can serve as a model for other HEIs, with due adaptations. As business HEIs do not usually have laboratories, they may be considered to have little effect on the environment. However, this study found that business HEIs can have a relevant impact on the environment, and the adoption of sustainable actions can minimise adverse effects. Originality/value Various sustainability projects and actions are developed and implemented by HEIs, but studies analysing the projects in business HEIs or studies linking the actions of the project to the TBL theory and SDGs are scarce. Sustainable business HEI-based projects may provide future managers a more inter-disciplinary and sustainable vision focused on the TBL and SDGs.