ASSESSING SUSTAINABILITY IN TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) globally face a critical challenge in sustainability, with a widespread misconception about its definition and implementation despite over 35 years of well-established guidelines. Implementing sustainable practices on campuses not only reduces environmental impact but also equips students with essential skills. It fosters community engagement and positions institutions as leaders in promoting a sustainable future, emphasizing the pivotal role of educational institutions in instilling sustainability values in students. Yet, less is known about the extent to which Texas HEIs are implementing sustainable initiatives. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of sustainability implementation in Texas HEIs. This study used a modified Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, derived from the Taillores Declaration. Through a comprehensive analysis of 31 HEIs, we compared sustainability practices among different institution types (4-year private, 4-year public, and 2-year public) and assessed the current state of sustainability. While no statistically significant differences were found between 4-year public and private institutions, 2-year institutions lag behind due to funding and demand constraints, presenting a complex challenge for sustainability implementation. Furthermore, all Texas institutions have room to enhance sustainability efforts beyond operational aspects and promote environmental stewardship across all dimensions. There is a pressing need for broader incentives, such as endorsing initiatives like the Talloires Declaration to encourage universities to allocate resources towards sustainability initiatives.