Universities at the crossroads: unveiling sustainability challenges in higher education institutions

This recent study, led by Professor Yong Sik Ok, President of the International ESG Association (IESGA), President of the International Society of Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ISTEB), Director of the Korea Biochar Research Center (KBRC), and Full Professor at Korea University, titled “Embedding Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: A Review of Practices and Challenges,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of sustainability within higher education institutions (HEIs). It examines various frameworks, university-led movements, and changes in how sustainability has been perceived since the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking an informed perspective on how HEIs have progressed in understanding and implementing sustainability. This holistic review was published online in Cleaner Environmental Systems on May 2, 2025, in Volume 17. It marks another milestone in ESG and sustainability research by Professor Ok’s team.

Traditionally viewed as centers for producing well-rounded graduates through quality education and research, HEIs are now receiving increased attention for how their operations are conducted, how they influence external communities and stakeholders, and their significant environmental impact. This impact results from their consumption of natural resources, energy, and water; the daily commuting of stakeholders; the infrastructure and goods they maintain; and the large amounts of waste they generate. Managing this waste requires considerable energy and leads to emissions. Some researchers have even compared universities to mini cities, and certain institutions have taken the lead in proactively producing sustainability reports.

The study emphasizes the need for standardization of reporting frameworks, the development of impact assessments, and the creation of metrics for evaluating and quantifying the sustainability impacts of HEIs, as well as for assessing the long-term effects of their actions. “With only a few years remaining until 2030, achieving the SDGs demands urgent action. Whether the current commitment is extended beyond 2030 or replaced by a new set of improved and actionable goals with clearly defined targets, it is crucial for the Global North to reduce its footprint and for the Global South to receive support in strengthening its sustainability efforts,” says Prof. Ok.

Although the standardization of frameworks or mandatory reporting may fall outside the scope of individual universities, several internal policy measures can be introduced immediately with direct impacts on sustainability performance. These measures could include campus regulations, behavior-based interventions, establishing a sustainability office and team, setting performance benchmarks and goals, launching campaigns that build a culture of sustainability, and encouraging student-led initiatives.

Prof. Ok notes, “Korean universities are global leaders in overall rankings and in advancing their positions in sustainability and SDG Impact Rankings. While this can be a positive trend, it should not turn into a race for higher ranks.”

Reports suggest some universities attempt to influence rankings through selective information sharing and networking. He attributes this to the absence of clear reporting guidelines and standardized benchmarks. Although high rankings can boost visibility and attract students, sustainability should be viewed as a shared responsibility, one rooted in continuous learning, reflection, and accountability. He concludes that university sustainability reporting is starting to mirror patterns in the corporate world, with varied methodologies and ESG rating systems, and calls for harmonized reporting among HEIs.

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References
Title of original paper: Scoring environment pillar in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessment
Journal: Sustainable Environment
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/27658511.2021.1960097  
Author(s) Affiliation: Korea University

Title of original paper: The development of research on environmental, social, and governance (ESG): A bibliometric analysis
Journal: Sustainable Environment
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/27658511.2022.2125869
Author(s) Affiliation: Korea University

Title of original paper: Navigating the challenges of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting: The path to broader sustainable development
Journal: Sustainability
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020606
Author(s) Affiliation: Korea University

Special Issues
Nature 2020 South Korea Special Issue
Nature 2021 Asia Pacific Special Issue
Nature ESG Special Issue (2022): Focal Point on Environmental, Social and Governance Initiatives

About Professor Yong Sik Ok
Professor Yong Sik Ok serves as the President of the International ESG Association (IESGA) and the President of the International Society of Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ISTEB). He was recognized as the only Highly Cited Researcher (HCR) in three distinct fields: Environment and Ecology, Engineering, and Biology and Biochemistry in 2022. Notably, Prof. Ok was the first Korean scientist to receive HCR recognition in Environment and Ecology in 2019. Adding to his remarkable achievements, Prof. Ok was ranked first in the world in Environmental Sciences by ScholarGPS and first in Asia in Environmental Sciences by Research.com in 2025. His remarkable citation record includes an h-index of 177, over 20,000 annual citations, and more than 114 highly cited papers, with a total of over 118,992 citations according to Google Scholar. As Korea's most cited scientist across various disciplines, his contributions to research are exceptional. He maintains an extensive global professional network and serves as the Editor-in-Chief for CleanMat (Wiley). His research focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG principles to create a more sustainable future with green and sustainable climate technologies such as biochar. In addition to his research, Professor Ok teaches MBA and EMBA courses on business and the environment at the Korea University Business School, and has delivered numerous lectures at leading organizations including Samsung Electronics, the POSCO Forum, and Shinhan Bank.