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- Governance in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in higher education: global trendsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Abubakar, Ismaila Rimi; mifsud, Mark; Henrique, João Paulino Pires Eustachio; Albrecht, Clarissa Ferreira; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Borsari, Bruno; Sharifi, Ayyoob; Levesque, Vanessa; Ribeiro, Priscilla Cristina Cabral; LeVasseur, Todd J.; Pace, Paul; Trevisan, Laís; Dibbern, Thais AparecidaGovernance is a key component for implementing sustainable development (SD) initiatives in university teaching, research, and projects. This line of thinking also applies to implementing the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite the role of governance in guiding processes related to the SDGs, few studies have examined these relations in an integrative manner in higher education. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study assesses the connections between governance and implementing the SDGs at higher education institutions (HEIs). Specifically, it relies on two main methods. The first is a bibliometric analysis, where the literature on the topic has been analyzed. The second method uses case studies from a sample of universities. The combined dual approach has identified the extent to which governance issues influence how these organizations perceive and handle the SDGs. The study provides valuable recommendations that may assist HEIs in implementing the SDGs with a due emphasis on governance.
- Enhancing the contribution of higher education institutions to sustainable development research: a focus on post‐2015 SDGsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Henrique, João Paulino Pires Eustachio; Veiga Ávila, Lucas; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Batista, Karina; Borsari, Bruno; Abubakar, Ismaila RimiSustainable development (SD) research is vital in providing a basis for progress in this rapidly growing field of inquiry. In this context, higher education institutions (HEIs) and leading top researchers belonging to them are playing a key role. Despite this being widely acknowledged by the academy, it is largely unclear how individual HEIs, and their researchers contribute to sustainability research efforts. Based on the need to unveil this landscape, our article reports on a study that identified the leading HEIs and researchers involved in sustainability research and how they contribute to moving the field forward. A bibliometric assessment of the literature (performance analysis) was conducted to identify the number of publications of leading authors and institutions. The results reveal some interesting trends. First, the co-occurrence analysis technique revealed what the top 10 authors in SD are exploring. Also, the study identifies diverse thematic clusters, covering areas like technology, sustainability assessment, integrative education, and corporate practices. The paper advances SD theory by illustrating how these themes interconnect and complement each other. The article concludes with suggestions of how universities may engage further in sustainability research. The theoretical and practical implications of the research, as well as its limitations, are also addressed.
- Policy gaps and opportunities in bio-based plastics: implications for sustainable food packagingPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Barbir, Jelena; Venkatesan, Madhavi; Lange Salvia, Amanda; Dobri, Andrea; Bošković, Neda; Henrique, João Paulino Pires Eustachio; Ingram, Ian; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaThe increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory interventions and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to avoid unintended environmental and health consequences. This paper outlines the pressing need for policies that guide the development and deployment of bio-based plastics in food-related applications. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis focused on Europe and discusses recent concerns such as toxicity, end-of-life impacts, and food safety. The study draws from the literature review and regulatory analysis to suggest policy mechanisms that can accelerate safe, circular solutions in food packaging. Methodologically, this communication uses qualitative synthesis of scientific and regulatory data to assess gaps and align innovations with sustainability targets.
- Decarbonising university operations: strategies and challenges for Higher Education InstitutionsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Aguiar, Alexandre de Oliveira e; Elahi, Muhammad Manzoor; Azam, Fardous Mohammad Safiul; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Henrique, João Paulino Pires Eustachio; Mazhar, Muhammad Usman; Mazutti, Janaina; Gatto, Andrea; Etxano, Iker; Kounani, Aristea; Aina, Yusuf; Viota, MariaBackground: Universities have significant carbon emissions impact and face pressure to cut their operational carbon emissions around the world. This leads to growing interest of the academic and practice community in effective pathways for carbon reduction within higher education. In this context, the aim of the research is to investigate the strategies for decarbonising university operations and challenges being faced. Drawing from a mixed-method approach, a review of case studies, and a survey involving Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in nearly 40 countries, it explores the interconnectedness of awareness, cultural and political dimensions, internal institutional structures, and technical approaches in achieving decarbonisation goals. Results: The findings underscore awareness initiatives that enhance understanding of decarbonisation among educators and students in universities, and communities. The case studies as a review of experiences from diverse geographical regions illustrate varying strategies for carbon emissions reduction in HEIs, underscoring the adaptability of decarbonisation efforts across contexts. Additionally, cultural and political factors emerge as key determinants, requiring tailored strategies to navigate diverse contexts and garner public support. Finally, institutional structures, including financial constraints and regulatory barriers, and ageing infraestructure are identified as key barriers to effective decarbonisation efforts. Conclusions: The novelty of the paper resides on the fact that it highlights the need for integrating decarbonisation goals into institutional governance and planning mechanisms is essential for achieving long-term goal of net zero carbon and aligning with the global UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study advocates for a holistic approach that considers social, economic, environmental and institutional dimensions in advancing decarbonisation within HEIs, rather than treating emissions as a purely technical issue. The effectiveness of decarbonisation measures is dependent on breaking down chronic structural and financial factors in the implementation, and is substantially supported by institutional practices that promote the engagement of all stakeholders and an open, transparent measurement of its impact. By addressing barriers, HEIs can pave the way for a sustainable and low carbon future while serving as catalysts for broader societal change.