The Guild highlights sustainability leadership in higher education
The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities has released a new publication titled “Universities in the Face of the Climate and Nature Crises” (March 2025), spotlighting how higher education institutions are advancing bold, research-driven solutions to environmental challenges. The publication brings together pioneering sustainability practices from universities across Europe, including several members of the International Association of Universities (IAU).
Featured IAU member initiatives include:
- University of Bern: The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) fosters interdisciplinary research and policy dialogue on sustainability transitions.
- University of Bologna: Through ALMA CARES and the ALBATROSS project, the university is embedding climate action across its governance and international engagement strategies.
- UCLouvain: Introduced a Charter for Responsible International Mobility to promote low-carbon academic travel.
- University of Oslo: The Centre for Global Sustainability has developed climate accounting methods to track and reduce institutional emissions.
- Radboud University: Sustainability is being systematically integrated into the core of educational programmes.
- Ghent University: Implements sustainable travel initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of staff and student mobility.
- University of Groningen: The student-led Green Office plays a central role in driving campus sustainability initiatives and policy.
These case studies underscore the essential role universities play in shaping a more sustainable future—through research, education, governance, and international collaboration.
Read the full publication here: Universities in the Face of the Climate and Nature Crises (PDF)