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Assessing University Contributions to Sustainability in Europe: A Data-Driven Analysis of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Malešević Perović

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Maja Mihaljević Kosor

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Nikša Alfirević

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

Abstract

With intensifying demands for sustainability in higher education—particularly tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—universities remain central to fostering responsible consumption and climate action. However, a significant gap persists in quantifying how effectively higher education institutions (HEIs) contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The extant literature has largely relied on qualitative evidence or limited case studies, lacking comprehensive, data-driven comparisons across nations. This study addresses the existing gap in the literature by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess how efficiently European universities bolster sustainable consumption and climate initiatives. Drawing on secondary data from the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and the Sustainable Development Report, this method provides new insights on how HEIs coordinate with their countries’ broader sustainability objectives. Our results show differences in efficiency among universities across 24 European countries, shaped by unique national contexts and policies. The study results can be used by university administrators and policymakers, who aim to improve the university contributions to achieving UN SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Malešević Perović & Maja Mihaljević Kosor & Nikša Alfirević, 2025. "Assessing University Contributions to Sustainability in Europe: A Data-Driven Analysis of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:11-:d:1563235
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodrigo Lozano, 2015. "A Holistic Perspective on Corporate Sustainability Drivers," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(1), pages 32-44, January.
    2. Johnes, Jill, 2006. "Data envelopment analysis and its application to the measurement of efficiency in higher education," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 273-288, June.
    3. Gregory Trencher & Masaru Yarime & Kes B. McCormick & Christopher N. H. Doll & Steven B. Kraines, 2014. "Beyond the third mission: Exploring the emerging university function of co-creation for sustainability," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 41(2), pages 151-179.
    4. William W. Cooper & Lawrence M. Seiford & Kaoru Tone, 2007. "Data Envelopment Analysis," Springer Books, Springer, edition 0, number 978-0-387-45283-8, March.
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    1. Moataz Elmassri & María Luisa Pajuelo & Taniya Abdul Jabbar & Fatima Hisham Taher & Aaisha Al Shamsi & Shurooq Muhammad Arif & Mariam Aldhaheri & Tariq Elrazaz, 2025. "The Paradox of Sustainability in Higher Education: High Awareness but Limited Competency in Applying SDG 12 Principles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-27, October.

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