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Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to discuss the outreach strategies of higher education institutions (HEIs) to promote the inclusion of refugees, focusing on two case studies of programs in southern Brazil. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes two outreach programs of Brazilian universities: the Welcome Program for Immigrants (Programa Acolhida ao Imigrante) of the University of South Santa Catarina, a private higher education institution and the Support Center for Immigrants and Refugees (Núcleo de Apoio ao Imigrantes e Refugiados), sponsored by the Federal University of Santa Catarina, a public university. The activities of the two institutions were compared with the targets of the sustainable development goals to discuss the outreach strategies of HEIs aimed at promoting the inclusion of refugees, through descriptive research, with a qualitative approach based on documentary and bibliographic research. Findings The results show that academic participation in research and outreach programs provides refugees with an education but also represents a social contribution far beyond qualifications and technical training, by mitigating local and global problems. The practice of inclusive education allows a reduction in historically existing inequalities. The findings of this study indicate that the results are much more effective when universities, government and society work together to reduce inequalities. Originality/value This study addressed how universities can and should ensure life quality (SDG 3), including an equitable education and fostering lifelong learning opportunities for everybody (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5), to reduce unemployment (SDG 8) and inequalities among people (SDG 10), through outreach projects.

Purpose Reducing our carbon footprint (CF) or decarbonizing is a sustainable development goal. Although there has been an increase in research on this topic, little is known about the status of CF research within universities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the initiatives implemented in universities aimed at reducing CF in their efforts toward creating a Green Campus. Design/methodology/approach Using a bibliometric method, the status of this field of research was examined for the purpose of identifying the main publications and the most central researchers in terms of productivity and citations. Also, by using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the regions of the world with the most active research, as well as the direction of research, were identified. Findings The survey identified the region that published the most on the subject in the past 10 years, as well as the most relevant authors in the publications. Through this factor analysis, it was possible to identify, among the 105 publications analyzed, four distinct factors (clusters) with different thematic strands that appear to define a difference between the related studies on this topic. These factors were identified as campus management: supply and consumption operations; greenhouse gases emissions assessment: CF calculation; university air travel; sustainable food systems. The changes in people’s attitudes and in the use of university spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the CF was also noted as a point that can be investigated in future research. As well as the reflection of the reduction in academic air travel and the “forced” occurrence of online events during the same period. Originality/value The paper aims to innovate by applying the multidimensional scaling method and EFA to scientific articles on the topic of decarbonizing campuses and identifying the clusters that constitute this field of study. The research seeks to contribute to current metric knowledge on the topic and to the creation of a specific research agenda.

Purpose This paper aims to develop an improved and harmonized approach to interdisciplinarity in education for sustainable development (ESD)within higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on maximizing the mobilization of students from all academic disciplines. An attempt is made to reconcile varying strategies for the implementation of interdisciplinary ESD content in HEIs, studying the relative merit and benefit of those strategies and crafting a new approach to combining them, where possible. Design/methodology/approach This work relies on a robust review and analysis of existing literature proposals on the implementation of ESD in HEIs to elaborate an integrated approach to interdisciplinarity. Specifically, a scoping literature review is applied, analyzing the existing approaches to ESD in HEIs as well as the challenges observed in their implementation. Using this theoretical framework, this paper evaluates the compatibility and efficiency of the approaches currently implemented. Based on this analysis, an integrative approach is outlined, building upon and combining existing proposals. Findings Building on existing literature, this study identifies two main trends for interdisciplinarity in ESD in HEIs: integration into existing disciplinary curricula and new, stand-alone ESD curricula. This paper suggests adopting the two approaches simultaneously, to reach students from all academic disciplines, especially those with minimal exposure to ESD through their own discipline. Furthermore, this paper stresses that these dual curricula strategies should be combined with further interdisciplinary research initiatives as well as extensive leveraging of technology and e-learning. Originality/value This study bridges the gap between diverging visions for ESD in HEIs, harmonizing strategies from the literature to outline a new, multilateral strategy. Furthermore, it extensively studies the need for increased engagement into ESD of students from underrepresented disciplines, including the humanities. This engagement has been little addressed in the literature, rendering the proposed approach original insofar as it outlines the ways to improve current approaches to ESD in HEIs.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are notable promoters of sustainable development (SD). Thus, it is understood that the sustainable development goals 2015–2030 (SDGs) need to be substantially operationalized in these institutions. Based on this idea, the QualEnv (quality and environment) consortium of universities stands out for having as its main objective the increase in contribution to sustainable development (SD) by universities through the implementation of systematic environmental practices and quality processes in line with the SDGs. The objective of this article is to present how the QualEnv consortium of HEIs adopts the SDGs and demonstrates their contribution to SD. For this purpose, a qualitative analysis was performed based on documentary research, a systematic review of the literature, and notes collected from participant observations. The results show that the adoption of the SDGs in the QualEnv consortium was enhanced by the contribution of the social relations within the partnership, which promoted the exchange of experiences and synergy between participants that promoted improvements in the necessary strategies. Along with the highlighted actions and concentration of different axes with dispersed interventions, a potential for central cohesion and focus on evolution in each SDG was noted. The adoption of the same indicators involves the unification of the actions planned for the SD and the common objective of involving communities more consistently, which impacts mainly SDG 04. This article discusses the practical implications in HEIs and the need to integrate the SDGs into their activities, as it demonstrates how universities belonging to the QualEnv consortium have been creating their own strategies to achieve the 2030 agenda and adopt the SDGs.

Purpose This paper aim to propose a methodological mapping approach for the evaluation of dissertations and theses of graduate programs in the area of environmental sciences in Brazil in relation to the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The research is characterized as exploratory with qualitative/quantitative approach. The proposed model was developed as a computational algorithm with a pilot being adopted as a professional master in national network for teaching in environmental sciences (ProfCiAmb) comprising associated courses from nine Brazilian public universities. 230 dissertations completed between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed. Findings A total of 266 correlations were identified between the texts and descriptors of each SDG. Correlation values between 0.100 (minimum value – Vmin) and 0.464 (maximum value – Vmax) were observed. SDG 4 – Quality Education (Vmax = 0.399) and SDG 6 – Drinking Water and Sanitation (Vmax = 0.464) were those with the highest correlation values, followed by SDG 3 – Health and Well-Being (Vmax = 0.299) and SDG 17 – Partnerships and Means of Implementation (Vmax = 0.249). Practical implications The construction of the computational algorithm provided consistent quantitative analyses with potential to contribute to the improvement of the multidimensional evaluation of graduate studies, as well as to support public policies related to teaching and research and strategic planning of the programs. Originality/value The relevance of this study lies in the creation of a model that involves the creation of metrics and tools regarding the impact of graduate studies on society.

O emprego apropriado de métodos quantitativos em pesquisas na área da sustentabilidade é fundamental para proporcionar iniciativas que culminem em desenvolvimento sustentável, uma vez que a diversidade de opções lógicas existentes para a concepção e realização de pesquisas científicas encontram-se cada vez mais especializadas com o desenvolvimento de softwares e ganhos de qualidade dos recursos digitais. A presente investigação procurou representar a conjuntura atual dos métodos quantitativos utilizados em pesquisas que abordam avaliação da pegada de carbono nas instituições de ensino superior. O estudo é bibliográfico, já que explorou uma amostra de 20 artigos científicos publicados entre 2016 e 2021 relacionados ao assunto. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que a maioria das publicações sobre o tema utilizou da técnica de análise de regressão múltipla, com 35%. O questionário foi utilizado para coleta de dados na maioria dos estudos, com 75%, seguidos pela pesquisa documental, com 25%. Os resultados mostram a predominância do uso da escala de mensuração Likert de 5 pontos, em 40% dos artigos. A pesquisa permitiu concluir que os principais estudos relacionam não só as emissões de carbono ou o uso de energia, mas diferentes outras variáveis para medir e interpretar o instrumento da pegada de carbono. O estudo ajudou a expandir o entendimento a respeito da utilização dos métodos quantitativos em pesquisas sobre o tema e evidenciou alguns percursos metodológicos que podem sustentar estudos futuros.

Considering the dynamics inserted in the socioeconomic context and its results, which rapidly challenge socio-environmental debates, promoting reflections that make sustainable development anable, proposals that indicate climate adaptations echo as themes of great relevance. Thus, thinking about parameters to weave reflections on climate adaptation emerges as a pillar for sustainable development, inserting it in certain contexts, in this work, specifically in the strategic planning of cooperatives. In this sense, this study aims to analyze the obstacles to the implementation of the strategic planning of a family farming cooperative in the municipality of São Ludgero. As a methodological strategy, the qualitative research approach was chosen, with descriptive characteristics, based on a case study. Among the main results, from the literature review, the theme proved to be very relevant to contribute to climate adaptation. Based on the research evidence it is possible to concluded that although the presented obstacles compromise the future activities of this cooperative, they are likely to be overcome, and these should be components of the Strategic Planning itself. Considerando as dinâmicas inseridas no contexto socioeconômico e seus resultados, que rapidamente desafiam os debates socioambientais, promovendo reflexões que viabilizem o desenvolvimento sustentável, propostas que indicam adaptações climáticas ecoam como temas de grande relevância. Assim, pensar em parâmetros para tecer reflexões sobre adaptação ao clima surge como pilar para o desenvolvimento sustentável, inserindo-o em determinados contextos, neste trabalho, especificamente no planejamento estratégico das cooperativas. Nesse sentido, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os entraves para a implantação do planejamento estratégico de uma cooperativa de agricultura familiar no município de São Ludgero. Os entraves encontrados para esse planejamento diminuem as perspectivas de melhorias na adaptação ao clima, destacando a relevância de propor planos estratégicos com maior proporção, primando pela disseminação e propagação do Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Como estratégia metodológica, optou-se pela abordagem qualitativa da pesquisa, com características descritivas, a partir de um estudo de caso. Entre os principais resultados, a partir da revisão de literatura, o tema mostrou-se muito relevante para contribuir com a adaptação ao clima.

Graphical Abstract Eco-innovations are innovations capable of helping to reduce the environmental impacts of production processes. In this sense, the adoption of models that assess comprehensively, in an integrated manner and in different perspectives, the general performance of these innovations allows managers to guide their decisions. The object of this research is the use of an eco-innovation in the production processes of cassava, where the waste generated is treated by biodigesters. These cassava processing industries are located in southern Brazil, Paraná State, comprising a multiple case study. A literature review was also carried out to propose a set of indicators capable of assessing the overall impact of this eco-innovation in eight lines of action: (1) environmental, (2) social, (3) economic, (4) human resource training, (5) institutional development, (6) introduction of innovation, (7) unwanted occurrences, and (8) characteristics of environmental management. To compile and process the data, the computerized model INOVA-tec System was used. The objective was to employ the INOVA-tec System model as an instrument for evaluating eco-innovative processes in leading companies in its segment, looking for evidence to expand its usability to other realities in the agro-industry. The results show that the technology scenario is favorable to its dissemination; however, the low performance of the indicators together makes it underutilized.

To ensure the survival and quality of life of our species, we seek sustainable development to balance the economic, social and environmental spheres in an ethical and equitable manner. The United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) have become the guiding principles aimed at guaranteeing a safe space for everyone through awareness and clarity of the responsibilities of each individual. This article addresses different views on the topic “sustainable development,” relating them to ethical issues and then associating the discussions with the SDGs. However, in relation to the subject of ethics and concern for planet Earth, several other documents, such as Laudato Si', Gaia and Gaia 2.0, are of great importance to complement and enrich the discussion. A global perspective is proposed, based on the encyclical Laudato Si', the Gaia theory of James Lovelock, religious concepts and idea of the good of humanity, along with the vision of Timothy Lenton who talks about Gaia 2.0. It is highlighted that understanding the role of the Church, the government and academic research in combating environmental, social and economic problems is of great relevance. Finally, based on the discussions provided herein it can be observed that although the statements and documents examined present similarities in pointing to an ethical agenda, they need further debate and research.

The Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) emerged from a joint initiative of the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3) with the National Bank for Economic and Social Development, in 2010, through the identification of the market niche, which was made possible by debates on climate change. ICO2 helped participating companies to operate in a so-called low-carbon economy, by monitoring their greenhouse gas emissions. This research performs a comparative analysis between the companies that were part of the ICO2 index and the other companies belonging to the Ibovespa (Brazilian Stock Exchange Index), between the years 2014 and 2018, seeking to identify differences between their economic and financial performance. First, financial indicators—ROIC (return on invested capital), ROE (return on equity), and ROA (return on assets)—were used to compare the performance of the ICO2 and Ibovespa groupings from 2014 to 2018. Second, the Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare the ROIC, ROE, and ROA performance indicators in the years 2014–2018 for the two groups, ICO2 and Ibovespa. Finally, the cluster analysis was performed for the 2018 indicators. As a result of the analysis, no superior performance was identified for companies belonging to the ICO2 index, corroborating with results from most previous surveys, referenced in this survey. The findings of this study provide an important contribution to the existing research on sustainability in financial markets since there are few available scientific articles that investigate the Brazilian sustainability market using indicators and statistical treatment.

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the sustainability approach within higher education institutions. Universities, as institutions of knowledge, play an important and strategic role in maximizing social and economic benefits in a hands-on way. However, some studies on sustainable development and HEIs reveal a distancing between students and the application of sustainable initiatives in universities. This fact differs from the premises of the Talloires Declaration, which points to students as a community and as global leaders and ambassadors for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThis paper mapped the approaches, present in the literature, used to develop sustainable campuses and in particular the apparent dichotomy between the changes indicated as top-down or bottom-up in HEIs. To that end, scientific articles focused on sustainable actions in HEIs were analyzed to identify implementation approaches for sustainable development and student involvement in the process.FindingsResults have shown that sustainability promotion models in universities generally occur in a top-down manner, where students are receptors and not sources of development for sustainable policies in universities. Thus, the authors highlight the importance of students becoming central players in sustainable initiatives.Originality/valueThe article becomes original when it identifies the dichotomy between top-down and bottom-up approaches. It does so through multidimensional scaling and exploratory factorial analysis in scientific articles on the topic Sustainability Funding in Higher Education. These findings show that, unlike what is discussed in the literature, sustainability promotion in universities generally occurs in a top-down manner, where students are receptors and not active agents in promoting sustainability. In response to this, the authors discussed the importance of the bottom-up approach, where they are key players.

Purpose Sustainability is understood as a complex and integrating area, involving the most diverse areas and fields of knowledge. Because of the innumerable socio-environmental challenges in the current scenario, a sustainable development that finds the necessary changes and advances for communities, industry and the various stakeholders involved is required. In this process of promoting sustainable development, universities stand out for being institutions capable of taking an analytical and questioning look at the directions of the society in which they are inserted and not just helping them to pursue them, serving as a model and living laboratory for the implementation of greener practices in cities. One of the actions that contributes to the consolidation process of a more sustainable university and the development of the green campus is the use of green marketing, understood as a set of all the practices that involve conventional marketing, focused on the search to reduce the negative impact or promote positive effects on the relationship between the institution and the environment. This paper aims, based on the balanced scorecard (BSC), to propose a strategic management tool as support for green marketing strategies, thus promoting, more quickly, the promotion of sustainable development in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Four universities were chosen, from the literature, in terms of best practices for sustainable development, where the main dimensions used by green marketing were mapped. Based on them, the BSC structure was adapted to enhance its strategies. Findings To achieve the objective of this work, this paper proposed an adaptation of the original BSC for better management of green marketing strategies for universities, based on four dimensions: community members, university members, product and strategy. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is to propose a BSC as a strategic management system focused on the green marketing of universities to accelerate the promotion of sustainable development in HEIs.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a literature review on sustainability funding in higher education and an analysis of the theoretical influence on academic research. The theoretical contribution and the most influential authors were examined to better understand the intellectual structure that links the theories and authors that have researched this topic. This study not only allows comprehension of the current research scenario but also, based on the gaps identified, provides guidelines for future studies on sustainability in higher education. Design/methodology/approach Citations and co-citations were analyzed in a sample of 745 papers, published between 1994 and 2018 in international journals, found in the Web of Science database on the topic of sustainability in higher education. Using the co-citations map, multidimensional scaling (MDS) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the conceptual and theoretical relations in these studies were identified. Findings It was possible to identify five clusters of the topics investigated, namely, sustainability competences; campus greening; co-creation and transfer of knowledge; sustainability science; and sustainability in university courses and curricula. A considerable number of studies were found in the areas of sustainability competencies and campus greening that focus on sustainability aspects. The clusters co-creation and transfer of knowledge, and sustainability science are related to the management of sustainability in higher education. The sustainability in university courses and curricula cluster focuses on actions within the scope of the courses and academic training. Research limitations/implications Although there are limitations related to the choice of a single database (Web of Science), as the study was limited to 745 papers, the analysis of the citations and co-citations provides important information on the study of sustainability in high education. The results are also limited to the presentation of the data grouped according to the factors extracted in the period analyzed, as it is not the objective of this study to examine in depth the characteristics of each of the 745 papers and their relationship with the theoretical dimensions identified. Originality/value This paper is original, as it identifies by applying MDS and EFA to scientific papers, the topic of sustainability in higher education and the clusters that constitute this field of study. The main contribution of this research is the finding that, although there are five different theoretical dimensions of sustainable financing, they are not treated separately. This study also contributes to increasing the knowledge on the main topics, concepts and relations, which can guide future research.

Water, energy and food are strategic resources in maintaining human security. The interconnections between them emerge as new important aspects in the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, especially in a context of population growth and increasing pressure on resources. As a consequence of Brazil’s relevance in worldwide food production, this country has established several food policies in the last two decades, resulting in pressure on water and energy resources. Therefore, this article analyzes Brazilian food policies and its interconnections, overlaps and potential clashes with water and energy resources, as well as its alignment to sustainable development goals. In addition, the words with higher incidence in policies were analyzed in order to identify patterns and trends in food production management. As a result, through an analysis and review of seventeen Brazilian policies, programs and projects for food within a perspective of sustainability, this article innovatively proposed a Balanced Scorecard in the water, energy and food Nexus approach. This assessment can provide a directional suggestion for future development policies.

The water-energy-food (WEF) Nexus encompasses complex and interdependent relations and its examination requires content-specific concepts and approaches. Managing, conserving and maximizing the potential of each component is a major global concern considering the many challenges to be faced in the 21st century. The aim of this study was to identify, in the literature, recommendations for public policy, research and development, and practices for the WEF Nexus, aimed at promoting sustainable development considering stochastic and risk elements. In this regard, this paper presents a literature review of the contribution scientific studies have made toward better understanding the importance of the WEF Nexus in the context of sustainable development. Research indicates that the WEF Nexus cannot be discussed as independent sectors, highlighting the need for integrated policies and inter-sectoral and international cooperation to promote sustainable development. Therefore, the effective management of the WEF Nexus requires science-based data using risk and stochastic elements to assist policy and decision-making. Thus, in a situation of rapid global changes, decision-making processes for this Nexus must be assisted by multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral approaches, aimed at avoiding the unintended effects of a single sector approach (e.g., energy policies stimulating hydroelectricity production need to consider factors affecting conservation and food production). With regard to the effects of climate change on the WEF Nexus, risk and stochastic elements must be considered when developing a science-based model for the sustainable management of WEF resources.