Contribution of universities to sustainable development

Abstract

This article came from a study developed by the sustainable engineering research team at the Universidad Europea de Madrid (Spain) based on different university approaches to sustainability and as well as university social responsibility reports. Both aspects are analyzed and assessed and special attention has been given to benchmarking of Spanish and European universities in these assessments and reports. The aim is to better understand how to advance and measure sustainability in a university and the important role that students may play. Participation of the students in the diagnosis and the action plan for developing a more sustainable university is essential in this study. Extracurricular activities and curricular projects are focused on the development of knowledge, competences and values related with sustainability, and contributing to a more sustainable university. Strategies focused on sustainability at the university have important impacts on future social development.