University Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB)

Background

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global best practices in higher education, and national development strategies, the university is committed to integrating sustainability into all aspects of institutional operations, teaching, research, and engagement. To support this commitment, Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) is established.

Purpose

The purpose of the Sustainability Advisory Board is to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and advocacy for the university’s sustainability agenda. The Board ensures alignment between the university’s operations and its sustainability objectives, supports the implementation of the Sustainability Strategy, and enhances performance in sustainability-related rankings and initiatives.

Objectives

• Guide the development, implementation, and monitoring of the university’s Sustainability Strategy or SDG Action Plan.
• Provide institutional support for THE Impact Rankings, UI GreenMetric, and QS Sustainability Rankings.
• Promote the integration of sustainability into academic curricula, research, community service, and operations.
• Endorse university-wide policies, programs, and initiatives related to sustainable development.
• Serve as a platform for coordination between faculties, departments, administrative units, and external partners.
• Advocate for funding, resources, and partnerships to advance sustainability goals.

Membership

Note: The Board may invite additional staff, faculty, alumni, or external experts as observers or advisors.

Meetings

• Frequency: At least 4 times per year (quarterly)
• Quorum: Minimum of 50% of voting members
• Chair: Rector
• Secretary: Vice Rector for International Relations

Meeting materials (agenda, progress updates, proposals) should be distributed at least 5 working days in advance.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Approve sustainability-related plans, frameworks, and annual goals
• Monitor institutional performance on sustainability KPIs
• Review and support annual Sustainability Reports and ranking submissions
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among university units
• Encourage faculty and student participation in sustainability projects
• Recommend policy or procedural changes to advance the SDGs
• Promote partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders

Reporting

The Sustainability Advisory Board shall report directly to the Rector as the chief executive authority of the university. In fulfilling its advisory and oversight responsibilities, the Board shall:

• Submit biannual progress reports outlining key developments, implementation status of sustainability initiatives, challenges encountered, and strategic recommendations.
• Prepare an Annual Sustainability Report, developed in coordination with the Sustainability Office, which synthesizes institutional performance against defined sustainability indicators, SDG targets, and external ranking criteria (e.g., THE Impact Rankings, GreenMetric).
• Present formal briefings to the Rectorate and, where relevant, to the University Senate or Academic Council, particularly when decisions involve strategic alignment, academic policy, or major institutional investments.
• Ensure that all reports reflect cross-sectoral input, evidence-based analysis, and alignment with national and international frameworks related to sustainable development in higher education.

All reports and briefings shall be documented and archived by the Secretary of the Board and made available for internal review and external audits, in accordance with the university’s transparency and accountability protocols.

Review

It will be reviewed every two years or as necessary to reflect institutional developments and strategic priorities.