On the need to adjust indicators in rankings examining the implementation of sustainability concepts at universities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose additional criteria in popular UI GreenMetric ranking, which examines a university's commitment to sustainability issues. These criteria relate to knowledge of basic concepts related to the circular economy. Sustainable development (SD) and circular economy (CE) are increasingly influencing social, economic and political life in many countries, including Poland. Many SD measures are introduced top-down, through regulations. Grassroots initiatives are also very important, including those based on popularizing the idea of CE, including through rankings. Currently, however, the rankings mainly count the initiatives undertaken by university authorities, student involvement is not very important. The publication analyzes selected secondary and own research in the field of CE knowledge and recognizes the research gap of lack of systematic analysis in this area. An opportunity for improvement in this area may be to supplement the ranking with verification of basic concepts related to SD and CE. Basic information on the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as education for SD was presented based on current literature. Then the results of a survey on knowledge and attitudes about CE were presented. Additional criteria in the existing ranking, related to the dissemination of knowledge about SD and CE, were proposed. The analysis concluded that education about CE should take place at the university level in all fields of study, not only those related to natural sciences or economics. It is also important to involve the student community in popularizing these concepts.