Sustainable universities: the role of accounting, management and ESG

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465993653

Keywords:

Universities, Sustainability, ESG, Accounting, Management

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine how accounting, management, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices influence the sustainability strategies of universities listed in the Green Metrics ranking.

Methodology: A quantitative approach was conducted with 106 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) included in the ranking. The data collection instrument was developed through methodological triangulation, combining a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), analysis of institutional reports, and a structured questionnaire validated by experts. This design enabled the identification of impact studies and key sustainable practices already implemented in HEIs.

Findings: The analysis revealed the main variables adopted by ranked institutions, the critical factors that foster sustainability and stakeholder engagement, and the correlations that highlight the role of planning in advancing sustainable development.

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Author Biographies

Clayton dos Santos Lima, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Master's degree in Accounting from the Postgraduate Programme in Accounting at the Federal University of Santa Maria (PPGCC), specialising in Controllership, Governance and Sustainability, working in the Research Area of Governance and Organisational Sustainability. Graduated in Accounting Sciences from the Lutheran University of Brazil (2019). Member of the Research Group on Innovation and Organisational Sustainability. As a fellow of the UFSM Social Incubator, he developed activities to support incubatees, as well as formulating booklets and manuals for the development of topics addressed by specialists in each area. He conducts research on sustainability indicators and rankings, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Recovery. Areas of interest: Corporate Governance, Organisational Sustainability, ESG, Sustainable Recovery and Innovation.

Larissa Degenhart , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Accounting and Administration from the Regional University Foundation of Blumenau - FURB (2019). Master's degree in Accounting from the Regional University Foundation of Blumenau - FURB (2015). Graduated in Accounting from FAI Faculties of Itapiranga - SC (2012). She has worked in an accounting firm and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Accounting Sciences at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) and a Professor in the Postgraduate Programme in Administration and Accounting Sciences (PPGACC/UFSM). She works in Research Lines and participates in the Research Group on Social and Environmental Responsibility and Accounting (UFSM), registered with CNPQ. She acts as a reviewer for journals specialising in Administration and Accounting Sciences and in Scientific Events in the area. She is the author of externally funded research projects (FAPERGS), book chapters, articles published in journals, and works shared in scientific conference proceedings. She has experience in the field of Accounting and Administration, working mainly on the following topics: Corporate Governance, Financial Accounting, Socio-Environmental Accounting, Ethics and Social Responsibility, CSR/ESG, Organisational Performance and Behavioural Aspects (Behavioural Accounting).

Muriel de Oliveira Gavira, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

She is an associate professor at the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and has been a faculty representative on the University Council since 2021. She represents Unicamp in the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and is the coordinator of the Alento extension projects and the Uni.Sociedade Engagement Platform. Between 2017 and 2021, she was an advisor in the extension area of the Dean of Extension and Culture (Proec). She is the leader of the research group ‘Study Group on Relations between University and Society - GRUS.’ Between 2011 and 2013, she was associate coordinator of undergraduate studies and coordinator of management courses. 

Lucas Veiga Ávila, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD in Administration from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), with an internship at the Centre for Applications of Life Sciences at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany (2017). Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor III at UFSM, teaching courses in Engineering with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategic Business Management. He is also a permanent lecturer in the PPGEP (Master's and Doctorate) and PPGACC (Master's and Doctorate) postgraduate programmes. In addition, he serves as Head of the Social Incubator and Social Innovation HUB of the Dean of Extension (PRE), integrating the 2030 Agenda Implementation Committee and the Teaching, Research and Extension Council (CEPE). His academic output includes more than 350 publications in scientific articles, books and chapters, as well as more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate student supervisions. His work is widely recognised, with more than 5,000 citations.

Diego Marques Cavalcante, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD student in the Production Engineering graduate program at the Federal University of Santa Maria/UFSM, with a sandwich period at the Center for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES) at the University of Aveiro. Master's degree in Production Engineering from UFSM and Bachelor's degree in Production Engineering from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Abaetetuba campus. Postgraduate degree (lato sensu) in Production Engineering from the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center and Technical degree in Environmental Studies from the Federal Institute of Pará (IFPA) in 2014. During his undergraduate studies, he was a CNPq Technological and Industrial Initiation scholarship holder - Level A and was part of groups such as the Interdisciplinary Basic Education Research Group of the Tocantins Amazon - GPEBIAT, the Institutional Food Markets group of the Institute of Applied Social Sciences of UFPA, the Action Group on Devices, Institutions and Rural Development (DIDRA), also from UFPA, and is currently a member of the Organizational Governance and Sustainability research group. He has an interest in the area of ​​integrated management and has dedicated himself to the study, evaluation and measurement of innovation systems (formation and applicability) for sustainability in higher education institutions.

Débora Londero Kieling, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Master's degree in Accounting Sciences from the Postgraduate Programme in Accounting Sciences at the Federal University of Santa Maria, specialising in Controllership, Governance and Sustainability, working in the Research Area of Governance and Organisational Sustainability. Postgraduate degree in Auditing and Controllership (2021) from the Franciscan University (UFN) and in Compliance, Processes, Labour and Social Security Legislation (2025) from the Institute of Postgraduate and Undergraduate Studies (IPOG). She holds a degree in Accounting Sciences (2019) from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). She worked as a DS/CAPES scholarship holder and technical level planner at the UFSM Social Incubator (2021). Currently pursuing an MBA in Compliance, Processes, and Labour and Social Security Law (2024). Has professional experience in accounting. Participated as a teaching assistant in the Accounting Practices I course at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) and was a member and director of the People Management Department at Caduceu Jr (UFSM).

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Published

2026-03-24

How to Cite

Lima, C. dos S., Degenhart , L. ., Gavira, M. de O., Ávila, L. V., Cavalcante, D. M., & Kieling, D. L. (2026). Sustainable universities: the role of accounting, management and ESG. Revista De Administração Da UFSM, 19(19), e3. https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465993653

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Vol. 19 No. 19 (2026): V. 19 - 2026

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Copyright (c) 2026 Clayton dos Santos Lima, Larissa Degenhart , Muriel de Oliveira Gavira, Lucas Veiga Ávila, Diego Marques Cavalcante, Débora Londero Kieling

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