Today, EAUC publishes its latest ⁠⁠State of the Sector research report, the first of its kind since 2018.  

The report brings together different perspectives on sustainability in post-16 education, analysing nearly 200 survey responses from more than 120 institutions across the UK and Ireland.  

It turns lived experience and anecdotal insights into clear evidence of a sector that is increasingly committed to sustainability but constrained by gaps in staffing, finances and accountability. 

The insights presented in this report are intended to inform sector conversations and support institutions to benchmark progress. But they are also meant to provide evidence to policymakers, funders and partners on what is needed to accelerate delivery.  

Key findings 

Sustainability is mainstream, but delivery lags behind ambition 

Over 80% of institutions report having sustainability strategies and targets in place, yet fewer than 1 in 5 say they are achieving these targets consistently across key operational areas.  

Resourcing has not kept pace with expectations 

Less than half of respondents have a dedicated sustainability budget, and sustainability is typically delivered by small teams or single post-holders, often alongside other roles.  

Momentum continues despite pressure 

Around 2 in 3 respondents rate students as very or extremely influential in driving sustainability, and most institutions report stronger engagement and visibility than five years ago. 

What will unlock progress 

The report identifies key enablers and drivers of sustainability for the sector. Institutions with dedicated posts, budgets and clear leadership accountability are significantly more likely to report progress across carbon, biodiversity, curriculum and engagement. The influence of students and senior leadership is widely recognised, but external drivers such as regulatory, funding and policy requirements are the most consistent triggers for action. 

Institutions report shared barriers too. Financial constraints are cited by a clear majority of respondents. Sustainability commonly relies on the goodwill and voluntary effort of already under-resourced teams. As one respondent said, “People want to do more, but are already heavily overworked – the working conditions are themselves unsustainable.” While strong leadership support exists, often it is not embedded in governance or performance frameworks. 

What institutions say they need next 

• Long-term, ring-fenced funding aligned to sustainability goals 

• Clear leadership accountability embedded in governance and decision-making 

• Capacity-building and skills development to support delivery 

• Opportunities for peer learning and collaboration to share solutions and reduce duplication 

• Stronger policy alignment and regulatory drivers 

What the research partners say 

EAUC Chief Executive Charlotte Bonner says: 

"This research shows that sustainability is now mainstream across post-16 education - but delivery is being held back by funding, capacity and accountability gaps that institutions cannot solve alone. The sector’s ambition remains strong, and with clearer expectations and sustained investment, colleges and universities can deliver at the pace and scale that’s needed." 

Ian Munro, Director for Sustainability, Health and Care at Association of Colleges (AoC) says: 

“We welcome this report that confirms the significant investment and commitment by college leaders and staff in creating a "Whole-College Approach" that integrates sustainability into every facet of the institution for the benefit of learners, employers and the communities they serve.”  

Jamie Agombar, CEO of SOS-UK says:  

“These findings underline that sustainability is now embedded in strategy across the post-16 sector, but they also show that without sustained investment, capacity and senior leadership, the pace of change risks slowing at a critical moment. At SOS UK, we know from our research that students care deeply about sustainability and want to learn, act and lead for environmental justice - and that this demand has been consistent for over a decade. For young people, sustainability is not an add-on but a fundamental part of their education and future. Across our work we've seen that real progress happens when students are supported as equal partners in shaping learning, campus practices and policy. The sector must match this student leadership with long-term, properly funded commitment if we are to transform education into an inclusive and impactful force for good for our climate and nature.” 

Mary Meekings, Head of Equality and Policy at University and College Union (UCU) says: 

"These findings reflect what staff across post-16 education are telling us every day: while sustainability is now accepted as essential, too often it is being undermined by funding pressures, staff workload and a lack of senior accountability. 

It is encouraging to see growing student engagement and stronger collaboration across institutions, and that progress has continued despite years of financial and political instability. But goodwill alone is not enough. 

If institutions are serious about meeting their climate commitments, sustainability must be properly funded, embedded in regulation and quality frameworks, and backed by clear leadership at the highest level. Without that, there is a real risk that net zero targets will be quietly pushed back and important opportunities will be missed". 

Read the full ⁠⁠State of the Sector research report now. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch at info@eauc.org.uk.