ANNOUNCEMENTS
As global climate concerns intensify, Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly expected to play a transformative role in advancing sustainability goals, particularly in the journey towards net-zero emissions(Melville-Rea and Arndt, 2024). This study tries to develop a comprehensive Net-Zero Transition Framework for HEIs by integrating literature evidence from a PRISMA-based systematic review of 201 academic articles and journals, coupled with a practical analysis of sustainability efforts across selected University of Delhi colleges. The research revolves around inductively defined strategic intervention pathways; Physical Infrastructure and Allied (PIA), Stakeholder Behaviour (SB), and Institutional Mechanisms (IM), which are assessed across eight emission sectors: energy, transport, waste, water, materials and supply chain, built environment and land use, curriculum, and research.
The methodology incorporates a literature trend analysis, coding-based indicator identification using Atlas.ti, a self-assessment readiness form, and a KR-20 statistical analysis to evaluate the reporting consistency throughout the various sectors of the HEIs selected. The results show an upward trend in net-zero related research post-2020, especially around energy and waste management, but highlight severe underreporting in areas like sustainable procurement, stakeholder perception, and water governance.
The framework thus developed, emphasizes a systems thinking approach, ultimately urging HEIs, to act as miniature models of low-carbon urban ecosystems. The results of the study shall enable institutions to benchmark their readiness to transition towards net-zero, identify emission hotspots, align stakeholder actions, induce behavioural changes, and establish robust governance structures for a smoother path towards neutrality. Ultimately, the study calls for a holistic, sector-specific, and a policy-embedded roadmap to catalyse the role of HEIs as incubators of climate action and environmental stewardship.
