Factors that Hinder the Implementation of Sustainability Initiatives in Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development; however, implementing sustainable initiatives on campuses remains a challenge. Although the implementation of sustainability initiatives has been widely discussed in the literature, the results on university campuses are still not ideal. In this chapter, the authors review the challenges for the implementation of sustainability initiatives in HEIs and the factors that can overcome them. This is made through a detailed review of four different perspectives: HEI policies for sustainable development, economic challenges, sociopolitical challenges, and technical challenges. The chapter provides an analysis of the factors that can hinder the implementation of sustainability initiatives, highlighting the involvement and commitment of HEI leaders as the main driver to overcome the challenges.