The Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) has launched the Sustainable Business School Framework (SBSF), a framework designed to promote sustainability practices in higher education, particularly business schools. This initiative assesses the sustainability performance of business schools across three key dimensions: education, research, and community service.
The framework was officially launched by the Dean of FEB UGM, Professor Didi Achjari, during the Open Senate Meeting at the FEB UGM’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
The development of the framework was motivated by the growing complexity of sustainability challenges in recent years. Global issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and weak governance, have introduced complexities that transcend national boundaries.
“We are introducing one of FEB UGM’s efforts to strengthen social impact in sustainability,” said Professor Achjari on Friday (Sep. 19).
Presenting the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, Professor Achjari highlighted data showing that despite progress, the pace of achievement remains insufficient to meet the 2030 targets.
He emphasized that this gap between commitment and implementation requires a more systematic and integrated approach.
“Transforming toward a sustainable economy also demands a generation of professionals who not only understand the concept but also possess the practical skills to create strategic initiatives and innovative solutions,” he explained.
Amid these challenges, more institutions across sectors are recognizing sustainability as the key to competitiveness and resilience in the future.
As centers of knowledge and innovation, educational institutions in economics and business play a vital role in preparing ethical, sustainability-oriented leaders.
One of the most crucial steps is creating a business school ecosystem that embeds sustainability principles from the outset, equipping future leaders to address global sustainability challenges.
Through its Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives Unit (SSIU), established in early 2025, FEB UGM initiated the SBSF to promote sustainability practices in higher education, especially in business schools.
In line with the spirit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SBSF provides a foundation for business schools to transform into sustainable institutions that support social, economic, and environmental dimensions while strengthening their ecosystem to address sustainable development through the three pillars of education, research, and community service.
“The SBSF also serves as the basis for drafting our sustainability guidelines and the first semester sustainability report of 2025,” added Professor Achjari.
He further noted that FEB UGM encourages business schools to integrate sustainability into their economics and business education. The SBSF is expected to inspire both Indonesian and global business schools to strengthen their sustainability commitments.
“We always welcome feedback from FEB UGM’s academic community, alumni, and strategic partners to continue refining the SBSF as part of our spirit of continuous improvement,” he said.
Dr. Luluk Lusiantoro, Head of the SSIU at FEB UGM, explained that the SBSF measures business school sustainability across three main dimensions: education, research, and community service. It promotes collaboration among stakeholders to integrate sustainability principles into campus life.
“The establishment of the SBSF is intended to promote sustainable practices in business schools, shaping future leaders in economics and business with a sustainability mindset,” she stated.
Dr. Lusiantoro added that through the SBSF, business schools can access a comprehensive map of sustainability practices, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects.
The framework also offers a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in education, research, and community service; alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the SDGs; and opportunities to build networks with like-minded institutions.
Participation in the SBSF is open to business schools worldwide, including those in Indonesia and the ASEAN region, that are committed to producing graduates with sustainability perspectives.
Its implementation follows a logical model covering input, transformation processes, outputs, and impacts, which are then reported in periodic sustainability reports.
Through the SBSF, FEB UGM reaffirms its commitment to positioning higher education as a driver of sustainable development.
FEB UGM invites business schools in Indonesia and around the world to adopt the SBSF as a guide in preparing sustainability-oriented future leaders.
More information on the SBSF can be accessed at ssiu.feb.ugm.ac.id.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum,
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian