Sustainability Reporting by South African Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The number of organisations reporting on sustainability is increasing internationally. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are required to adhere to sound business management principles and implement sustainability reporting. In order to address these issues, this study investigates the extent to which HEIs in South Africa conduct comprehensive sustainability reporting. A national survey was conducted amongst the 21 universities in South Africa in 2014 to determine the level of sustainability reporting being conducted. The results indicate that the universities mainly focus on financial reporting and that there is an increased awareness in environmental reporting.