Innovation in higher education institutions towards sustainability using LED technology

Purpose There is a growing urgent concern in involving higher education institutions (HEIs) towards an international effort in implementing a more suitable role as conductors of sustainable development. This paper/study aims to present the application of light emiting diode (LED) technology in an HEI assuming technology innovation as part of a larger institutional innovation management strategy addressing multiple dimensions in sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Investments in LED technology are analyzed for their impact on consumption results and quantitative comparisons between 2008 and 2022 are impaired with detailed information on the types of luminaires and the amount of installed energy. Findings The collected data shows a clear economic advantage of using LED technology, and the results subsidize institutional planning, considering not only ongoing technological innovation, but also educational components and community involvement in the organization sustainability strategy. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to a specific HEI and further comparative research should be carried out. Practical implications A holistic approach on sustainability objectives encourages further investment in environmental-friendly technology, example to other HEIs. Social implications The strategic vision of innovation is confirmed with the involvement of the community, at various levels, such as the academic community, local community, scientific international community. Originality/value This study addresses the lack of examples in the literature of structural planning and management systems that see sustainability as a strategy built in HEIs. The elaboration of an environmental sustainability plan places environmental sustainability at the confluence of themes such as education, investigation, use of natural resources, waste separation. For each topic are listed measures, actions, environment improvements, institution improvements and their results.