Sustainability literacy is essential as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to address the pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges we face. It helps people understand how their choices impact the world around them and encourages actions that promote resource conservation, waste reduction, social equity, and climate action. Sustainability literacy also supports clean water, affordable energy, sustainable cities, decent work, and responsible consumption. It plays a key role in tackling issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, while fostering innovation, peace, and strong institutions, and promoting global partnerships for a more sustainable and responsible future for all.
According to the statistical data we have gathered, 1,327 out of the 1,868 graduates in 2025 successfully completed courses related to environmental and sustainability studies. This represents 71.04% of the total graduates in 2025, showcasing a strong commitment to addressing global challenges. This significant participation highlights the growing awareness and importance of sustainability among our students, reflecting a positive trend toward environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in life.
Finally, the responses from students in the General Satisfaction Survey (GSS) suggest that they are aware of the university’s sustainability policies and are generally satisfied with them. The survey explores various aspects of sustainability practices and student perceptions.
Specifically, 73.15% of students express satisfaction with the university’s eco-friendly initiatives, while 80.47% feel that sustainability education and awareness programs are adequate. Additionally, 41.21% of students would like the university to place more emphasis on environmentally-friendly policies.
These results indicate a positive reception toward the university’s sustainability efforts, with many students expressing a desire for further improvements or greater focus on environmental policies.
To assess the sustainability literacy of students enrolled in the Environment and Sustainable Development course, a literacy test is administered at the end of the course. This test is separate from the course grading and serves as an additional measure of students’ understanding of the environmental aspects of sustainability. Certificates are awarded to those who perform well on the test.
In a similar context, students enrolled in various corporate social responsibility courses such as Occupational Safety and Health, Human Rights, Sociology and Ethics in Profession are entitled to receive a certificate about social aspects of sustainability by a literacy test that is administered at the end of the courses. ( See related courses below )
In the framework of sustainability policies, EUL provides mandatory certified training (annually 3 hours per employee) separately for academic and administrative staff. These training sessions are designed to enhance knowledge and awareness of sustainability practices specific to each group’s role. Following the training, a test is conducted to evaluate participants’ understanding, and certificates are awarded to those who successfully pass. These training sessions are held at least once a year to ensure continuous improvement. This initiative aims to ensure that all staff are well-equipped to contribute to the university’s sustainability goals. These trainings are structured around key disciplines, such as Environmental Aspects of Sustainability, Social Aspects of Sustainability to deepen awareness of global sustainability. Moreover, EUL Ethical Compliance Office in collaboration with EUL Continuing Education Centre are responsible for organising various annual training. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainability from ecological, social and environmental perspectives, equipping staff to tackle the complex challenges of sustainable development worldwide.
CFE202 – Environment and Sustainable Development
OSS202 – Çevre ve Sürdürülebilirlik
CTE401 – Occupational Safety and Health
CFE204 – Human Rights
COM115 – Sociology
COM204 – Ethics in Profession
EUL provides dedicated outreach educational activities for the wider community, including NGOs, alumni, and local residents.
The European University of Lefke developed a tool inspired by Sulitest, SOTASK Tool (Sürdürülebilirlik Okuryazarlığı) Platform, which strengthens sustainability literacy by tailoring assessments to the EUL’s specific context, priorities, and local challenges. It enables more relevant measurement of students’ or staff’s understanding of environmental, social, and economic issues while identifying targeted knowledge gaps. By embedding sustainability into institutional learning goals and continuous evaluation, such a tool fosters informed decision-making and cultivates a culture of responsibility and long-term thinking within the community.
Through the Continuous Education Centre, the University offers certificate programmes and short courses on various sustainability, entrepreneurship, and professional development topics that are open to the public.